USA - Chrysler group wins five POLK Automotive awards

• Chrysler Town & Country wins Polk Loyalty Award for record 13th consecutive year
• Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler win their respective SUV categories, Grand Cherokee for fifth time
• Dodge Challenger wins third Polk Loyalty Award for Non-Luxury Sport Mid-size Car
• Fiat 500 wins Non-Luxury Traditional Subcompact Car

The Chrysler Group starts off the 2014 calendar year by winning five Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, presented by IHS Automotive. The Chrysler Town & Country won its 13th consecutive Loyalty Award taking the Non-Luxury Mid-size Van category, extending its own record of consecutive wins. The Jeep Grand Cherokee won its fifth award in the Non-Luxury Mid-size SUV category and the Dodge Challenger took Non-Luxury Sport Mid-size Car honors for the third time. Jeep Wrangler nabbed the Non-Luxury Compact SUV award and the Fiat 500 won the Non-Luxury Traditional Subcompact Car category, both winning their first Polk Loyalty Awards.

”Chrysler Group’s emphasis on owner loyalty across their lineup is an indicator that the organization is truly working with consumers to bring them back” said Jeffrey Anderson, director of loyalty and source of sales solutions at Southfield, Mich.-based IHS Automotive, a division of research and analytics firm IHS. “To see five awards across multiple segments is impressive, and Town & Country’s run is unprecedented.”
                                                                                     
The Polk Loyalty Awards recognize manufacturers for superior owner loyalty performance, which is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same model or make. The 2013 awards are based on an analysis of more than 7.4 million new vehicle owners who bought new vehicles again during the 2013 model year.

“Winning five Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards is proof-positive of Chrysler Group’s drive to build the best vehicles on the market,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC. “Customers will only come back if they trust their vehicles to deliver flawless quality and reliability, and these awards speak volumes about Chrysler Group’s extensive vehicle lineup.”

Chrysler Town & Country
The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is celebrating its 30th anniversary as one of the leading innovators in the segment it created back in late 1983. The world-class interior of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials that are soft to the touch, and offers tech-savvy entertainment features and smart storage and seating options including Stow ‘n Go® seating with one-touch fold-down function, class-exclusive dual Blu-ray DVD entertainment system, navigation and SIRIUSXM satellite radio with Travel Link making the Chrysler Town & Country the ultimate family vehicle. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a fuel economizer mode delivering up to 25 miles per gallon highway.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee completely redefines the premium SUV, delivering an unprecedented combination of best-in-class fuel economy and driving range, available clean-diesel technology, legendary benchmark capability, world-class craftsmanship, and a host of advanced user-friendly technology and safety features. For 2014, Grand Cherokee offers a new EcoDiesel engine with best-in-class 30 mpg highway and an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.  A new eight-speed transmission drives all Grand Cherokee engines, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 – achieving up to 25 mpg and more than 600 miles driving range – and the 5.7-liter V-8, now achieving up to 22 mpg.

Jeep Wrangler
The iconic Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 21 miles per gallon. Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience.  Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offer a six-speed manual transmission – in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission.

Dodge Challenger
With record sales levels since the reintroduction of the Challenger in 2008, the Dodge brand’s performance icon continues to deliver exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want – a powerful and efficient engine lineup, iconic muscle-car design with numerous personalization packages. Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and a track-tuned suspension to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower and an impressive 25 mpg highway, the Dodge Challenger is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever. And now with the return of “Scat Package” performance stage kits, plus the enthusiast-demanded Shaker performance hood with its HEMI® V-8 engine-mounted, fully floating scoop and exposed high-flow element for cold-air induction – the new 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker delivers up to 375 horsepower, performance and even more heritage-inspired style for the most hardcore Dodge enthusiasts.

Fiat 500
Reminiscent of the original 500 or "Cinquecento" born in 1957, the new Fiat 500 builds on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch on July 4, 2007, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (Fiat MultiAir® Turbo). In the U.S., the 2012 Fiat 500 was named "Best Buy" in the subcompact category by Consumers Digest and was deemed a "Top Safety Pick" by the influential Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Dacia celebrates first birthday in the UK, with exceptional sales.

2013 might have been a turning point for the economy, but cost-conscious Brits, from all classes, continued to make their money work harder than ever. With old school “value for money” sweeping the high street, 12 months ago, one fledgling brand, Dacia, embarked on its mission to shake up the UK car industry with its unique take on “shockingly affordable” motoring.

And what a record-breaking year it’s been. Western European buyers have been snapping up Dacias in their thousands for years. But, because of their stunning success, aside from “eye spy” Dacia spots in sunnier climes, like typical Brits, while the French and Germans, among others, eagerly filled their boots, we’d queued up patiently to see what all the fuss was about. All that changed on 17th January, as the Duster and Sandero burst onto the scene. Literally. On that day, the ‘Dacia don’t do frivolity. You Do The Maths’ media campaign hit every media channel, and all main Dacia Retailers had their first Duster SUV and Sandero supermini demonstrator cars available.

