MG rated third best brand in annual Driver Power survey, yeah right, better than Lexus, Mercedes and more...... mmmmm....

• British motorists have voted MG third best manufacturer in UK
• Awards voted for by 50,000 car owners  and readers of Auto Express; the UK’s biggest selling weekly automotive magazine
• MG6 also wins Auto Express 2014 Driver Power award for Best Handling
• SMMT figures show MG is fastest growing brand in UK in 2014
• MG6 range from just £15,455 to £21,195 and PCP from only £199 a month
• MG3 range from £8,399 to just £9,999 or PCP offers from just £99 a month or zero deposit

MG adds another podium position to its 90^th year celebrations after being voted the third best manufacturer in the UK in the highly influential 2014 Auto Express Driver Power Survey.  

This tops off a superb return to Driver Power for MG, which also saw the MG6 take sixth place in the model rundown as well as being crowned best-handling car. British brands took second and third place with MG finishing just behind Jaguar, with scores of 89.34 per cent and 88.98 per cent respectively. 

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: “While some brands have exceeded expectations and scored highly for particular categories, MG has scored well across the board. It took second place in the handling section and third place for both ride quality and seat comfort. It’s great to see British brands doing well.”

Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director of MG Motor UK said “MG has made a significant investment in British design, engineering and assembly and we are delighted to see that this has resulted in UK customers loving our new range of cars. The goal of the British team based in Birmingham is to continue to deliver the MG brand values and create affordable British cars with character making them great value and fun to drive, buy and own.  With these awards and SMMT figures showing that MG is the fastest growing brand in the UK this year, we are clearly succeeding”

He continued: The launch of our new supermini MG3 has increased brand awareness and enabled us to significantly expand our UK dealer network attracting thousands of new customers into the brand. The appeal of the MG6 has also been significantly increased with the addition of the superb new high-tech, performance diesel with only 129g CO₂ resulting in zero road tax in the first year. Both cars have extremely low insurance groups from just 4E for MG3 and 13E for MG6 meaning you can have a car that is fun to drive at a low cost to insure, which is especially important for younger drivers”. 

This year MG celebrates its 90th anniversary with the business in better shape than it has ever been.  In the UK, MG is not only winning awards for its cars but it is also winning on the track, with the MG6 GT jointly leading the fiercely competitive British Touring Car Championship.  Globally MG is expanding in over 40 markets with major investment in new models from parent company SAIC. To celebrate this milestone year, MG is inviting both new and old fans of the brand to see past present and future MGs at the MG 90 event on 21^st and 22^nd June at the world famous Silverstone race circuit.

Driver Power is the annual reader survey of Britain’s top-selling weekly car magazine, Auto Express. Now in its 13th year, the survey questions motorists on all aspects of the ownership experience, including reliability, running costs and comfort. The results will be published in the 30 April issue of Auto Express, while autoexpress.co.uk will be providing analysis of the data.

Top 30 Manufacturers for 2014

1. Skoda
2. Jaguar
3. MG
4. Lexus
5. Dacia
6. Porsche
7. Kia
8. Mazda
9. Mercedes
10. BMW
11. Volvo
12. Audi
13. Honda
14. Peugeot
15. Renault
16. Subaru
17. Toyota
18. Hyundai
19. Volkswagen
20. Land Rover
21. Alfa Romeo
22. Nissan
23. Mitsubishi
24. Seat
25. Ford
26. Citroen
27. Fiat
28. Jeep
29. Vauxhall
30. Mini

About MG Motor

Since the first MG went on sale 90 years ago in 1924, the iconic British brand has become world famous for making stylish cars that are fun to drive and own, at remarkably affordable prices. The latest offering, the MG3 is no exception; the new, small modern MG brings style and fun to a new generation - giving a fresh twist on the innovation, sporty performance and statement style that first made the MG badge famous.

Modern MGs are designed, engineered and undergo final assembly at MG’s historic home in Longbridge, Birmingham. 

