The Volvo XC40 has been crowned as the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) 2018. The six finalists were the BMW X2, Jaguar E-Pace and I-Pace, Porsche Cayenne, Peugeot 508 and the Volvo XC40.

In its ninth edition, the WWCOTY’s all-women jury comprised of 34 respected motoring writers from 27 countries – including Autocar India’s own Renuka Kirpalani. They initiated the month-long process to pick the 2018 Women’s World Car of the Year in September, employing a new voting system which is said to reflect varying market trends and vehicle availability.

Results revealed that the Volvo XC40 edged out the Jaguar E-Pace to take the top prize by the smallest of margins. Since its reveal in September 2017, the XC40 has proved to be a successful product for Volvo. The SUV also bagged the 2018 European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Holly Reich Dream Car award – dedicated to the memory of a former WWCOTY panellist – was won by the Aston Martin Vantage. This award is usually presented to the judges’ dream car, that which they would love to own and drive.

A new award was introduced this year, in order to recognize a woman in the motor industry who deserves a special mention. The judges presented the ‘Woman of Worth’ award to Fiona Pargeter of Jaguar Land Rover. She is the customer experience director at Jaguar Land Rover who has consistently encouraged women to participate in car launches and events, as per the judges.

The Women’s World Car of the Year awards was started in 2009 and has grown every year. By December 2018, 36 journalists from 28 countries will be part of the panel and more will be added through 2019 for the 10th iteration of the awards. Previous winners of the WWCOTY include the Hyundai Ioniq in 2017, the Jaguar F-Pace in 2016, Volvo’s XC90 in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz S-class in 2014 and the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost in 2013.