The Volkswagen Golf has been crowned European Car of the Year 2013.
The seventh-generation Golf took the award by a huge margin, receiving 414 votes. The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ took the runners-up spot with 202 votes.
The Volvo V40 was placed third, just ahead of the Ford B-Max and Hyundai i30. The Mercedes A-class was ranked fifth, followed by the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208 and Hyundai i30.
The award was accepted by Volkswagen’s development boss, Ulrich Hackenberg and design chief Walter de Silva. Judges praised the Golf for its “achievements in safety, fuel efficiency, dynamics and comfort”.
Steve Cropley, ECOTY judge and Autocar editor-in-chief said: “The French superminis undoubtedly stole one another's votes. But it was a massive win for the Golf.”
Today’s announcement, on the eve of the Geneva motor show, marks the second time the Golf has won. The Mk3 Golf took the award in 1992. The Renault Clio is the only other car to take the award twice.
European Car of the Year results:
Volkswagen Golf — 414 votes
Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ — 202 votes
Volvo V40 — 89 votes
Ford B-Max — 148 votes
Mercedes A-class — 138 votes
Renault Clio — 128 votes
Peugeot 208 — 120 votes
Hyundai i30 — 111 votes
More on Geneva Motor Show 2013
Geneva Motor Show 2013 news stories
Geneva Motor Show 2013 photo gallery