The annual Car of the Year competition marked its 50th anniversary at the Barcelona motor show with an exhibition of every winner
The annual Car of the Year contest set out to find the best new car launched in Europe over the preceding twelve months.
It has expanded since its 1964 inception to include more journalists and magazine titles, so that this year's jury was comprised of 58 members from 22 countries, including Autocar's own Steve Cropley.
The COTY judging process begins in the last quarter of the year before the award, when a committee chooses a selection of suitable models; the list for 2013 was drawn up at the end of 2012 as a result.
Any car is eligible, but it must be a new model rather than just a facelift, be available in at least five European countries at the time of voting and have an expected sales volume of at least 5000 annually.
Each Jury member votes on seven cars, and is given 25 points to cover at least five vehicles, with a maximum score of ten per car. A statement of justification is also required to successfully vote for a car.
Here's the rundown of every winner of the prestigious award since 1964:
1964 - Rover 2000
The 2000 was the inaugural COTY victor and the last pre-Leyland Rover. The 2000's win owed much to its fantastic ride and handling combined with good value. Though undermined by its weak engines, the 2000 was a competitive mid-size saloon.
1965 - Austin 1800
The Austin 1800 upsized the Mini recipe of a transverse engine and front wheel-drive with success. It offered excellent levels of space and a large boot. The original Ford Mustang was also included in the 1965 competition, and scored 18 points.
1966 - Renault 16
The front wheel-drive 16 was distinctively styled and featured independent suspension all-round. Its COTY win was notable in 1966 for taking victory ahead of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Oldsmobile Tornado.
1967 Fiat 124
Practical, affordable and spacious, the 124 offered the traditional Fiat virtues. Utilitarian in style and technology, the 124 was offered with many engines and bodystyles. The 1967 competition was notable for the inclusion of the Jensen FF, which finished third.
1968 - NSU Ro 80
The Wankel-powered luxury saloon was admired for its sleek appearance and compact, innovative engine. The Ro 80 also featured a semi-automatic transmission. The second and third places on the 1968 COTY podium were taken by the Fiat 125 and Simca 1100 respectively.
1969 - Peugeot 504
Pininfarina style and admirable refinement was a winning combination for the Peugeot 504 in 1969. Four disc brakes and a wide range of bodystyles also enamoured the 504 to the judges. Though its engines were fairly old-tech, this didn't impact on its overall appeal.
1970 - Fiat 128
Fiat's first truly modern car in many years, the 128 was intelligently packaged and allowed plenty of room in a small footprint. It also introduced overhead camshaft engines to the family car segment.
1971 - Citroën GS
The Citroën GS featured an array of advanced features such as all-round disc brakes, hydropneumatic independent suspension and a flat-four air-cooled engine. Its limited performance was insufficient to deny the GS first place in 1971.
1972 - Fiat 127
The 127 represented a downsizing of Fiat's technical modernity as first shown in the 128. Despite its compact dimensions, the Fiat 127 offered good levels of space and mature road manners. The Fiat's success was by a great margin, scoring 239 points where the second-place Renault 15/19 only achieved 107.
1973 - Audi 80
Forty years ago, Audi was very much a junior subsidiary in the Volkswagen empire. Therefore, allowing the 80 to arrive a year before its VW sister model (the Passat) was significant. It outscored the Renault 5 thanks to its cohesive styling and lightweight construction.
1974 - Mercedes-Benz 450 S
The 1974 COTY accolade went to Stuttgart for the flagship Mercedes S-class variant. Its 220bhp, fuel-injected V8 offered towering performance, even when allied to a three-speed automatic. The established S-class attributes of modern styling and fabulous luxury ensured victory.
1975 - Citroën CX
Technologically advanced, futuristically styled and hydropneumatically suspended, the CX could be nothing but a Citroën. Though less radical than its DS forerunner, the CX was still ahead of its time and secured the 1975 award by a comfortable 55-point margin from the VW Golf Mk1.
1976 - Simca 1307 and 1308
The 1307 and 1308 were competitive models despite the lack of investment from Simca's owners Chrysler. Though hamstrung by outdated pushrod engines, the hatchbacks were practical and spacious, with good handling. The Simca was voted ahead of the BMW 316 and 320 models.
1977 Rover SD1
The SD1 captured the hearts and minds of the buying public and COTY judges in 1977 with its distinctive good looks, low prices and powerful V8 engine. The SD1 took the 1977 title ahead of the Audi 100 and Ford Fiesta.
1978 - Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 is the only sports car to have won the COTY title, its victory now 35 years ago. A decidedly more modern design than the 911, its advanced V8 engine and stunning refinement won the 928 many plaudits. The BMW 7-series and Ford Granada took second and third places respectively.