Today, MG is owned by the SAIC Motor Corporation. SAIC Motor is currently rated 103^rd in the Fortune 500 and, in 2013, achieved record global sales of over 5.1 million units, an increase of 13.71% on 2012 sales. SAIC Motor is the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to exceed five million units in a year, and 230,000 units of this extraordinary figure can be attributed to sales of the MG and Roewe marques worldwide.

Jaguar celebrates becoming the best premium brand at Driver Power awards.

• Jaguar named best premium brand car manufacturer by owners in Driver Power survey
• Jaguar drivers eulogise about their car’s ease of driving, ride quality, performance and in-car technology
• More than 46,000 car owners took part in the customer satisfaction survey

Jaguar has been ranked the best premium car brand in the influential Driver Power manufacturer league table. The 2014 edition of the Auto Express-supported customer satisfaction survey saw the British luxury and sports car marque’s score increase by three per cent year-on-year to 89.34, as Jaguar owners gave glowing feedback on every aspect of their car.

For the third year running, Jaguar cars were praised for offering the best ride quality and ease of driving of cars from any brand. On top of this, an impressive three Jaguar products finished in the top five performance cars – with the XK topping the chart and receiving a Driver Power Award for Best Performance. Jaguar cars were also rated second-best for in-car technology.

Auto Express Editor-in-Chief Steve Fowler said: “Jaguar has moved up the Driver Power rankings in 2014 and as a result becomes the highest-ranked premium brand in the survey. Much of that is down to the way a Jaguar car drives – owners love their cars’ performance, ride and handling. If Jaguar continues to show improvements at this rate, it could top our survey next year.”

 

Success in the 2014 edition of the Driver Power survey follows a similar result in last year’s JD Power survey, where Jaguar was named the best manufacturer. It means Jaguar is now rated as the best premium brand by the two biggest motoring satisfaction surveys in the country.  

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, said: “The priority at Jaguar is to put the customer first – it’s at the forefront of our minds with every car we produce. So we’re incredibly proud to be so highly rated by the people who buy our cars. With a series of truly exciting products in the pipeline – which will be based on our new advanced aluminium architecture – we’re confident that we can continue to meet and exceed the desires of UK car buyers for many years to come.”

ŠKODA sees off industry competition to secure top spot for customer satisfaction

• ŠKODA sees off industry competition to secure top spot for customer satisfaction
• Named top brand for the fourth time in five years
• Yeti, Citigo and Superb revealed as the UK’s most satisfying cars to own
• Annual Auto Express survey uses data from 50,000 owners  

ŠKODA has recorded its second key Driver Power triumph in seven days after being awarded the prestigious ‘Best Manufacturer’ title by the readers of Auto Express. Respondents to the annual customer satisfaction survey named ŠKODA as the number one brand thanks to exceptional scores across the product range. 

The award for Best Manufacturer comes just a week after the ŠKODA Yeti, Citigo and Superb finished in the top three positions of the 2014 Driver Power 100 – a ranking of the UK’s most satisfying cars to own. The Best Manufacturer title was secured thanks to high ratings from respondents across the entire line-up. It’s also a title ŠKODA has become used to receiving, having won it four times in the last five years.  

Commenting on ŠKODA’s repeat victory, Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express said: “ŠKODA’s win in the Driver Power manufacturer league table comes a week after the Yeti, Citigo and Superb topped the model table. Across the board, owners are satisfied with pretty much every aspect of ŠKODA ownership. ŠKODA now sets the standard other car makers must strive to reach.” 

The annual Auto Express Driver Power Customer Satisfaction Survey remains one of the industry’s most influential reports, with over 50,000 owners contributing in 2014. Thanks to its performance in both the model and manufacturer categories, ŠKODA was once again the most successful brand in the 2014 survey. 

