DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2016 – The iconic Ford Mustang has added yet another award to its trophy case – Women's Performance Car of the Year 2016.

Up against a staggering 294 competitors, Mustang emerged as the top performance car in the Women's World Car of the Year awards. The awards are determined by 17 judges across 14 countries – the only vehicle honors in the world granted by a panel made up entirely of women. Mustang's closest contender was the critically acclaimed Ford Focus RS, with just one point separating the two.

'Ford Mustang is surprisingly loved by women who are after a sexy, sporty, masculine car that turns heads,' said Juliet Potter, Women's World Car of the Year jury member from Australia. 'Combining the car's silver-screen celebrity status with real-life practicality, Mustang screams, 'I am in control!' and delivers the same behind the wheel with above-average grip and suspension.'