Right up until launch, the word on the street and the internet was that there was no way the brand’s bullish aim of offering a new supermini for “significantly less than £7,000”, let alone a spacious, family SUV for “under £10,000” would stack up in the real world. Or, at least with them making a profit. Oh, how wrong they were. With customers queueing up at its showrooms in their droves, awards pouring in, plus two more new models up its sleeve for release later in the year, Dacia fast became the envy of many established rivals right from the start.

Much of it didn’t come as a huge surprise to parent company, Renault. The Dacia brand, already the darling of the automotive industry, continues to ride the crest of a wave. Bucking the trend in many countries with falling sales and ever-decreasing profit margins, it had cleverly carved out its own niche, filling a void left behind by other brands who had their hearts set on becoming more upmarket.  

Of course, plenty of us had already seen Dacias and the brand’s value phenomenon sweep across Europe and the Euromed. But, for most, aside from the inimitable James May’s obsession with the brand, this was their first chance to see, touch and drive them for themselves.

The brand came to the UK with one mission. To shake up the long stagnant new and used UK car markets by offering “shockingly affordable” vehicles with high levels of quality and unrivalled space and equipment for the money. A car from one class for the price of the one below if you like. Or, in the case of Duster, two below. And boy, did the Great British public grasp the concept. With both hands.

Amidst a publicity blitz in true ‘break the rules’ style at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2012, surrounded by some of the finest supercars and most valuable classic cars the world has to offer, Dacia brazenly slapped “from £8,995” decals on the side of its Duster SUV and set about offering the eager British public their first taste of what it had to offer. Less than hour into the event, unprecedented demand meant extra staff had to be drafted in to help on the stand and the waiting list grew longer and longer for those desperate to get behind the wheel.

While plenty of other car marques struggled, with a winning combination of attractive models, impressive quality and straightforward pricing, Dacia already boasted 5,000 orders for its Duster SUV and Sandero within just eight weeks of them arriving in showrooms in January.

In April and May, it put the cat amongst the pigeons with two more milestones. First, it confirmed prices for its Volvo-estate load-rivalling Logan MCV (Maximum Capacitiy Vehicle). A steal from just £6,995, it continues to undercut anything close by thousands of pounds. Then in May, the chunky Sandero Stepway supermini crossover hit UK showrooms, from only £7,995.

And the success didn’t end there. The brand immediately hit the awards trail, driving off with some of the most prestigious titles in the car industry. In its first year. Even before most had even seen one, Duster picked up the overall Scottish Car of the Year trophy, while its smaller sibling, Sandero followed up the SUV’s success, by snaffling “Best Budget Car” several months later. The new car buyers’ bible, What Car?, wasn’t slow to spot the brand’s potential either. In only its launch month it honoured Sandero with “Best Supermini under £12,000”. Among other noteworthy trophies throughout the year were several for Duster’s 4x4 and towing abilities, including Caravan Club and Towcar, plus a hat-trick from Carbuyer.co.uk, including Car of the Year, for its “sensational value”.

In pure sales terms, the figures speak for themselves in 2013:

• Dacia - the fastest growing car brand in UK, overall and in retail
• The most successful UK car brand launch in retail ever (based on initial 12 months sales)
• 17,146 sales with a market share of 0.76% - with only two models initially (Duster and Sandero). Sandero Stepway arrived in May and Logan MCV in September 
• With a full four-model line up in the final four months of the year it outsold brands like Mazda and Volvo in retail
• 96.7% of Dacia sales are in the retail market where it has a share of 1.4%

So, the best-selling Dacia in 2013 was? Unsurprisingly, given its unrivalled price, size and 4x4 versions, Duster led the way with 7,830 sales. Following not far behind was the all-new Sandero. Offering supermini levels of space for city car cash, unsurprisingly, the “UK’s most affordable new car”, went down a storm, finding 5,025 homes. Both got chased down rapidly by Sandero Stepway too, after its launch in May, with 3,770 sales. The last one to join the “shockingly affordable” fold, the load-swallowing Logan MCV estate, notched up 521 in its initial 14 weeks in showrooms.

The omens aren’t looking too shabby so far for Dacia in 2014 either. Funny that. Having sold more than 17,000 cars in 2013, with an ever-growing fanbase and four models available to tempt British buyers for the full year, it’s setting its sights on smashing that figure this year.

7th generation Golf hits half million sales already.