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK said: “This fabulous result emphasises ŠKODA’s strength in depth. To become the best manufacturer, you need quality throughout the range, and at ŠKODA we have that. Whether a customer chooses a Citigo or a Superb, they’re guaranteed a great car.” 

MG takes 6th place over all in Driver Power AutoExpress survey, really, REALLY, yeah right.

• Sixth overall in Top 150 Cars to Own and Winner Best Road Handling 2014
• Second Best Family Car, Third place Ride Quality, Tenth place Seat Comfort
• Finished within Top 20 for Practicality
• Owners asked to score reliability, running costs, depreciation, build quality and more
• Up to £3000 savings on MG6 under Q2 offers and available from only £199 a month PCP

Not content with taking home the Best Road Handling crown, the MG6 collected a further four top ten placings in this year’s Driver Power survey, run by Auto Express, the UK’s biggest selling weekly automotive magazine; including sixth place overall in the Top 150 Cars to Own and second in the Best Family Car category.

50,000 UK car owners took part in the annual survey, now in its 13^th year, detailing every aspect of car ownership- from performance to running costs. This year, the MG6 beat the Porsche 911 997 into second place in the Best Handling category, and finished third place behind the Land Rover Discovery MkIII and MkIV models in Best Ride Quality. Further placings include an impressive tenth in Seat Comfort and 18^th for practicality. 

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief at Auto Express said; “This is a fantastic first appearance for MG in Driver Power with the MG6. We knew when we first drove the car that it handled brilliantly and it seems owners agree. That they also rate the seat comfort and ride quality so highly is icing on the cake. We wouldn’t be surprised if the MG3 started to give the MG6 a run for its money in next year’s Driver Power survey.”

Designed, engineered and finally assembled in the UK, the MG6 is available in GT Fastback and GT Magnette saloon body styles, and available in petrol and diesel variants, from just £15,455. All MG6 models boast an impressive equipment list as standard with class leading space and superior MG driving dynamics.

The Longbridge based manufacturer has recently improved emissions of their latest 150 PS diesel engine, now emitting only 129g/Km of CO₂, while still retaining its sporty persona with 350 Nm of torque. The MG6 diesel variant is road tax exempt for the first year and costs only £110 a year to tax thereafter. 

Under the current Q2 specification upgrade offer, all MG6 customers automatically upgrade in specification for no additional costs. For example, an upgrade from an S variant to an SE is a saving of £1,200 and benefits from additional equipment such as satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control and leather steering wheel. Building on the SE trim, the TSE offers a saving of £2,000 and features front parking sensors, 18” alloy wheels, rear parking camera, leather trim, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers and electric heated seats. MG6 GT SE customers will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a Magnette, saving £3,000. PCP offers are available on all MG6 variants from only £199 a month.PCP offers are available on all MG6 variants from only £199 a month.

The 2015 Driver Power survey is now open at www.autoexpress.co.uk/driver-power

Top 150 Cars to Own 1st Skoda Yeti 2nd Skoda Citigo 3rd Skoda Superb 4th BMW 5 Series 5th Kia Rio MkIII 6th MG6 7th Toyota Prius 8th BMW 1 Series MkII 9th Renault Captur 10th Kia Cee’d MkII	Ride Quality Top 10 1st Land Rover Discovery MkIII 2nd Land Rover Discovery MkIV 3rd MG6 4th Citroen C5 MkII 5th Jaguar XK/R MkII 6th Nissan Qashqai MkII 7th Range Rover MkIII 8th Range Rover Evoque 9th Jaguar S-Type 10th Land Rover Freelander MkII	Winners by Class – Family Car 1st Skoda Superb MkII 2nd MG6 3rd Dacia Logan MCV 4th Peugeot 508 5th Citroen C5 MkII
Road Handling Top 10 1st  MG6 2nd Porsche 911 977 3rd Skoda Yeti 4th Mazda MX-5 MkIII 5th Skoda Citigo 6th Subaru Legacy MkIV 7th Audi TT/Roadster MkII 8th BMW 1 Series MkII 9th Jaguar XF 10th BMW 3 Series Coupe/ Conv MkVI	Seat Comfort Top 10 1st Volvo V70 MkII 2nd Range Rover MkIII 3rd Land Rover Discovery MkIII 4th Volvo S60 MkIII 5th Volvo C30 6th Volvo V70 MkIII 7th Land Rover Discovery MkIV 8th Volvo XC60 9th Jaguar S-Type 10th MG6

