Beating out a field of over 30 rival cars, the Volkswagen Polo 5 has been voted Europe’s Car of the Year – the first victory for VW in 18 years.

The supermini narrowly beat the Toyota iQ in the final voting, earning 347 points versus 337. The Polo received 59 scoring votes in total from the 59-strong judging panel, including 25 selections as the number one car. In contrast, the iQ received 58 votes, with 20 selections as the best car.

The result is determined from a list of 33 new cars, which are voted on by European car journalists.

A shortlist of seven cars is then determined, with 59 European judges making their selection. Each judge has 25 points to allocate as they see fit, although at least five contenders must receive points, and the chosen winner must receive more points than the runners-up.

Last year’s winner was the Opel Insignia, also sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Insignia and the US as the Buick Regal. There are no plans to offer the Insignia in South Africa.

The full list of results is below. (Click to expand)

In Europe, engine options include 1,2 and 1,4-litre petrol engines, and a turbocharged 1,2-litre TSI petrol engine. A new 1,6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine is also offered.

The new Polo is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the first quater of next year. Specific dates, local pricing and engine options have not yet been revealed.