The Volkswagen Golf MkVI has been awarded the 2009 World Car of the Year title.
The WCOTY jury consists of 59 eminent motoring writers from 25 countries, including Telegraph Motoring's Mike Rutherford.
They observed that: "The new Golf VI feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin. Customers get a choice of nothing less than six engines including the punchy and efficient 158hp, 1.4-litre TSI unit that features both a turbo and supercharger.
"The Golf is also available with the firm's new 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine, developing either 108 or 138hp. It goes without saying that choosing between the slick six-speed manual and superb DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be difficult. Sitting on an outstanding chassis, the VW is more refined than its rivals, especially when highway cruising. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion."
The top three contenders for 2009 World Car of the Year title were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota iQ and the Golf. The other eight contenders in the shortlist were the Audi A4, BMW 7-series, Citroen C5, Fiat 500, Honda Jazz, Jaguar XF, Mazda6 and Nissan GT-R.
Receiving the award at the New York International Show, Stefan Jacoby, president of VW of America, said: "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for Volkswagen and is known throughout the world. The Golf is Volkswagen's best selling nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in more than 120 countries."
Other categories included World Performance Car (won by the Nissan GT-R, Car Design of the Year (Fiat 500) and World Green Car (Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car).
Finalists for the Performance Car category included the Audi RS6, BMW 135i, Corvette ZR1, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Mitsubishi Evo X, Porsche 911 Carrera and Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
In the World Car Design of the Year category, the jurors were assisted by four highly respected world design experts. A similar process was applied to select the World Green Car award, a panel of three experts suggesting a shortlist on which the jurors voted.
The inaugural World Car title was awarded in 2005, when the Audi A6 triumphed. A year later, BMW's 3-series took the title, with the Lexus LS460 winning in 20