MINI, the strongest residuals in the UK, god only knows why.

• MINI vehicles hold more of their value than any other brand, a new study by Glass’s has revealed
• Industry leading average depreciation of just 16.4 per cent for MINI customers, potentially saving thousands of pounds for consumers, businesses and fleets
• MINI options can provide significant residuals uplift

MINI has the strongest UK residual values of 34 car manufacturers, an independent study by Glass’s has found.

With an annual average depreciation of just 16.4 per cent, MINI customers benefit from the strongest residual values in the industry. Glass’s study, which was revealed by Auto Express, scrutinised cars at one, three, five and seven years old to obtain fair depreciation figures.

MINI’s industry leading depreciation figures means UK customers can experience depreciation up to 10 percentage points less on their vehicle per year compared with the worst performing manufacturers. This can amount to saving of thousands of pounds when selling the vehicle.

Andrew Jackson, Head of Analytics at Glass’s, comments: “Considering that MINI operates within a classically high-RV-performing segment, combined with the desirable nature of the brand, meant that even for vehicles aged seven years, the percentage of cost new that can be expected from a MINI was appreciably more than any other brand.”

As well as strong residual values offered by entry level MINI models, many of the brand’s options and customisation choices further improve residual values for customers come resale time. This translates into affordable leasing rates ensuring MINI customers can enjoy the options they want on their vehicle for less.

Land Rover takes double award in Britain’s biggest car ownership satisfaction survey

Land Rover takes double award in Britain’s biggest car ownership satisfaction survey

Land Rover Discovery voted best ride quality

Range Rover Evoque voted best in-car tech

Awards voted for by 50,000 Auto Express readers

Land Rover has scooped two awards in Britain’s biggest customer satisfaction survey – Auto Express’s 2014 Driver Power. The annual poll received more than 50,000 responses from car owners on the issues that really matter, such as reliability, running costs and performance.

Owners were asked to rate their car out of five and Land Rover Discovery was voted as having Best Ride Quality with an impressive score of 97.59 per cent. Jaguar Land Rover dominated the category, with six out of the top 10 models.

Since its launch 25 years ago, the iconic Discovery has become a firm favourite among adventurers and everyday drivers alike, thanks to a formidable array of innovative and award-winning technologies. From Terrain Response® to Hill Descent Control, the Discovery proves it is as comfortable taking on everyday journeys as it is tackling the world's most difficult terrain.

  

In the In-Car Tech category, Auto Express magazine asked participants how they rated their cars’ audio and entertainment systems as well as other technology, such as phone connectivity and the user-friendliness of displays. Range Rover Evoque scored a near-perfect 94.15 per cent.

Evoque includes a raft of sophisticated technology features, including a high-definition centre console touch-screen display which drivers have praised for its crisp graphics and simple, intuitive on-screen navigation. The display is available with innovative dual-view technology, so driver and passenger can view independent content.

Enhancing Land Rover's existing suite of connected-car technologies for 2015 model year, Land Rover InControl^TM Apps also debuts across the range. In a world first, InControl Apps enables vehicle-optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle's touchscreen. Owners simply connect their smartphone directly to the Range Rover Evoque through a dedicated USB port to enable compatible iPhone or Android apps to function.

Also on board is the latest Surround Camera System which uses five digital cameras providing a 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area. Additional features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Wade Sensing, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Stealth Mode and Water Sensing™.

