The new Golf is Europe's “Car of the Year 2013”. The renowned international “Car of the Year” Award is deemed one of the most important barometers in the automotive industry. The winners were announced in the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show.

The vote for “Car of the Year” is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe. The best new cars have been given prizes annually since 1964. The panel of judges, consisting of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries, had nominated eight candidates beforehand that would enter the final run. They were tested and compared and evaluated during the last few months under a broad range of criteria, such as fuel efficiency, comfort, safety,

driving properties, functionality, design and technological progress. In the 50th round of the traditional competition, the new Golf came out on top before its seven competitors, garnering a total score of 414 in the final vote – the one in second place lagged behind with a score of 212 less. Two Volkswagen models have received the coveted prize before: the Golf in 1992 and the Polo in 2010.

The most successful car in Europe has been further perfected in its seventh generation. The new Golf scored high not only with its quality, comfort, low fuel consumption and emission values as well as its excellent drive properties but also in the most vital area of safety. The best example for it is the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System that slows the vehicle down automatically after a bad accident so as to reduce the remaining kinetic energy, thus avoiding more subsequent collisions. Numerous safety and assist systems have been added, such as the standard electronic XDS differential lock, the preventive passenger protection system and the Lane Assist. Together, they offer a maximum of safety and comfort at an affordable price.

The top result in the “Car of the Year” competition was preceded by numerous awards at home and abroad: “Best cars of 2013,” “Auto Trophy 2012,” “Auto der Vernunft (Car of Reason)” and the British “Top Gear – All the car you’ll ever need” Award.