Volkswagen Golf named World Car of the Year
Announced at the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen's selection as World Car of the Year follows similar accolades from the European motoring press. Porsche and Tesla were also honored in the performance and green categories.
Voted for by a panel of 66 of the world's leading motoring journalists, the World Car of the Year Award is quickly becoming the highest recognized honor that can be bestowed upon a vehicle or its manufacturer.
The accolade brings the new Golf's total awards haul to 17 since its European launch in November 2012. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury said: "The Golf is just the right size -- it's spacious, practical and comfortable. It has a fresh, progressive design, a new range of engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety systems. If there is a car for everyone, the Golf is it."
As well as the overall car of the year, the Porsche Boxster/Cayman -- which was also under consideration for the main prize -- was named World Performance Car of the Year, beating out a shortlist that included Ferrari's F12 Berlinetta.
The World Green Car Award -- decided upon by a panel of green technology experts -- went to US company Tesla for its Model S.
