AUTOCAR GAME CHANGER - The Seat Ateca takes an award as it moves the goal posts for the brand.

• Autocar honours the new SEAT Ateca in its 2017 awards as a “game changer”
• Judges rate the Ateca as instantly the best in its class, outperforming well-established rivals including the Nissan Qashqai
• Ateca at the heart of SEAT’s brand transformation, leading a massive new product offensive that will also see the showroom launch of  the All-new Ibiza in July and the new Arona compact crossover a few months later
• Ateca range continues to offer more with introduction of new FR sports versions

The SEAT Ateca’s trophy shelf has been extended yet again, this time to make room for a “Game Changer” prize in the 2017 Autocar Awards.

It’s one of a select number of honours Autocar presents to cars introduced in the past year that have “set new standards or defied convention by turning the established order on its head”.

That’s certainly true of the Ateca, SEAT’s first SUV, which in double-quick time has established itself as a winning prospect among the motoring media and the UK’s discerning car buyers alike. The positive opinions of Autocar’s road testers have been borne out by unprecedented sales figures for a new SEAT model.

Mark Tisshaw, Autocar Editor, said:  “The whole mainstream industry is now making a family SUV, but no-one is making a better one than SEAT with its Ateca.

“This is no mean feat, given the company has never made one before in its history. It's also unsurprising, as SEAT is on a roll with good cars at the moment. The Ateca caps a remarkable turnaround for them.”

The award follows the verdict voiced by Autocar’s enthusiastic 4.5-star road test, which declared the Ateca to be “an assured accomplishment, instantly establishing its place in a popular segment, while also surpassing second and third-generation rivals. It moved the Ateca straight to the top of its class, ahead of such notable rivals as the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar.

Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director, accepted the award at a prestigious ceremony hosted this evening at Silverstone. He said:  “It is great to see the Ateca being recognised for setting a new benchmark in the highly competitive SUV market. It’s playing a big role in the transformation of SEAT in the UK too, being the most successful new car launch in our history, and attracting significant numbers of new customers to our brand.

“The product development team in Barcelona are doing an incredible job, which is why we are equally excited about the arrival of our All-new Ibiza and the prospect of Arona taking us into yet another part of the market later in 2017. Together with the recently launched New Leon, our award-winning product range keeps on growing, and more and more UK car buyers are now discovering how SEAT offers a desirable and fresh alternative to more traditional car brands.”

The Ateca line-up continues to expand to reach an even wider customer base. New sporty FR versions are the latest addition, available to order from July for delivery from August.

AUTOCAR GAME CHANGER - The Mazda UK MD takes the Outstanding Leadership award in 2017.

• Autocar Magazine has recognised Mazda UK’s MD as an Outstanding Leader at its annual awards.
• Jeremy Thomson collected the award at the 2017 Autocar Awards held at Silverstone Circuit.
• Managing Director since 2008, Jeremy leads a team of 130 people at Mazda UK. 

The achievements and career of Mazda UK’s Managing Director Jeremy Thomson have been acknowledged at the 2017 Autocar Awards. Winner of an Autocar Award for Outstanding Leadership, Jeremy joined the other prize winners on stage at Autocar’s influential industry awards ceremony, held at Silverstone Circuit’s famous Wing building, to collect his award. 

Following 12 years at Ford Motor Company, Thomson joined Mazda UK as Fleet Director when the company was founded in 2001, after Marketing Director and Sales Director roles, Jeremy became Managing Director in 2008 and has been instrumental in driving the company forward, overseeing a restructure following the financial crisis and returning the company to profitability and sales success, a very substantial turnaround in just 12 months. 

Over the last nine years Thomson has led the Mazda team in a number of initiatives that have helped build brand strength. Amongst his numerous achievements as Managing Director Thomson also led the team to develop Mazda MyWay - a new and unique retailing experience for central London that uses both traditional dealers as well as brand ambassadors to deliver a unique and personal customer experience for people who live in central London where Mazda has no dealer representation, and it will shortly be extended to other regions.

Thomson also took on leadership of Mazda Ireland - turning a loss making business to one that is profitable and has pushed his team within Mazda UK to develop customer service to new heights, resulting in more engaged and happy customers. 

