ABARTH wins rising star award, and i thought it had been around for a while.

Proof that Abarth cars are creating growing numbers of satisfied owners is shown by today’s new survey from an independent review site which votes the performance car brand ‘Rising Star of the Year 2014’.

The site, WeLoveAnyCar.com says Abarth drivers are among the happiest car owners in the UK, adding that the Abarth 500, 595 and 695 ranges have created some of the “most satisfied drivers in the UK”, scoring a satisfaction rating of 4.34 out of 5.

The results were revealed today in the WeLoveAnyCar.com National Car Awards 2014, which are judged in several categories, including excitement, comfort, driver fun and running costs. Based on average scores given by more than 650,000 real-life car owners, the results are reached after reviewers independently enter their findings.

“The Abarth range is clearly aimed at enthusiasts and from the reviews we’ve seen on our site, the latest model range has clearly hit the spot,” says WeLoveAnyCar.com. “It’s great to see a car brand that is aimed so squarely at people who love cars achieving what they set out to achieve, and that’s one of the main reasons we’re proud to call Abarth our Rising Star in 2014”

Among the comments received from real-owner reviewers were:

“Quite easily one of the best cars I've owned or driven - superb, cheeky fun without being overpowered or outrageously fast.”

“I adore this little car, it always puts a smile on my face even just looking at it.”

“I just love it. It puts a smile on my face after a rubbish day at work and when big cars get caught out!”

“Of course we think our cars are wonderful,” says Gerry Southerington, head of brand, Abarth UK. “So it’s refreshing to hear that our customers think so too. A combination of great looks, performance, desirability and value for money has put us in the minds of thousands of happy new owners, as the WeLoveAnyCar.com findings so clearly show.”

Available in hard top or convertible form, the Abarth 500 range starts at £14,560 (OTR) for the 1.4 T-Jet 135hp manual.

Special Britain only Bentley to celebrate 95th Anniversary.

• 15 unique ‘Mulsanne 95’ models celebrate company’s 95^th anniversary
• British-inspired materials and design showcase the very best of Bentley’s craftsmanship
• Elegant blend of contemporary and heritage bespoke features
• Exclusively reserved for customers in the UK

Bentley is marking its 95^th anniversary in the UK by unveiling the ‘Mulsanne 95’, a striking special edition of the company’s luxurious flagship model. Only 15 examples will be hand crafted by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe and all are reserved for customers in the United Kingdom. Their British-inspired colours, as well as a unique wood veneer and range of design cues, all emphasise the exclusive nature of the Mulsanne.

Three bespoke exterior colours; Britannia Blue, Empire Red and Oxford White – created especially for this limited run of cars and then hand-finished at Bentley’s own paintshop – have been conceived for the Mulsanne 95 with each option reflecting Bentley’s proud British roots.

The classic red, white and blue colour palette is complemented by some eye-catching exterior design touches unique to Mulsanne 95, with a dark tint finish given to the iconic Flying B bonnet mascot and the striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels.

The cabin of the Mulsanne 95 showcases Bentley’s ability to skilfully blend contemporary features with the luxurious wood veneers and leather hides for which the company is renowned.

Illuminated treadplates featuring a bespoke ‘NINETY FIVE’ script and union flag detail turn the simple act of opening the door into an occasion.  A distinctive ‘95’ emblem has been embroidered onto the front and rear seats as well as featuring on the passenger fascia panel.

 

Bentley’s passion for uncovering beautiful and sustainable wood veneers that bring character and great decorative taste throughout a cabin means the company has a team of experts searching around the globe for new designs. For this distinctly British model, however, the team found inspiration closer to home.

The Mulsanne 95 features a particularly rare and noteworthy wood veneer selected by Bentley from a huge walnut tree – estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old – which came down at Fulbeck Hall in Lincolnshire during a heavy storm in 2007. The Fulbeck Walnut veneer features in the signature ‘ring of wood’ that encompasses the entire interior, and its complex pattern displays a rare rippled effect which sweeps through the cabin.  This unique veneer is complemented by a blue and white two-tone leather split with red contrast stitching to elegantly continue the British theme.

The 15 Mulsanne 95 models are available for customer order now through Bentley’s network of 22 UK sales locations.