Volkswagen Golf has been voted the 2009 World Car of the Year by a jury comprised of 59 international automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world. These include Paul Gover, Bill McKinnon and Samantha Stevens, three of Australia's most respected motor noters. The announcement was made during the New York International Auto Show which is currently in progress.

The Golf has sold more than 26 million units in 120 countries, making it one of the top selling vehicles of all-time. The sixth generation Golf debuted at the Paris Motor show last September, and was introduced to Australians at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show.

Though based on the Golf 5, the new model has so many changes, both in the body and under the skin that it can be justifiably regarded as an all-new model. It sells here in a variety of petrol and turbo-diesel models, with retail prices beginning at $25,990 for the 90 TSI Trendline, a very reasonable price for a fully imported German car.