1979 - Chrysler/Talbot Horizon
The Horizon replaced the Simca 1100 and was marketed as a global car. It won in 1979 with a total score of 251 points, 11 ahead of the Fiat Ritmo. Though the COTY judges were complimentary about the Horizon's sturdiness and ride comfort, they had concerns surrounding its slow steering and underpowered engines.
1980 - Lancia Delta
Even in its original, non-turbocharged form, the Delta shone as a family hatchback with attractive styling and accomplished handling. Though the Delta concept's novel sliding rear bench didn't make production, the judges still found it deserving of the title ahead of the Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 505.
1981 - Ford Escort Mk3
This Ford Escort marked a radical departure from the previous two versions as it switched to front wheel-drive. Its range of low-maintenance CVH engines gave the Escort good credentials as an everyday car, and it triumphed ahead of the Fiat Panda.
1982 - Renault 9
The 9 was certainly not without faults, including a rather lacklustre range of engines. However, its high grip and comfort levels, combined with the desirable fitment of a five-speed gearbox, was enough for the 9 to earn victory.
1983 - Audi 100
The 100 was hugely significant in showing that a luxury car package could work with a front wheel-drive platform. The refinement offered by its superb aerodynamics was another fine aspect, and the 100 was powered by a range of good five-cylinder engines. This included the first five-cylinder diesel engine offered in a production model.
1984 - Fiat Uno
The 1984 contest was between the Fiat Uno and Peugeot 205, with eventual victory going to the Italian. Despite the 205's virtues, the Uno took the title thanks to its excellent space and great value. Third place in 1984 was the Volkswagen Golf Mk2.
1985 - Vauxhall Astra Mk2/Opel Kadett
Much improved over the original Astra, the second-generation model was commended for its efficient yet powerful overhead camshaft engines, aerodynamic styling and wide range of bodystyles. In 1985 it took victory ahead of the Renault 25 and Lancia Thema.
1986 - Ford Scorpio
Ford's Granada replacement won the 1986 COTY accolade thanks to its original design and boost improved build quality over previous big Fords. However, it was the standard fitment of ABS, a significant safety step, to every Ford Scorpio that impressed the judges in 1986.
1987 - Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega
The Carlton displayed that a talented luxury saloon didn't have to originate from the German prestige manufacturers; it actually beat the Audi 80 and BMW 7-series to the 1987 title. The Carlton's excellent levels of refinement and passenger space impressed the judges.
1988 - Peugeot 405
Peugeot's seminal family saloon eclipsed the 1988 opposition. Of the 57 COTY judges, 54 awarded it top marks, giving it a 212-point margin of victory over the Citroen AX (464 v 252 points). Its stylish appearance, outstanding handling and advanced diesel engine secured the 405's win.
1989 - Fiat Tipo
The Tipo was notable for eschewing the traditional torsion beam rear suspension layout of its contemporaries in favour of a Macpherson strut setup all-round. Moreover, the Tipo's strengths such as value for money and style outweighed some rather less impressive aspects such as its poor petrol engines and lack of space.
1990 - Citroën XM
The XM was a comfortable victor in the 1990 COTY competition, winning by 175 points from the R129 Mercedes SL. The judges were in awe of its bold styling which afforded its shape an unusual amount of glass whilst also contributing to excellent aerodynamics. The Hydractive hydropneumatic suspension also gave superb ride quality and the XM's engines were refined.
1991 - Renault Clio
The original Clio represented a huge change in Renault's supermini approach following the long-lived 5. Its attractive styling won it many fans, whilst the Clio also faired well objectively thanks to its generous equipment levels and impressive levels of space.
1992 - VW Golf Mk3
The Volkswagen Golf was awarded its first COTY title in its third generation. The judges recognised its marked improvement in perceived quality and additional maturity over the Mk2 as valuable assets. It took victory from the Vauxhall Astra and Citroen ZX.
1993 - Nissan Micra
The Micra was the first Japanese-designed car to win Car of the Year, a worthy achievement. Against its rivals, the Micra exhibited excellent build quality, an advanced engine range and appealing looks.
1994 - Ford Mondeo
The first-generation Mondeo was a dramatic advance over its Sierra forerunner. A range of excellent Zetec engines was the start of a long list of positives which included capable handling, modern styling and competitive pricing.
1995 - Fiat Punto
A supermini showdown for the prize in 1995, with the Fiat Punto snatching victory from the VW Polo. The judges awarded the Punto for its fantastic interior space, attractive styling and affordable prices.
