Volkswagen Golf wins Drive Car of the Year

Volkswagen has taken out the overall win as ‘Drive Car of the Year 2009’ with its Golf 118TSI, coming top of the 46-car field to scoop the prize.

After also winning in three other categories, Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, said he is pleased to see the new Golf claim a double victory. “It is fantastic to see the new Golf GTI follow in its predecessor’s footsteps continuing its success as the true leader in the hot hatch segment. Volkswagen has delivered again on what was already an impressive car – obviously leaving a lasting impression with the judges. Overall, the new Golf range has established itself as a serious player setting a benchmark in the small car segment.”

The judges praised the Golf 118TSI for its strong performance and frugal consumption. National Drive editor Toby Hagon says, “The Golf 118TSI blends above average performance with class leading economy in a well presented small car package.”

“It sets a new benchmark for small car performance while using around 20% less fuel than some of the big sellers in the class. The Golf has a high quality interior with attention to detail most competitors don’t come close to.”

An expert panel of 10 motoring journalists at Drive.com.au, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age picked this year’s winners in 14 categories from 48 nominees. They sampled more than 500 vehicles over 12 months before choosing the finalists.

See the full list of winners here:

Drive Car of the Year: VW Golf 118TSI

Small car under $20,000: Ford Fiesta

Small car over $20,000: VW Golf 118TSI

Medium car: Mazda6 Classic

Large car: Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L

Convertible: Porsche Boxster

People-mover: Honda Odyssey

4WD: Land Rover Discovery

Performance car under $60,000: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Performance car over $60,000: BMW 135i

Luxury car under $60,000: Volkswagen Passat

Luxury car over $60,000: Jaguar XF

SUV under $40,000: Subaru Outback

SUV over $40,000: Volvo XC60

Utility: Holden Commodore SS ute

See the Volkswagen Golf for sale here.