North American Car of the Year

The Volkswagen Golf has earned the title 2015 North American Car of the Year.

North American Car of the Year is considered the most prestigious award of its type in the U.S. because it is determined by 57 automotive journalists who work independently of one another, representing magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites from all over the U.S. and Canada.

The award is designed to recognize the most outstanding new car of the year in terms of innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.

The three finalists for the 2015 North American Car of the Year were the 2015 Ford Mustang, 2015 Hyundai Genesis, and 2015 Volkswagen Golf. Golf received 256 points, Mustang 204, Genesis 110.

New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough voted for the Golf.

“The entire lineup of 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI models is outstanding and deserves recognition,” McCullough wrote. “These cars are smooth and refined, easy and fun to drive, with sharp handling. The cabins are elegant, unadorned and classy. The front seats are comfortable, and getting in and out is easy. A range of models is available to suit different tastes and budgets. These are practical cars with useful cubby storage and plenty of cargo space. The four-door models make excellent commuters, the two-door versions are sporty. The Golf is relatively affordable, with several models starting below $20,000, and the standard 1.8-liter turbocharged engine does a good job. The turbocharged diesel in the Golf TDI gets an EPA-estimated 31/45 mpg City/Highway and offers plenty of power. The GTI scoots around, delivering jet propulsion when needed.”

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