As an extension of this he has led the team on Mazda’s ‘Challenger at Retail’ programme, shifting how Mazda interacts with consumers and strongly supporting those dealers that see improvement in their customer satisfaction scores. 

A new corporate identity has been introduced to all UK dealerships, transforming the 132 locations and giving customers a premium experience that sets the foundations for the company’s imminent launch of the next generation of SKYACTIV cars.

Ensuring dealer satisfaction and making sure Mazda is an easy, engaging and profitable brand to do business with has been at the heart of the Mazda UK’s culture under Thomson’s leadership and the company recently achieved its best performance in 25 years in the National Franchised Dealer Association survey of dealer satisfaction. 

“I am extremely flattered to be recognised by Autocar for this prestigious award”, commented Jeremy Thomson. 

“Although it is perhaps a cliché, this is really a reflection of the incredible team effort from across our UK business and dealer network, and especially my colleagues in the senior management team who have been with me for many years. The progress we have made provides firm foundations for future growth and the brand has transformed itself since we started the business in 2001 as a national sales company. 

The years to come will almost certainly see a transformation in how the automotive sector operates and responds to quickly evolving customer needs and technical innovation – the experience I have of the UK market will, I trust, allow the Mazda brand and our network partners to continue to grow and prosper.”

AUTOCAR GAME CHANGER - The Renault zoe is one of the models to be honoured this year.

• Renault ZOE recognised with Autocar’s ‘Game Changer’ award
• ZOE now provides range of up to 250 miles (NEDC) – the longest of any mainstream electric vehicle
• Autocar Award builds upon several recent awards for ZOE
• ZOE available from £14,245 (after Plug-in Car Grant)
• ZOE Z.E.40 available from £18,170 (after Plug-in Car Grant)

The Renault ZOE has received the ‘Game Changer’ award by Autocar judges at the world’s oldest motoring magazine’s annual awards ceremony at Silverstone this evening. 

The Renault ZOE, fitted with the new 250-mile range (NEDC) Z.E.40 battery, has been recognised at the Autocar Awards 2017 as a true innovator in the ever-growing electric vehicle market. 

The Renault ZOE’s new Z.E. 40 battery delivers almost double the range of the previous battery, providing motorists with an electric vehicle option that is better suited to many lifestyles with the average daily commuting distance being well within the ZOE’s capabilities. Renault, as Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle manufacturer, believes in giving the customer confidence in their use of electric vehicles by estimating ZOE’s real-world range as 186 miles.

Commenting on the decision to award the ZOE Autocar’s ‘Game Changer’ award, Mark Tisshaw, Editor, Autocar said: “The new Renault ZOE is an important step in bringing affordable electric motoring to the masses. An already good car has been improved further, now coming with a real-world range that extends close to 200 miles to make it a more viable everyday proposition for more people. We commend Renault for that, and recognise the ZOE as a trailblazer for electric cars.” 

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Renault UK, said of the result: “The Renault ZOE has always excelled at providing motorists with a stylish, comfortable and practical electric car at an affordable price tag. The 2017 ZOE with the Z.E.40 battery, as well as interior and exterior upgrades, builds on this success and now delivers the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle. We’re delighted that Autocar has recognised the ZOE as a pioneer in the electric vehicle sector.” 

The ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in a choice of three trim levels and with two battery options. Despite its affordability, the entry level Expression Nav comes with a high level of standard specification including items such as climate control and the 7-inch touch screen R-Link infotainment system with sat-nav. Dynamique Nav features include hands free keycard, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The all-new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim provides buyers with features including supple leather upholstery, a seven speaker BOSE® audio system, heated front seats and a rear parking camera. All retail customers receive a free 7kW wall box charger fully-installed at their home when they purchase a ZOE. 

With the new Z.E.40 battery, ZOE’s range is 250 miles (NEDC) – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions this equates to around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in extreme cold winter conditions. ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 60 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon Charger™ that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum. Renault’s Range OptimiZer technology ensures ZOE is highly efficient with its heat pump, a bi-modal braking system and Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres all as standard. 

