Auto Express name Evoque ‘Car of the Year’ a month before release
Weekly car mag Auto Express revealed its top cars of the year last night during an awards ceremony in Bedfordshire.
Held at Woburn Safari Park on 2 August, the Auto Express’ annual New Car Awards served to recognise the finest cars from the past 12 months over 25 categories.
Skoda dominated the night’s proceedings, bagging four prizes for Best Crossover (Yeti), Best Family Car (Superb), Best Estate (Superb Estate) as well as the Driver Power Award.
Only Volkswagen came close to matching the Czechs’ gong count, coming out top in the Best Compact Family Car and Hot Hatch categories with the Golf and Golf GTI respectively.
VW’s eco-efforts were also commended with the presentation of the Green Award for its BlueMotion technology.
Mould-breaking
Car of the Year went to the Range Rover Evoque, a model which isn’t even available to the public until September.
With the first consumer-ready model completed just last month, Land Rover MD Colin Green said that being awarded such an accolade so soon was a massive pat on the back for those behind its production. The 100% British Evoque was also deemed the year’s Best Compact SUV.
Graham Hope, Acting Editor of Auto Express, hailed the new Evoque as mould-breaking.
“The Evoque truly looks set to define a desirable new sector of the market on its own,” commented Mr Hope. “It puts the hugely desirable Range Rover brand within the reach of compact executive car buyers for the very first time.
“The fact it looks and drives the way it does serves only to underline its premium appeal [which] goes far beyond its distinctive styling.
“You have only to look at its concept car styling to see why the British firm already has a bulging order book for the new baby of its range.”
Outstanding
Hyundai’s i10 (pictured left) came away with the Best City Car prize for the second year in a row while the ix20 claimed Best Supermini-MPV.
Tony Whitehorn, MD of Hyundai UK, said: “To be classed as the best in what are two highly competitive segments is tremendous and a true testament to the style, practicality, driveability and economy of these outstanding products.”
The i10 is currently leading Hyundai’s sales with almost 10,000 units shifted this year alone.
The Ford Fiesta marked the day of its 35th birthday in style by being named Best Supermini.
Graham Hope praised the Fiesta for its “head-turning looks, boldly designed cabin and sparkling chassis”.
Anthony Ireson, Marketing Director for Ford of Britain, commented: “This is an important award for the Fiesta as it endorses this latest generation for customers looking for great style, driving dynamics and a wide choice of models and engines.”
Ford also collected the Special Award for the Focus’ Driver Assistance Pack in recognition of its innovative digital camera system which supports seven driver assistance features that help deliver improved confidence and safety behind the wheel.
Mr Ireson added: “With parking and other safety aids, the all-new Focus is grabbing a lot of attention. The Auto Express Special Award is recognition that driver assistance is fast becoming the most sought after feature in the market.”
Genuine class
SEAT’s Multi-Prize Vehicle Alhambra racked up its fifth Best MPV award this year, much to the joy of Head of Marketing Steve Robertson.
“I can’t recall a time when a SEAT model has scooped so many top awards in the space of less than a year,” he said.
“I hope this tells would-be buyers all they need to know about the quality, value and genuine class of our new seven-seat Alhambra.”
Judges commended the seven-seater’s classy interior, tempting price structure and low running costs.
The rest of the winners list read:
- Best Premium Supermini – Audi A1
- Best Compact Executive Car – BMW 3 Series
- Best Executive Car – Audi A6
- Best Luxury Car – Mercedes S-Class
- Best Large SUV – Land Rover Discovery 4
- Best Coupe – Peugeot RCZ
- Best Convertible – BMW 3 Series Convertible
- Best Roadster – Mazda MX-5
- Performance Car of the Year – Ferrari 458 Italia
- Design Award – Saab PhoeniX
- Auto Express Hall of Fame – Nick Reilly, President, GM Europe
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