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.”