International Auto Critics Vote Golf as Best in the World

The sixth generation Volkswagen Golf was honored as the 2009 World Car of the Year by a jury of international automotive journalists. Chosen from a daunting field of 51 new or significantly redesigned vehicles for 2009, the Golf was the clear winner according to the professional auto critics. The nominees included all types of new vehicles, from sports cars to luxury sedans.

The Golf was announced as the winner during a press conference held in April at the New York International Auto Show. The World Car of the Year jury is comprised of 59 top automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world, including the U.S. and Canada. Through their respective media outlets, these journalists reach a combined audience of many millions.

What the Journalists Say

World Car of the Year jurors evaluate each vehicle on a wide variety of criteria, including value, safety, significance, environmental friendliness, and "emotional appeal." Jurors praise the new Golf for its attractive styling, sporty and economical engine options, and its high level of refinement. They say the Golf "feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin."

The critics are pleased with the Golf’s superior road manners, commenting, "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."

Comment from VWA CEO Stefan Jacoby

"It is a tremendous honor for Volkswagen to have its global best selling model, the Golf, named the 2009 World Car of the Year," said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "This is a great way to kick-off the new Golf here in America. We’re excited for the arrival of the sixth generation Golf, which will be in Volkswagen showrooms later this year. Simply put, we believe this is the best Golf ever."

Now in its sixth year, the World Car of the Year award is administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of the World Car Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.