The jury, which comprises motoring journalists from across Europe, recognised the model for its ‘overall balance and the outstanding achievements in safety, fuel efficiency, dynamics and comfort’.

The jury also said: ‘While retaining its traditional image, the Golf VII is entirely new under the skin, with a lightweight structure based in the new MQB flexible platform of VW group for passenger vehicles with transversal powertrains. The nice-looking cabin, with a classic style and analogue instrumentation, is roomy and has materials of excellent feel which contribute to the perceived quality.’

The Golf is the only model along with the Clio to have won the Car of the Year award more than once. Every generation of the Golf has finished in the top three of the Car of the Year in the last 38 years. The original Golf finished as runner-up in 1975.

The Car of the Year finalists are as follows:

1. VW Golf (414 votes)
2. Toyota GT 86 / Subaru BRZ (202 votes)
3. Volvo V40 (189 votes)
4. Ford B-MAX (148 votes)
5. Mercedes A-Class (138 votes)
6. Renault Clio  (128 votes)
7. Peugeot 208 (120 votes)
8. Hyundai i30 (111 votes).