New Golf is Car of the Year 2013

THE latest version of the Volkswagen Golf was announced as winner of Car of the Year 2013 award on the eve of last week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The popular car scored 414 points in the vote, ahead of the Toyota GT-86 (Subaru BRZ) with 202 points, and Volvo V40, with 189 points.

Golf’s third generation golf also won the trophy in 1992 and is one of only two models to have won the accolade twice.

The compact Volkswagen is one of the all-time top sellers in the global market and all seven generations have been on the podium of Car of the Year spanning almost four decades, since the original Golf was runner-up in 1975.

The new Golf was recognised by the jury for its overall balance and outstanding achievements in safety, fuel-efficiency, dynamics and comfort.

Familiar in looks to its predecessor, Golf VII is entirely new under the skin, with a lightweight structure based on the new MQB flexible platform of the VW group for passenger vehicles with transversal powertrains.

It also features a number of innovative safety items, such as active braking to prevent an impact, driver fatigue detection, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.

Launched as a 3/5 door hatchback, the new compact will be deployed in a range of body styles. Engines will also increase in number, with a next power top of 230 hp for the GTI version and 184 for the GTD diesel.

Among the launch engines, all of them fitted with stop&start systems, the 1.4 TSI may equip the ACT deactivation of two cylinders at low speeds for a better fuel economy.

The new Golf, which is on sale in Ireland priced from E19,995, was voted the top car from a list of eight finalists. The jury consisted of 58 journalists from 22 European countries.

Michael McAleer from The Irish Times is the sole Irish juror for Car of the Year. In his voting notes McAleer commented:

“From its clean iconic lines to the solid build quality inside and an array of engine options to suit all tastes, the latest Golf delivers a car of the year performance.

“That was recognised in the voting, with the VW a favourite with the vast majority of the 58 jury members from 22 countries. It was a very comprehensive victory and all the more impressive when you consider the quality of the other finalists this year.

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Simon Elliott, CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland said the company was delighted that the Golf had once again claimed the top prize in motoring.

“This is as prestigious an award as any car can get and it is a credit to the quality and innovation of the car that it has received such high praise,

? he said.