The Volvo Concept XC Coupe has been named the best designed production model and concept vehicle at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Volvo’s latest concept vehicle also won the award for best use of colour, graphics and materials, further raising the brand’s stance on its new design language. Including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) which will underpin most Volvo cars in the future – like the XC90, expected to launch later this year.

“I’m honoured and very happy of course. This is very encouraging and it shows that Volvo’s new design direction is appreciated not only by the general public and the press, but also by the leading people in the car design business. And Volvo Cars has only just started its exciting new journey with a brand new design language,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design at Volvo Cars.

The EyesOn Design Award ceremony are the officially-sanctioned design awards that take place annually in conjunction with the Detroit Motor Show. They are prominently displayed in design studios around the world and are merchandised as industry validation of great design.

Some worthy contenders which stole the show in Detroit include Toyota’s eye-catching FT1 concept and Nissan’s Sport Sedan Concept, as well as the Q50 Eau Rouge from Infiniti. Kia also rolled out a sports car concept – the GT4 Stinger.

The 2015 Ford Mustang which also won an award for best production vehicle, had a couple of models to contend with, including the Lexus RC-F, the new Subaru WRX STI, the new Corvette Z06 and the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The South African-bound Mustang debutted about a month ago before the show, and promises SA customers an all-new sleek design, innovative technologies and world-class performance.