The Golf’s success story enters the seventh generation as the car continues to inspire both customers and the specialist media. The Golf has been honoured with two dozen prestigious awards over the last twelve months. It was voted European “Car of the Year” and crowned “World Car of the Year 2013”. The new Golf also recently beat the competition in Japan, becoming the first imported car in the 34-year history of the country’s top award to claim the accolade and be named “Car of the Year 2013/2014 Japan” with a score that was streaks ahead of the field. Other awards include the “Golden Steering Wheel 2013”, the “Auto Trophy”, “Auto der Vernunft” (Car of Reason) and “Best cars of 2013”. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented: “The Golf will remain the most important model and a powerful engine for the Volkswagen brand.”

The 500,000th latest-generation Golf will be delivered in a few days’ time just one year after the car was launched. And the bestseller has yet to make its debut in key countries such as China and the United States. Moreover, important derivatives in the Golf family are waiting in the wings: The new Golf Estate has just arrived in showrooms and will be followed next year by the Golf Sportsvan which Volkswagen premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt. There will also be innovative versions such as the e-Golf and the Golf Plug-in Hybrid. “We are delighted the Golf has got off to such a brilliant start and is enjoying such a positive reception from customers. That is first and foremost due to a committed team. Our people very definitely went the extra mile for the Golf and have done a great job,” Winterkorn added.

For years now, the Golf has been the best-selling car in Europe, enjoying this status in several individual countries and taking pole position, for example, in Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Luxemburg, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and, of course, its home market of Germany.

The first generation of the Volkswagen Golf went on display at dealers in May 1974 as the successor to the legendary Beetle and has continued its predecessor’s success story for almost 40 years. The Golf has lent its name to an entire vehicle class and has always been available in a range of variants. From the ultra-economical Golf TDI BlueMotion to the sporty GTI, from the three-door model to the estate version, Volkswagen has a Golf to suit every taste and need. That has convinced customers: Volkswagen celebrated the 30 millionth Golf in June 2013.

Land Rover dominates at 4x4 Magazine awards ceremony

• Land Rover dominates 4x4 Magazine’s 2014 awards
• Range Rover Sport is winner of the Premium category and overall 4x4 of the Year
• Range Rover Evoque winner of the Top Range SUV class, Defender “highly recommended” in the Hardcore category
• Results reaffirm Land Rover’s leadership in modern SUV design and engineering

Land Rover is the most successful manufacturer in 4x4 Magazine’s 2014 awards, securing two class wins and the ultimate 4x4 of the Year title.

The new Range Rover Sport saw off competition from 24 of the market’s finest all-wheel drive models to take both the Premium class and the overall 2014 honour, while the Range Rover Evoque proved its mettle by claiming honours in the Top Range SUV class. The Land Rover Defender was “highly recommended” in the Hardcore class and the new Range Rover was second only to its Range Rover Sport sibling in the Premium category.

Presenting the results in the winter issue of 4x4 Magazine, Editor Nigel Fryatt said: “The Range Rover Sport is a worthy winner of the prestigious 2014 4x4 of the Year award. Indeed it is such a significant vehicle that you wonder if it is the best product ever to come from the Land Rover stable, of any era.”

After putting the Range Rover Sport through its paces, the judges gave it an unmatched 90 per cent score, highlighting the 3.0-litre SDV6 engine, on-road handling, off-road prowess, towing ability, comfort and design as its stand-out features.

Their report hailed the model as the “revelation of the premium group, if not the whole test” and made special reference to the quality of the Terrain Response 2 system for tackling all kinds of off-road scenarios. Where on-road performance is concerned, they declared the Range Rover Sport is “a pure pleasure to drive” and referenced the contribution made by its independent air suspension on ride quality.

The Range Rover Evoque once again demonstrated that Land Rover’s advanced styling and premium quality are not at the expense of true all-terrain performance. Evoque was the class of the “Top Range” field in the awards test, netting an 88 per cent score from the judges. They appreciated its “boldly styled and superbly crafted interior” and the fact it has “the handling feel of a sport car half its size”. Design, on-road handling and off-road competence were singled out as the qualities defining its success.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks, said: “These awards are very much appreciated, not least because 4x4 Magazine subjects its awards contenders to such rigorous, expert scrutiny.

“The results help demonstrate that we are successfully pushing the boundaries of all-terrain vehicle engineering and design to address the changing requirements of today’s customers. We have a great heritage, but it is vital that we continue to build on that foundation with models like Evoque, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport that deliver in terms of style, premium quality and on-road handling as well as fundamental all-terrain capabilities.”

Renault's ZOE presented with award at the Houses of Parliament.

Renault’s “brilliantly green” electric supermini ZOE proved she also has bite after being declared the new eco champion in awards presented at the Houses of Parliament today.