The Autocar award builds on the ZOE’s other achievements in 2017 including ‘Best Electric Car’, and ‘Best Electric Car under £20,000’, for the fourth consecutive year at the What Car? Awards 2017 and ‘Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle’ at the Fleet World Honours 2017. The ZOE has also been awarded as a Which? ‘Best Buy’ 2016, ‘Best Electric Car’ by CarBuyer and was named ‘Best Supermini’ as well as finishing second overall out of 183 vehicles in the Auto Express Driver Power Awards 2016. 

2016’s Autocar Awards saw Renault’s Senior Vice-President of Corporate Design, Laurens van den Acker, named Designer of the Year. The designer was honoured for his leadership, vision and style following his role in Renault’s design revolution which he joined in 2009. 

ZOE is one of three models in Renault’s diverse electric vehicle range which also includes the Twizy quadricycle and the Kangoo Van Z.E. A larger van, the Master Z.E., will join the growing line-up from late 2017.

Skoda celebrates with four awards at the recently announced DieselCar Top 50 cars

• ŠKODA models scoop four category titles in the 2017 DieselCar Top 50
• Kodiaq named Best Large SUV, while Superb named Best Large Car and Best Large Estate 
• Recently facelifted Octavia also awarded Best Medium Estate title
• Judges praise ŠKODA’s value, practicality and high quality

ŠKODA has emerged with one of its biggest haul of industry accolades in DieselCar Magazine’s annual Top 50 awards. The respected automotive title named the Kodiaq, Superb and Octavia as the best in their respective categories in its 2017 list of the best diesel cars currently on sale.

The highest placed model in the DieselCar Top 50 was the Kodiaq, which finished fifth overall and took the Best Large SUV title. Commenting on the Kodiaq’s award, DieselCar editor and publisher Ian Robertson said: “The Kodiaq is mighty close to being the perfect car. 

This five- and seven-seater is practical, comfortable and tough enough to revel in family life. That’s the basics covered, but get behind the wheel and you’ll also find the best interior in any ŠKODA so far, and a surprisingly rewarding driving experience. 

To top it all off, the Kodiaq offers great value for money, and ŠKODA owners rate the brand highly for customer satisfaction.”

The Superb also wowed the judging panel with its value, practicality and quality – finishing in eighth overall and easily winning both the Best Large Car and Best Large Estate titles. 

“The Superb has long been known for the incredible interior space it offers, but you can now add true desirability to its list of attributes,” said Ian Robertson. “With a sharp design both inside and out, the Superb is winning fans both in hatchback and estate guises. 

Buyers are bowled over by its value for money, impressive engines and lengthy specification list, along with the accomplished way the Superb drives. New SportLine editions add an extra dose of visual drama and desirability.”

The recently facelifted Octavia completed ŠKODA’s haul of titles, finishing in 14th overall and taking the Best Medium Estate honour. 

The judging panel praised the new model’s high equipment levels and the broad range of models available. 

Ian Robertson added: “The Octavia Estate has a boot bigger than most models from the next class up. It’s good to drive and the hot vRS model offers all the performance most of us will ever need.”

Rounding off an exceptional performance by the brand, the Yeti also made the Top 50 list - finishing in 33rd overall. The judging panel highlighted the SUV’s agile driving experience, practicality and robust residual values.

This latest round of honours adds to an impressive list of industry titles already won by ŠKODA models in 2017. These include three 2017 WhatCar? Awards, a Fleet World Award for the Superb and DieselCar Used Car title, also for the Superb.

WHAT VAN ? - The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work takes the green award at this years awards.

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work wins Green Award at 2017 What Van? Awards for providing the “best solution for environmentally-conscious operators.”
• Businesses benefit from low running costs and 100% capital allowance in the first year
• Priced from £22,879 (excluding VAT and including £7,255 grant – based on GX3h)

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work has scooped the What Van? Green Award for 2017 at the special awards luncheon in central London. 

Based on the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work offers the same style, comfort, equipment and technology as the passenger version, but with a load volume of 1,603 litres (measurement up to roof) and a payload of 495kg. 

There’s also easy access to the flat load area via the rear tailgate and rear side doors.

