The Blue Oval badge took top honours after beating more than 50 new models to take the prestigious title.

It is the second time that Ford has collected the award which is now widely regarded as one of the leading achievements within the UK’s automotive industry. Ford previously triumphed with its first generation Focus and this latest victory by the Mondeo was equally emphatic considering the strength of the other potential contenders.

More than 200 people from all aspects of the motor industry including Scottish motoring journalists attended a gala dinner in St Andrews to witness this year’s awards ceremony.

Organised by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), the event recognises the achievements of the new generation of cars launched during the past 12 months.

Judged by members of the ASMW, the awards are separated across eight individual categories – Small, Family, Luxury, Drop Top, Sporting, Diesel, MPV and SUV – before an eventual winner is determined.

In keeping with previous years, 2007 has witnessed the introduction of a considerable number of new models many of which have set a new benchmark in terms of performance, safety, and value for money.

As well as being the overall winner by one of the biggest margins in the event’s 10 year history, the remarkable Ford Mondeo scooped a win in the Family category.

At the awards, Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “We have witnessed and driven some brilliant new cars during the past 12 months making our task of deciding category winners all the harder.

“There are some exceptional new vehicles around and it is heartening to see that the UK automotive industry is in such a strong position. Like a great number of industries it has been under enormous pressure to deliver on all fronts and it has responded magnificently to that challenge.

“None more so than Ford Motor Company who have come up with a fantastic new third-generation Mondeo.

“It was never going to be an easy task replacing a car that was so popular but Ford has achieved the impossible in creating an exciting new model that ticks all the right boxes in terms of choice, driving dynamics, packaging, safety and, above all, value for money.”