This new award was conceived in November last year and stemmed from the fact the US‑based World Car of the Year judging panel did not have a single female judge in 2007.
Eight women motoring writers from around the world got together to create the award with judging criteria based on the 'shopping list' that ladies look at when buying a car. This list includes storage space, dashboard friendliness, child friendliness, aesthetic appeal and driveability. The car's 'sex appeal' was also considered.
Cars that qualified had to be sold in at least 10 countries worldwide. A shortlist of 21 cars was decided on early this year.
Chief Judge, Sandy Myhre, said: "Over the past year the judges have tested 21 cars from the short list and the Jaguar XF was the clear winner, beating the Volvo XC60 by 21 points, which is quite a considerable margin considering some of the cars were separated by one point or less.
"That a luxury car has won the supreme award in the Women's World Car of the Year is an unexpected result given what many in the car industry would consider to be a 'woman's car'. But all the judges clearly considered the Jaguar XF to be well‑constructed, competent, comfortable, and with its combination of sport and luxury it is ideal for women."
Meanwhile, in the latest edition of BBC Top Gear Magazine the XJ is likened to "Usian Bolt in a pair of Oliver Sweeney brogues." Commenting on Jaguar's award winning new cars, editor Conor McNicholas, said of the XJ: "It's the very best of modern British design and shows what is possible when a marque moves forward with true confidence."
Praise also fell on the XF S Diesel, "We love the XF but the new diesel has taken a great car and turned it into a complete package. It's got comfort, refinement, style, economy and it's bloody quick. A truly brilliant car," said Conor.