Volkswagen's new Golf is Europe's "Car of the Year' for 2013.

The panel of judges, consisting of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries, had nominated eight candidates beforehand that would enter the final run.

The vehicles were tested and compared and evaluated during the last few months under a broad range of criteria, such as fuel efficiency, comfort, safety, driving properties, functionality, design and technological progress, according to the automaker.

The winners were announced in the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show.

Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG, said the award is a "superb result."