Naming ZOE the overall Green Apple Awards winner, in conjunction with The Green Organisation, which recognises and promotes environmental best practice around the globe, members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers voted using the experience they have with vehicles and knowledge of the technology that lies behind them. The French brand’s star plug-in electric model also carried off the prize for small family cars.

One of the judges said multi-award winning ZOE "could be the car that makes people consider electric cars as a viable option” and that it’s “the most mainstream electric car yet”.

He added, "Quite apart from being brilliantly green, it could also be the car that starts making our city centres and shopping centre car parks zero emissions and environmentally friendly. Arguably, it is the most real-world option presented to buyers to make a decision on whether electric motoring is for them. For this, it’s doubly significant, and why it’s my overall winner.”

A fellow judge said, "ZOE is a wonderful mix of a smart looking small family car and the sort of technology that wins friends the first time it's driven. It made me smile and the overall running costs are likely to keep that grin on owners' faces for years."

Another added, "It's a simply brilliant new entrant in the search for zero emissions motoring and fully deserves to stand at the top of the podium at the Houses of Parliament."

Renault’s best-selling Z.E. model is rapidly becoming a darling of the auto industry awards circuit, having already picked up several trophies only five months since it hit UK showrooms. The electric supermini was crowned top electric car at the Scottish Car of the Year awards last month, named the most environmentally friendly fleet car at the well-established BusinessCar ‘Techies’, and drove away with the technology award at the Fleet World Honours.

Ian Donaldson, Midland Group chairman, said: "We did not ask members simply to list the most fuel efficient cars as measured by the official statistics demanded by law, and easily accessed by anyone looking to buy a new car.

"We all know from experience that these figures can be misleading, sometimes to an enormous degree. We wanted our nominations to reflect the real world that hard-pressed motorists must live in, far away from the theoretical figures of the rolling road laboratory."

The flagship vehicle of the French brand’s four-strong 100 per cent electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and practical – perfect for commuting, supermarket and school runs, and for households who simply want to downsize their carbon footprint, as well as their running costs.

With an official NEDC range of 130 miles, the longest of any mass-market EV, and with a real-world range on a full charge of around 92 miles in temperate conditions or 64 in cold weather, ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. Well-equipped in every trim level, plus a free domestic 32 amp (7kW) ZE ready Single Wall-box, it’s priced deliberately to lure buyers out of conventionally-engined superminis, with an on-the-road price tag comparable to many diesel superminis. Prices start from £13,995 (after the UK Plug-In Car Grant), with battery hire from £70 per month.

Scottish COTY - Ford succeeds with a double win

Ford is celebrating a double victory at the Scottish Car of the Year awards, where Fiesta ST took Best Hot Hatch title and Ford’s MyKey technology was judged Innovation of the Year.

Alisdair Suttie, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers president, praised the Ford Fiesta ST which triumphed in the awards’ most hotly contested category.

“Buyers of affordable ‘pocket rockets’ are spoiled for choice these days, with power and fuel economy light years better than ever before,” said Alisdair.  “Our winner is not the most powerful of the shortlisted cars but its ease of driving and superb chassis won over the judges.”

Powered by a 180PS, 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the Ford Fiesta ST is capable of 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 139mph.

Available from only £16,995, it offers performance-tuned steering, suspension and brakes, Recaro sports seats as well as Ford MyKey as standard.

The Scottish Car of the Year judges were impressed by Ford’s MyKey, an industry-first technology which allows parents to programme a key for younger drivers that limits their top speed, reduces maximum radio volume, disables the radio until seat belts are fastened and prevents deactivation of driver assistance and safety technologies.

“Picking a winner for this year’s innovation category was harder than ever as car makers offer ever more intelligent solutions to life’s ups and downs,” said Alisdair. “However, our judges were bowled over by the simplicity, ease and inventiveness of this thoroughly deserved award winner.”

Danny Bell, Ford Britain’s district manager for Scotland, said:  “It is always a great pleasure to accept awards here in Scotland, especially when they champion automotive innovation and vehicle appeal as strongly as the 2013 Scottish Car of the Year awards do.  The Ford Britain team joins me in thanking the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for this recognition.”

Scottish COTY - The Car of the Year is - Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen’s best-selling family hatchback, the Golf, which went on sale in the UK in January and has since won a string of accolades, has added a new title to its name after winning both the Family Car and, for the first time, the overall prize at the 2013 Scottish Car of the Year awards.  The award was presented last night at a ceremony held in Glasgow.

Commenting on the Golf’s performance, Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: ‘Success can often breed complacency but that’s certainly not the case on this occasion.  In a world of uncertainty there’s something solid, familiar and reassuring about our Family Car of the Year yet at the same time this is a thoroughly modern machine.  Its engines are among the most frugal in the segment, there’s a choice of bodystyles and, to both look at and sit in, it feels a nudge above the rest.  Seven generations on and still going strong, take to the driving range in what we believe is every car you’ll ever need.’

