The Volkswagen Golf was crowned the 2015 North American Car of the Year on Monday at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Business Insider reports the prestigious award winner is decided by a jury of 57 independent automotive journalists based on qualities including performance, comfort, value, driver satisfaction, design and safety.

Juror Erin Riches-Wong of Edmunds.com said the Volkswagen family of hatchbacks won because it represents one of the best values for under $30,000.

"The GTI, in particular, is a steal because you're basically getting a luxury car -- with equal parts performance, comfort and utility -- for the price of a family car. We should all run out and buy one before VW rethinks its bargain pricing strategy on this car," she said.

The Golf is an affordable hatchback that appeals to a wide range of drivers, from college students to retirees. It is a compact car that acts big.

"This award highlights our achievements and hard work in the past year, and we are confident that the Golf family will continue to pave the way for the brand in the year ahead," Volkswagen Group of America CEO Michael Horn said in a statement.

This year marks the second time Volkswagen has won; the New Beetle won the award in 1999. It won with 256 points, followed closely by the Ford Mustang at 204 points and the Hyundai Genesis.

Domestic automakers have won the award 12 times since its inception 22 years ago. Foreign car manufacturers have won the award 10 times.

The 2015 Golf is available in four different models: the clean diesel Golf TDI, the Golf 1.8T, the electric e-Golf and the sporty Golf GTI. Pricing starts at $17,995.

Volkswagen plans to add a Golf SportWagen to the Golf lineup later this year. It will be available as a diesel or with a turbocharged 1.8-liter TSI engine in the spring. The company will also offer a limited edition, 292-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Golf R which has already sold out due to advanced orders.

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