A best-seller from its introduction in the ’70s, the Volkswagen Golf had been crucial to make the segment of compacts the gravity centre of European market.

Renault interrupted its long love affair with R5/Superfive to strike something really new.

With top points from a large majority of the Jury, XM was a clear award winner. Spirited aerodynamics were combined this time with outstanding looks; Bertone-sourced lines gave elegance and class to the 2-box profile.