Steve Fowler, Editor of Auto Express said: “These are excellent results for Land Rover - we’ve always highly praised the Discovery for its ride quality and it’s clear owners agree. The super-advanced Range Rover Evoque is a worthy winner not only for its futuristic design, but also its advanced tech – we’re not surprised owners love it so much.”

TMW THOUGHTS

Well, As I have already contradicted myself over MG and Jaguar, I might as well have an opinion here as well, LOL, WELL DONE LAND ROVER, the cars that LR now produce are some of the best in the world, the simple fact is that is they were not, why would the rich and famous, Royalty and governments all clamour to get hold of cars from JLR, they have become cars that people aspire to own, they go well, handle well, look great and are just stunning to be around.

This double award for Land Rover just proves that the owners think the same as the reporters that produce motoring write ups on these cars, and come June 105, we will be back in a JLR car, our deposit has been paid for a new Jaguar XE, I cant wait. 

Jaguar's last hurrah XK wins best performance car at Driver Power awards.

TMW THOUGHTS

Now, if I was to state that this award was well deserved, it would them look like i was biased against the MG6 winning theirs, but on this occasion the XK can quite honestly be given this award, without the knowledge of it being pushed to this position by fanboi's, The MG6 has no doubt been given a leg up by its fans, but the Jag, its not really the sort of things a Jaaaagg owner does, is it ! This award is well deserved and can be given, because this car quite simply is the best.

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• Jaguar XK rated as Best Performance Car in nation’s biggest motoring customer satisfaction survey
• Owners praised build quality, ride quality, ease of driving and handling of XK
• More than 46,000 car owners took part in the 13^th edition of the Auto Express Driver Power survey

The Jaguar XK picked up a coveted Driver Power Award at a ceremony in Buckinghamshire today after it was rated the best performance car in the nation’s biggest motoring customer satisfaction survey.

The Jaguar XK is a Grand Tourer with the soul of a sports car, and it is the XK’s performance characteristics that truly define this stunning Jaguar. Thanks in part to its acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 engine, available in normally-aspirated 385 PS or supercharged 510 PS and 550 PS guises, performance has always been the XK’s strong suit – a fact the British motoring public recognises, highlighted by this latest award.

Auto Express Editor-in-Chief Steve Fowler said: “The Jaguar XK has once again proved to be a big hit among owners for its performance. But it’s not all about how fast it can go from 0-62mph, as it’s also praised highly for its build quality, ease of driving and ride quality. This is proof the Jaguar XK is an excellent all-rounder, and a great car to live with day-to-day.”

 

The XK achieved superb ratings in a number of critical categories. It was rated highly for build and ride quality, won plaudits for ease of driving, and was commended for its handling characteristics – all helping to cement the XK’s position as one of the nation’s favourite sports cars.  

Driver Power – compiled by Auto Express and now in its 13^th year - is a comprehensive survey that delves into every aspect of what a car is like to live with. With more than 46,000 UK car owners taking part in the 2014 edition, it is the nation’s biggest motoring customer satisfaction survey.  

With two new special edition models – XK Signature and XK Dynamic R - launched earlier this year, the stunning Jaguar XK now offers greater levels of style, luxury and technology than ever before. Also included in the current Jaguar XK line-up is the awesome, high-performance XKR-S derivative, available in Coupé and Convertible body styles.

MG6 wins Best Handling award at AutoExpress Driver Power awards - How funny is that.

TMW THOUGHTS

As much as MG needs awards, and recognition for what they are achieving here in the UK, this one really is laughable, how the MG6 can beat every single sports car in the UK, from Ariel to Westerfield and everything inbetween, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus, Jaguar and so on. 

The AutoExpress survey has always thrown up some weird and wonderful surprises, yet this one is by far and away the funniest yet, and not only that, it rates as teh sixth best car in the UK, now I know the figures have been manipulated, I suspect the fanboi brigade has gone onto the website, en-mass and just rated it high in every category just to get this result.

