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.