F-Type and Range Rover Sport win at UK Car of the Year awards

JAGUAR

• Jaguar F-TYPE convertible is named ‘Best Open Top Car’ at inaugural UK Car of the Year Awards (UKCOTY)
• UKCOTY judging panel includes 27 of the most respected motoring journalists in the UK
• More than 100 new cars assessed in judging process for 2014 awards

Jaguar today celebrates another 2014 honour for the F-TYPE convertible sports car, this time in the shape of the ‘Best Open Top Car’ accolade awarded by the UK Car of the Year panel of judges. 

This UKCOTY award follows honours from all corners of the globe for the F-TYPE, and is awarded by a panel comprising some of the most respected automotive journalists in Britain. Tom Ford of BBC Top Gear Magazine, Autocar contributor Richard Bremner, and The Sun Motoring Editor Ken Gibson feature in a group of experts responsible for choosing the new Jaguar sports car, over strong contenders from the likes of Audi, BMW and Lotus.

UK Car of the Year committee Managing Director John Challen said: “The generations of drivers that missed out on the E-type have a new icon in the F-TYPE. The F-TYPE has succeeded in capturing the best elements of a classic - in a modern day package.”

BBC Top Gear Magazine’s* Tom Ford remarked: “Stunning looks, raucous soundtrack, utterly outrageous V8 version.  And it’s a Jaguar.”

Ken Gibson, The Sun Motoring Editor said: “The F-TYPE convertible is a truly worthy successor to the E-type.  Jaguar once again has a genuine sports car roadster.” 

LAND ROVER

The all-new Range Rover Sport has been voted the UK’s ‘Best 4x4 Car’ by the judges at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2014.

Exploiting Land Rover's breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Sport's all-new, first-in-class aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of up to 420kg.  Priced from £51,550, the Range Rover Sport provides a unique blend of transformational on-road dynamics with world's best all-terrain performance granting unrivalled breadth of capability.

The new Range Rover Sport is available with a selection of V6 and V8 engines with CO₂ emissions as low as 194g/km on a combined cycle at 38.7mpg.  Alternatively, the 5.0L V8 engine derivative develops 510BHP, 625Nm of torque and sprints from 0-62mph in 5.3s.  Customers have a choice of three equipment levels (HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic), with a fourth derivative (SE on TDV6 models) to be available from early 2014.  An extensive choice of colours, finishes and details will enable customers to create the ultimate bespoke SUV.

The UK Car of the Year is an independent set of awards designed to highlight and advise on the best new cars on the market in the UK.  The awards are designed specifically for UK customers, with all road tests taking place on UK roads.

The panel of 27 professional journalist judges comprises some of the most respected names in motoring journalism who geographically represent the UK as a whole.  The judging panel has a combined reach of more than 80 million readers per month and aim to offer impartial advice to UK car buyers through both The UK Car of the Year awards website and their various publications.

Ken Gibson, Motoring Editor of The Sun, said: "At last the Sport lives up to its name, drives really well on road and remains unbeatable off road. No longer in the shadow of its big brother.” Tim Pollard, editor for MSN Cars added: "A brilliant multi-purpose vehicle: a combined luxury cruiser, mud-plugger, stylish town plaything and family transport,” while Tom Ford, contributing editor for Top Gear magazine, commented: “A Range Rover Sport finally worthy of the name.  Rounds off an extremely compelling Range Rover range.”