Robert Hazelwood, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: ‘2013 has been the year of the Golf. Following a successful UK launch in January the car has gone from strength to strength. It has won awards on both a European and world stage – but the UK awards are the ones which have the most tangible results. Winning the overall Scottish Car of the Year accolade is a huge boost and our Retailers north of the border will be delighted with the additional success I am sure this will bring to the car.’

He continued: ‘From the standard hatchback, through the GTI and GTD performance versions to the economical BlueMotion and the spacious Estate, there is a Golf to suit every need and desire.  The Golf’s high levels of quality, safety equipment, technology and value for money have made it a winner, and we’re delighted these attributes have been recognised in this award.’

The seventh-generation Golf has been named overall World Car of the Year and European Car of the Year, as well as taking numerous awards from a number of publications.

The latest Golf is lighter, safer, more advanced, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped than previous generations of Europe’s best-seller, of which over 30 million have been sold since its introduction in 1974 – some 1.6 million of these in the UK.

All Golf models come with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, five three-point seatbelts, ABS with ESP, XDS electronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats, while standard technology includes a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, DAB digital radio, CD player, MDI interface (for connecting iPod or MP3 player), Bluetooth telephone preparation and audio streaming and eight speakers.  Also standard is ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, among a host of other features.  Prices start at £16,495 OTR, RRP.

The Scottish Car of the Year awards were established in 1998, and are judged by all 15 members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, who represent publications and websites from across the country.

The ASMW was founded in 1961 and continues to represent the vast majority of working motoring writers/broadcasters in Scotland.  The membership includes staffers and freelancers covering radio stations, regional and national newspapers, websites and an array of specialist publications. For more details of the Volkswagen Golf, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk or contact your local Volkswagen Retailer.

Scottish COTY - Best Budget car, The Dacia Sandero

Trailblazing Dacia followed up its stunning Scottish Car of the Year Awards debut last year, including overall Car of the Year for Duster, by picking up another trophy this time around.

Only 12 months on from its hat-trick at the same awards, the “smart buy” Dacia brand is celebrating after the festivities, no doubt with something of a sore head, as the UK’s “most affordable new car” Sandero lived up to its billing after being named best budget motor. It triumphed ahead of stablemate runner-up Logan MCV, with both “comfortably ahead” of the Skoda Rapid and SEAT Toledo in the category, according to the judges.

The Scottish Car of the Year Awards is run and judged by the 15 full members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. President Alisdair Suttie said: “With the economy still in recovery, car buyers are more budget conscious than ever. From the manufacturer behind last year’s Scottish Car of the Year, our winner shows that quality, driving pleasure and plenty of standard equipment don’t have to come at a price.”

Dacia owner Renault also drove off with a record hat-trick of trophies on what proved to be a triumphant night north of the border. According to judges, it is the first time a manufacturer has taken so many accolades in the 15-year history of SCOTY.

Clio won best small car, Captur was named top crossover and ZOE completed a high voltage evening for the French marque after being crowned electric car of the year at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow.

Mark Potter, Director, Northern Region, Renault UK, said: ““To win a record amount of trophies at one awards ceremony is fantastic recognition. Our new brand, Dacia, and its ‘shockingly affordable’ models,  have really struck a chord with British buyers. Having just handed over our 10,000th Dacia in Perth this month was a particular high. The Scots clearly know and love a bargain when they see one.

“Jaw-dropping prices from only £5,995 probably have a lot to do with it. With supermini style and space for city car money, our Dacia Sandero is already attracting a lot of attention, building on the success of its big brother, last year's overall winner Duster, which has a strong following in the Scottish market.”

Scottish COTY - Renault take hat-trick of awards

Renault drove off with a record hat-trick of trophies at the Scottish Car of the Year awards in Glasgow last night.

Clio triumphed as best small car, Captur was named top crossover and ZOE completed a high voltage evening for the French marque after being crowned electric car of the year. Combined with sister brand, Dacia, according to the judges, it’s the first time a manufacturer has taken so many accolades in the 15-year history of SCOTY.

Collecting the awards at the glittering ceremony held at the Thistle Hotel, Mark Potter, Director, Northern Region, Renault UK, said: “To win three trophies is fantastic recognition for Renault north of the Border. We’ve had a great start to the year, especially with the arrival of our latest three superminis and the refreshed Scénic range. The greater shift towards economical, efficient cars is where our cars are really shining, and I’m delighted to accept these awards which prove that we’re really hitting the mark."

The Scottish Car of the Year Awards is run and judged by the 15 full members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. Its president, Alisdair Suttie, said Renault is enjoying a “new-found confidence on the back of some impressive new releases” at the event, which also featured the iconic Clio – the company’s best-selling model, which continues to show-off its Va Va Voom.