Unlike diesel- and petrol-powered vans, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Commercial is at its most efficient and environmentally-friendly in urban areas thanks to its electric range of up to 32 miles, but for longer journeys or on occasions when a rapid charger isn’t available there’s the backup of a 2.0-litre petrol engine which helps give the Outlander PHEV a total maximum range of 541 miles. It’s also extremely capable in the toughest of weather conditions with on demand all-wheel drive and S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) to assist the driver while cornering in low-grip situations, plus the added security of M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control).

From the operator’s point of view, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work offers a comfortable car-like driving experience and the convenience of an automatic transmission; cruise control, speed limiter, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free and auto dimming rear view mirror, while businesses benefit from its low running costs – it has an official combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 156mpg – and 100% capital allowance in the first year and reduced National Insurance contributions.

Editor of What Van? James Dallas commented, "The Outlander PHEV 4Work remains the best solution for environmentally-conscious operators who require more range than an electric van can offer. It rides and handles well on road and offers operators the capability of venturing off the beaten track. It also makes sense from an economic and environmental point of view with official fuel consumption of 157mpg coupled with CO₂ of just 42g/km.”

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK said, “Whatever segment the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV competes in, it’s a winner. We’re delighted that the What Van? editorial team appreciates the environmental and commercial benefits of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Commercial and has seen fit to bestow the vehicle with its prestigious Green Award for 2017. Plug-in hybrid vehicles can deliver huge savings for private and commercial users and represent a key stage in helping to move motoring towards a cleaner future.”

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched in the UK in 2014 and since then over 25,000 has been sold, making it the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the UK. Two versions of the  Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4Work are available, the GX3h priced from £22,879 (excluding VAT and including the £7,225 grant), and the GX3h+ version which adds an electric pre-heater, smartphone app and heated front seats for £23, 512 (excluding VAT and including the £7,425 grant). Grants are based on 20% of the vehicle list price, up to a maximum of £8,000.

WHAT VAN ? - The British Built Vivaro takes the Best Used Van Title for the 2nd year running.

Vauxhall has picked up another award to round off a highly-successful year, with the Vivaro being named as What Van? Used Van of the Year for the second year in a row.

Now in their fourth year, the prestigious What Van? awards celebrate the best of the best in the LCV sector, with all 14 winners receiving their gongs at the awards lunch this afternoon. 

The Brit-built Vivaro was again recognised at the awards, successfully defending its title as ‘Used Van of the Year’.

“The Vivaro has again proven itself to be the most thought-out and user-friendly medium van on the market, and that combines with its stylish appeal and best-in-class Bi-Turbo engines to create an appealing proposition,” said What Van? Editor James Dallas. “The fact that it’s British-built and supporting the UK economy is the icing on the cake of a well-thought-out light commercial vehicle proposition.”

This year has seen Vauxhall’s trophy cabinet fill considerably, with the manufacturer receiving multiple awards for models across its commercial vehicle and passenger car ranges. For its CV range, Vauxhall has been recognised by Trade Van Driver, Fleet World, and Business Van magazines, among others, in a year that has also seen Vauxhall’s Luton plant – where the Vivaro is made – receive awards for health and safety.

Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Head of Commercial Vehicle Brand, said: “The Vivaro is a model we are very proud of, and to build it in the UK is something that is very important to us. To see it recognised yet again is great to see, as it continues to prove itself to CV operators with its style, practicality, comfort and efficiency.”

What Van? offers light commercial vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.

WHAT VAN ? - The Nissan Navara takes the best pick up award in this years awards ceremony.

The all-new Nissan Navara has been named Pick-Up of the Year by leading title What Van?

The honour adds to the already impressive haul of awards claimed by the market-leading model, including the coveted International Pick-Up Award 2016.

What Van? judges praised the Navara for setting a new segment benchmark for quality, refinement and technology while still offering the pulling power and payload expected of a pick-up.

James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, said: “With its combination of on-road refinement and off-road capability, the Navara is simply the best pick-up available in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Anthony Jones, Navara Product Manager at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “The Navara has completely redefined the pick-up sector since its launch and builds upon Nissan’s 80 year pick-up heritage to set new standards across the board.