1996 - Fiat Brava/Bravo
A contentious victory for Fiat's family hatch pair in 1996, their win coming at the expense of the Peugeot 406 and Audi A4. Still, their distinctive designs, value-for-money and improved build quality gave the Bravo/Brava enough point for victory.
1997 - Renault Megane Scenic
Perhaps the most famous of the original mini-MPVs, the Scenic was a truly fresh idea back in 1997. Its practical approach to family motoring meant it romped to victory; it breached the 400-point barrier (405 in total) where the second-place Ford Ka, a great car in itself, only earned 293.
1998 - Alfa Romeo 156
A startling 188-point victory for Alfa's 3-series rival was a great result in 1998. The judges were won over by its elegant styling and impressive handling. The fact it represented such a stark improvement over its 155 predecessor helped its performance.
1999 - Ford Focus
Another dominant performance, this time from Ford's Escort replacement. It scored 444 points, 172 more than the second-place Vauxhall Astra. Ford's bold New Edge styling, advanced Control Blade rear suspension and zingy engines earned it top marks from 42 of the COTY judges.
2000 - Toyota Yaris
The Yaris was a surprise victory in 2000, as many believed the Fiat Multipla was the guaranteed victor. However, the fresh styling of the Yaris, combined with a range of excellent VVTI engines, allowed it to take a 19-point victory over Fiat's wacky MPV.
2001 - Alfa Romeo 147
The 147 replaced the 145 and 146 in one swoop by offering three- and five-door variants. Predictably the 147's style was a significant contributing factor to its victory, but its handling and diesel engine also shone. Its 238-point tally topped the third-generation Ford Mondeo by a single point.
2002 - Peugeot 307
Top of the podium in 2002 was Peugeot's 306 replacement, with the Renault Laguna and Fiat Stilo second and third respectively. Points were earned for its attractive styling, ride comfort and interior practicality offered by the MPV-style shape.
2003 - Renault Megane
Renault's family hatch secured the COTY award a decade ago. Its bold styling was unanimously praised, as was the wide range of bodystyles available. A frugal yet powerful 1.9-litre diesel model ensured Mazda 6 was relegated to second place.
2004 - Fiat Panda
Fiat's ubiquitous city car was lauded in 2004 for its excellent interior space given its small footprint and frugal engine choices. Novel cabin touches such as the dash-mounted gearlever and 'City' setting for the steering earned it praised.
2005 - Toyota Prius
The second-generation Prius hybrid was commended for improving on the weaknesses of the original. It was more stylish, boasted improved practicality and offered better performance. Its 39-point winning margin over the Citroen C4 indicates its success that year.
2006 - Renault Clio
The third-generation Clio claimed the COTY title 15 years after the first version of Renault's supermini triumphed. Just five points separated it from the second-place Volkswagen Passat (256 v 251), with the Alfa Romeo 159 in third on 212.
2007 - Ford S-Max
This contest was a close-run affair, with Ford's dynamic MPV scoring 235 points, just two more than the Vauxhall Corsa. Its combination of seven-seat versatility, entertaining handling and contemporary style allowed the S-Max to win over the judges in 2007.
2008 - Fiat 500
Another supermini showdown for the COTY title in 2008, with the 500 triumphing against the Mazda 2. Overall 33 of the COTY judges placed the Fiat top, with 15 second places also. It garnered praise for its cute aesthetics and good levels of interior space.
2009 - Vauxhall Insignia
The Insignia took the 2009 crown by the smallest of margins, voted ahead of the Ford Fiesta by a single point. Its 321-point total was achieved thanks to its design, visual quality and range of innovative options.
2010 - Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen's perennial supermini secured victory in 2010 by ten points from the Toyota iQ. Its mature, cohesive styling, commodious interior and efficient engines won it many plaudits.
2011 - Nissan Leaf
The Leaf was the first fully electric vehicle to take the Car of the Year title. Its margin of victory was narrow, its 257 points just ahead of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's 248. The Leaf has recently been revised and is now built in Sunderland. Prices start at £15,995.
2012 - Vauxhall Ampera
The Ampera was the first range-extender hybrid to win the coveted prize along with its Chevrolet Volt twin. It's powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine and 148bhp electric motor powered by a 16 kWH lithium ion battery. It won with 330 points, ahead of the Volkswagen Up on 281.
2013 - Volkswagen Golf
The last Golf to win Car of the Year before the current seventh generation was the Mk3 of 1992. This year's judges praised its efficient range of engines and high level of standard safety equipment. The GTI has just joined the Golf range, with Bluemotion and 'R' variants due imminently.
Matt Bird