He added: “Clio proves small really can be beautiful, with high fashion combined with low running costs. It also offers plenty of equipment and space mixed with real driving appeal.

“Renault Captur’s desirable good design mixes with space for the family plus some of the most efficient engines in the segment. These qualities ensured victory against a broad mix of models , some two-wheel-drive, some four and some offering the choice of either.”

Spiralling fuel costs and concerns about climate change have seen plug-in electric cars gaining an increasingly stronger presence in recent times, and once again the judges picked Renault’s flagship electric model, ZOE, as best of the bunch.

Alisdair said: “Cost has always been a problem with electric vehicles, but an innovative battery lease solution makes this year's winner a genuine alternative to a conventionally powered supermini.”

Earlier this year, Clio and ZOE picked up trophies for best small car and technology at the Fleet World Honours. Electric supermini ZOE was also named the most environmentally-friendly fleet car at the well-established BusinessCar ‘Techies’, while chic and cheerful newcomer Captur landed Renault a hat-trick of Next Green Car Awards.

Scottish COTY - Best Executive car - AUDI A3

Executive class honours go to the Audi A3, chosen by the expert panel formed of members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers

• Audi A3 wins Executive Car category in 2013 SCOTY awards
• A3 range now comprises three-door, Sportback, Saloon and flagship S3 variants, plus the forthcoming all-new Cabriolet due in March 2014
• S3 Saloon and S3 Cabriolet also planned for next year
• Gripping quattro permanent all-wheel-drive takes to new TDI engine
• A3 prices start from £18,280 OTR for the three-door SE, to £32,740 for the S3 Sportback quattro

Throughout its most ambitious expansion programme ever the all-new Audi A3 range – which will soon include three-door, five-door Sportback, Saloon, Cabriolet and S quattro models – has been making waves in the media, and a Scottish Car of the Year Executive Category Award is the latest acknowledgement of its popularity.

Presented last night at a high profile ceremony in Glasgow, the hotly contested Executive Car of the Year award comes courtesy of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, whose members test dozens of new cars each year and report their findings in the country’s key national and regional titles.

Commenting on the class victory Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association, said: “The premium arena has become a closely contested battlefield. Historically a segment dominated by the Germans, 2013 is no exception with models from the big three brands all featuring highly on the voting sheets. Our winner was the first executive hatch of its type when the original was launched in 1996 and now in its third generation continues to set the standards in terms of desirability and quality. An array of impressively efficient yet powerful engines seals the deal.”

Ben Fish, Product Marketing Manager for Audi UK, added: “The Audi A3 range is broader and more appealing than ever, but it also has competition that has never been more formidable, so it is hugely gratifying to see the car that originally carved out the premium compact hatch segment continuing to excel in the eyes of such respected judges. The fact that they have deemed it to be worthy of an executive category award only reinforces the huge strides forward made by the latest generation model.”

An Audi A3 for all applications
Three different variants of the Audi A3 are now available to order in the UK, the most recent of which being the A3 Saloon, which will be followed in 2014 by a fourth Cabriolet version. Depending on body style these can be combined with a choice of up to eight advanced petrol and TDI engines, including the ultra-frugal 74.3mpg, 99g/km 1.6 TDI and the potent 300PS 2.0-litre TFSI reserved for the S3. The more powerful engines in the range can also be combined with quattro all-wheel-drive.

The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback are offered in SE, Sport or the top-end S line trim, and the Saloon with a Sport or S line specification. Prices start at £18,280 OTR for the A3 1.2 TFSI SE and rise to £29,435 OTR for the A3 2.0 TDI 184 PS quattro S line. Sportback variants command a £620 premium over three-door models, and Saloons a £550 premium over their Sportback equivalents.

At the high performance end of the spectrum, S3 and S3 Sportback prices start at £30,640 and £31,260 respectively.

Scottish COTY - Best Eco Car - Mazda6 2.2d

• New Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel models win ‘Eco Car Award’ at 2013 SCOTY event
• Judges praise new Mazda6’s ‘no compromise’ approach to space, comfort and practicality
• Choice of 24 new Mazda6 diesel models priced from £21,995 (on the road)

Mazda’s ground-breaking new Mazda6, which features the Japanese brand’s fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, has won the 2013 Eco Car Award at the annual Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) awards ceremony, held in Glasgow on Friday evening.

The popular new Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel which claimed the Eco Car Award, delivers fuel economy up to 67.3mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions from 108g/km – ensuring that Mazda customers benefit every day from the company’s ‘defy convention’ approach to engineering.  This automotive philosophy guarantees outstanding performance, as well as great fuel economy together with low CO2 emissions, without having to downsize engine capacity.