“This latest award is another major endorsement of the Navara’s product quality; delivering crossover-inspired comfort and technology both on and off-road, while high powered, economical engines provide an incredible  towing capacity and payload.”

Navara’s leading features include multi-link rear suspension, forward emergency braking and around view monitor. Many safety features are available across the range including Forward Emergency Braking on all double cab models; driver, passenger, side, knee and curtain airbags; electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD); Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (on 4WD models).

Priced from £23,520 RRP, the Nissan Navara can be specified with either a double cab or a king cab and a 190PS twin-turbo or 160PS single turbo version of the 2.3-litre dCi engine. There’s also a choice of two or four-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.

Also benefiting from competitive financing and servicing offers, combined with Nissan’s LCV 5 Year / 100,000 mile warranty, the Navara gives owners the ultimate peace of mind.

WHAT VAN ? - The New Citroen Dispatch takes it's first two UK awards at the Van of the year ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has just picked up its first UK accolades since it was launched earlier this year.

The new mid-size panel van was named joint winner of both the overall Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize and the Medium Van of the Year trophy at the 2017 What Van? Awards. 

The honours were presented at the prestigious What Van? Awards luncheon in London earlier today.

What Van?’s panel of experienced judges considered the model to be “an outstanding new van that has come to the market this year”, adding that the New Dispatch “breaks new ground in the largest and most important sector of the market.”

James Dallas, Editor of WhatVan?, commented; “The Citroën Dispatch represents a big step up compared with its predecessor in terms of quality, refinement and practicality. It should propel the brand to the forefront of what is a very competitive market sector. The new Dispatch brings useful innovations to the market and it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best medium vans on offer.”

The What Van? Awards are voted for by an expert panel of judges who use their combined decades of experience to decide the winners. The awards highlight the best products, companies and services in the industry, and reward those making the biggest difference to van operators and drivers across the UK.

The design of the New Citroën Dispatch was inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs. Its styling is fluid and practical, with the all-new modular platform allowing New Citroën Dispatch to be available in three lengths. Its practicality is illustrated by an optional hands-free function for the sliding side doors and numerous improvements in the cabin that make the life of the driver significantly easier.

Besides useful everyday functions like hands-free entry and start, New Citroën Dispatch also features technology such as Mirror Screen smartphone connectivity that brings the van right up to date.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We are delighted that the New Citroën Dispatch has been voted as the best new light commercial vehicle on the market by What Van? magazine. To gain industry recognition on such an important new product, in a highly competitive market, is very important to us. We are confident that new and existing customers will be equally impressed when they get behind the wheel to experience the new van for themselves.”

WHAT VAN ? - Mercedes takes teh safety award for the seventh and every year its been around.

What Van? has once again honoured Mercedes-Benz with the Safety Award for 2017 – an accolade that the manufacturer has held for a record-breaking seventh consecutive time.

In fact, since the Safety category was added to the What Van? Awards, Mercedes-Benz has received the honour each year.

This year, there was a special mention for the Blind Spot Assist system. Blind Spot Assist enables the driver to monitor those areas that are not easily visible. 

The system utilises two near-range radar sensors in the rear bumper and covers the area to the left and right in adjacent lanes. If these sensors detect a vehicle in the blind spot while driving, a red hazard warning triangle lights up in the relevant exterior mirror. 

If the assistance system detects that the driver has activated the indicator and wants to change lanes anyway, an audible warning is issued and the red warning symbol starts to flash.

In addition to the Safety Award, Mercedes-Benz Vans was also highly commended in the Large Van Award category for Sprinter and also in the Website Award category.

The What Van? Awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry. James Dallas, Editor at What Van, said: “A vast range of effective safety kit in its LCV line-up, including Blind Spot Assist, means Mercedes-Benz continues to be the clear leader in this vital area of the market.”

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, added: “Blind Spot Assist is a fantastic example of how our safety systems benefit the businesses that use our vans – by helping to prevent accidents, the driver and other road users remain safe and the van remains on the road and earning its keep.

“It is a small system with a mighty impact and we are very proud to maintain our 100% success in this category.”