In Scotland, the new Mazda6 tourer and saloon models were also ranked as ‘runner up’ in the Estate and Family categories of SCOTY by the 15-judges who are members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).

ASMW President Alisdair Suttie commented: “Who said saving money has to be dull?  Not us, and this year’s eco award winner disproves this assumption completely.  The new Mazda6 demonstrates that frugality doesn’t mean having to compromise on space, comfort and practicality, or any of the other attributes that make up the ideal family transport.”

New Mazda6 buyers can select from 36 saloon and tourer models, with prices ranging from £19,595 to £28,295 on-the-road (OTR).  There is a choice of petrol or diesel power (from 145ps to 175ps), and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions – depending on model.  All the SKYACTIV powertrains available with new Mazda6 are fitted with Mazda’s unique fuel-saving idle-stop system, i‑stop, which delivers the fastest restarts in the industry: 0.35 seconds (petrol engines) and 0.40 seconds (diesel).

"Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV technology is genuinely ground-breaking, enabling us to create best-in-class award-winning vehicles like the new Mazda6, a fact that has now been acknowledged by the presentation of this 2013 Eco Car Award in Scotland– the eighth award new Mazda6 has received since going on sale in January,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

“Earlier this year the new Mazda6 saloon also beat off strong competition to win the ‘Best Family Car’ category at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards.  New Mazda6 was our first car to feature the full KODO-Soul of Motion design language and the first to be available with Mazda’s truly innovative i-ELOOP regenerative braking system which can deliver an additional fuel saving of up to 10 per cent fuel, depending on driving conditions,” adds Allibon.

Last month, the new Mazda6 received a 5-Star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, the highest rating possible.  Now officially one of the safest cars on the road in Britain, the new Mazda6 result endorses Mazda’s strategy of enhancing the safety of all its new vehicles by introducing innovations such as the impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body technology.

Both the new Mazda6 saloon and tourer scored top marks in all four Euro NCAP test categories – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assist systems and pedestrian safety – after undergoing several crash tests.

“The new Mazda6 saloon and tourer line-up offers customers a remarkably compelling ownership proposition, thanks to its excellent fuel economy, low emissions, typically Mazda fun-to-drive performance, high specifications, attractive pricing, low running costs and excellent residual values,” concludes Allibon.

Scottish COTY - Best Diesel - SEAT Leon 2.0 TDi

• Coveted Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Diesel Car award for the most powerful diesel SEAT Leon ever produced
• SCOTY judges praise the car’s outstanding performance and economy  
• SEAT Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS on sale now, priced at £22,075
• Fourth award for the SEAT Leon during 2013
• SEAT announces availability of DSG gearbox for 184 PS 2.0 TDI engine
• SEAT is swapping chorizo and Rioja for haggis and whisky to celebrate taking the Diesel Car prize at the annual Scottish Car of the Year Awards (SCOTY).

The Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS won the coveted award during a glitzy bash at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel, beating off stiff competition from cars as distinguished as the Audi SQ5, Range Rover TDV6, and BMW 320d Touring.

Presenting the award at the evening ceremony, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) President Alisdair Suttie said that the car’s “smart styling sets it apart from all the alternatives and it’s an engaging car to drive – but costs less to run than some superminis.”

It does indeed. With a combined fuel consumption rating of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just109 g/km, the Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS is the definition of fast and frugal. It gets to 62 mph from zero in just 7.4 seconds and tops out at 142 mph, and with 380 Nm, it’s got more torque than two Caterham Roadsport 175s.

“Everyone who drove the SEAT was impressed by its sheer completeness. Not only does it have the looks, performance and driving dynamics to shame many hot hatches, but the low emissions and exceptional economy figures will strike a chord with Scottish buyers who are canny with their cash," says Stephen Park, ASMW Secretary.

The Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS certainly doesn’t have hot hatch running costs, and at £22,255, doesn’t have a hot hatch price tag either. And nor does it scrimp on kit, coming as standard with an FR-specific body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, drive-altering SEAT Drive Profile, sports-shaped front seats, SEAT Easy Entry system for comfortable back-end access, dual-zone climate control, dark tinted rear windows and sports suspension.

The car is also eligible for SEAT’s remarkable free Technology Pack offer, which has been extended until at least the end of 2013 for retail customers. It makes the £1,075 pack free-of-charge, meaning buyers can add full-LED headlights, satellite navigation and DAB digital radio to their Leon for the same price as a walk in the Highlands.

Announcing the SEAT Leon FR TDI 184 PS DSG

The SCOTY Diesel Car award presents the perfect opportunity to announce the arrival of a DSG automatic version of the Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS, which begins production at the end of this year, for first deliveries in January 2014.

The quick-shifting DSG retains the manual car’s 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, while the top speed dips very slightly to 140 mph. Fuel economy is startling, with a 62.8 mpg combined consumption rating and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km. The price premium over an equivalent manual is £1,250.

SEAT sales and awards success

The SCOTY Best Diesel Car award is the first for the SEAT Leon SC specifically, but the fourth for the Leon model, with the five-door having won awards from What Car? and Auto Express – including the overall Car of the Year prize from the latter.

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year.

Scottish COTY - Best drop top goes to - The Citroen DS3

• Citroën DS3 Cabrio awarded ‘Drop Top’ honour at Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2013
• Presented by Association of Scottish Motoring Writers at prestigious ceremony in Glasgow
• DS3 Cabrio wins out against rivals Vauxhall Cascada & Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Citroën’s DS3 Cabrio has been named best ‘Drop Top’ at this year’s Scottish Car of the Year awards. Following in the footsteps of the multi-award winning hatchback model, DS3 Cabrio caught the judges’ attention with its class-leading features, chic styling and unique personality.

Inheriting all the hallmarks and thrills of DS3 – a model that was named TopGear Magazine Car of the Year in 2010 – DS3 Cabrio combines bold styling, sophisticated refinement, extensive personalisation and enjoyable handling with the pleasure of al-fresco driving.

DS3 Cabrio saw off competition from the Vauxhall Cascada and Audi RS5 Cabriolet to be named top of the drop-tops by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) at this year’s awards ceremony in Glasgow.

Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said; “The winner in our drop top category is a model which enhances the appeal of a car that has delivered a turnaround in fortunes for its maker. Style is arguably the top priority in this segment and this chic and characterful newcomer has it in abundance. There’s a choice of petrol or diesel power plus a huge degree of personalisation options allowing owners to create a summer loving drop top that’s truly unique. Moreover, this is the only five-seater in its class.”

Marc Raven, Communications Director at Citroën UK, added; “The DS3 line, including the fantastic Cabrio, continues to win the affections of both public and press, and this latest award is further evidence of the model’s popularity. Thanks to its class-leading space and versatility, DS3 Cabrio delivers all the fun of a drop-top with the practicality of a hatchback – we’re very proud of it. On behalf of Citroën UK, I’d like to thank the ASMW judges for this official recognition.”

Previous Citroën winners at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards have included Citroën DS5 Hybrid4 for ‘Best Eco Car’ and C3 Picasso for ‘MPV of the Year.’

Scottish COTY - Jaguar Land Rover wins three awards

• Jaguar F-TYPE receives Sporting category honours
• Range Rover receives Scottish Luxury Car of the Year award
• Range Rover Sport named SUV of the Year

Jaguar Land Rover achieved a remarkable triple success at the 2013 Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with honours going to the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Jaguar F-TYPE sports car.

The Jaguar F-TYPE beat stiff competition to win the Sporting category award, impressing the judges – some of Scotland’s most important motoring journalists – with its elegant design, formidable performance and impressive customer appeal.

Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: "We have waited a very long time for the Jaguar F-TYPE, more than four decades in fact, but this year’s Sporting winner does it with panache. It also does it with elegance, superb performance and complete desirability."

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, accepted the award at a ceremony in Glasgow and commented: “This award is a wonderful recognition of the efforts invested in creating the new F-TYPE. It is a sports car that reaffirms the brand’s sporting bloodline in both its performance and design.”

Range Rover received the Best Luxury Car Award, an acknowledgement of how Land Rover has continued to develop the quality, comfort and refinement of the fourth generation vehicle.

Alisdair Suttie said: “Luxury comes in many forms, but the Range Rover brings together such a broad range of talents, it stands head and shoulders above the competition. It also brings innovative design, supreme comfort and world-beating style.”

The accolade adds to a growing list of industry awards for the new Range Rover, including luxury car of the year titles from What Car? and Top Gear Magazine.

The all-new Range Rover Sport was also named Scottish SUV of the Year. Sharing the same lightweight construction principles with its larger sibling, and built on the same highly efficient production line at Land Rover’s Solihull plant, the new Range Rover Sport has made significant advances in handling, performance and customer appeal.

“A good SUV has to be many things: good looking, roomy, comfortable and ideally great both on road and off,” said Alisdair Suttie. “Thanks to an all-aluminium lightweight body that has helped it lose 400kg, the latest Range Rover Sport is all those things, as well as being much faster and surprisingly economical.

“Factor in the availability of a seven-seat option and we think this is the best SUV available on the roads of Scotland today.”

The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport awards were accepted by Fiona Pargeter, Head of Global PR Communications, Jaguar Land Rover, who commented: “Scotland is a key market for Land Rover, so we are extremely proud to receive these awards, and value the recognition they make of Land Rover raising the bar for quality and performance in the premium SUV market.”