With the amount of issues that have been raised over the years since launch, it does seen rather interesting that the car has been rated so high, that's why the Driver Power Survey is so biased, and with so many fans of different cars just voting high marks for their cars, this is one survey that needs to be taken with a large grain of salt.

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• MG6 wins Auto Express 2014 Driver Power award for Best Handling
• Awards voted for by 50,000 car owners  and readers of Auto Express; the UK’s biggest selling weekly automotive magazine
• Previous winners in this category ; Porsche Cayman, Mazda MX5 and Subaru Impreza  
• MG6 range starts from just £15,455 - £21,195
• MG6 diesel variants are now road tax exempt for first year of ownership
• PCP offers are available on all MG6 variants from only £199 a month

The MG6 scoops the best handling award in the 2014 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Now in its 13^th year, the awards have been voted for by 50,000 car owners and readers of Auto Express, the UK’s biggest selling weekly automotive magazine.

The MG6 is in good company, replacing the Porsche Cayman as last year’s winner. The MG6 manages to combine engaging chassis dynamics and everyday practicality with five seats, high levels of equipment as standard on all models, class leading interior and boot space, and award winning safety and security systems.

The MG6 boasts superior MG driving dynamics available in both a sporty GT Fastback and Magnette saloon body styles; both available in petrol and diesel variants. The MG6 range starts from just £15,455 and includes the new 350 Nm, 150 PS, six speed stop-start diesel engine, emitting only 129g/Km of CO₂, making the diesel variant road tax exempt for the first year and costing only £110 a year to tax thereafter.

Under the current Q2 specification upgrade offer, all MG6 customers automatically upgrade in specification for no additional costs. For example, an upgrade from an S variant to an SE is a saving of £1,200 and benefits from additional equipment such as satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control and leather steering wheel. Building on the SE trim, the TSE offers a saving of £2,000 and features front parking sensors, 18” alloy wheels, rear parking camera, leather trim, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers and electric heated seats. MG6 GT SE customers will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a Magnette, saving £3,000. PCP offers are available on all MG6 variants from only £199 a month.

Figures announced by the SMMT at the beginning of the month, show MG as the fastest growing manufacturer in the UK, for both March and 2014 year to date.  As the perfect celebration for the marque’s 90^th anniversary year, MG Motor UK has recorded the best ever Q1 sales performance, as year to date sales increase by 574 per cent. The success of the iconic British brand is due to the launch of the MG3 supermini, introduction of a high-tech diesel engine in MG6 and rapidly expanding dealer network in the UK.

GENEVA - More leaks, this time The 2nd Gen Toyota Aygo.

Second-generation Toyota Aygo makes an early appearance online in leaked images

Leaked images of the second-generation Toyota Aygo have surfaced online, giving us an early glimpse of the new supermini ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

The leaked images follow an official teaser shot of the new Aygo released previously. The latest images show Toyota has fitted a more aggressive front bumper and grille, with LED daytime running lights integrated into the lower section of reworked front end.

At the back, there is a far more angular design to the tail lamps and rear bumper. Although the images do not show it, it’s likely the new Aygo will be available with a retractable fabric roof and a sportier three-door bodystyle.

The new Aygo will be based on the same platform as its French relatives the Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 – both of which were officially unveiled last month. Although there is no official confirmation from Toyota, engines are also likely to be shared between the three superminis, meaning a range of three-cylinder petrol engines will be available.

Prices for the second-gen Aygo should start from a round £9,000 when it arrives in showrooms later this year. More information and technical details will be announced at the car’s official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.

REPORT HERE

Double delight for Skoda

• City Car crown for a second year
• New Octavia Estate awarded Best Estate car title
• Yeti, Octavia hatch and Superb commended
• ŠKODA has won 11 Auto Express awards in the last three years

The new Octavia and Citigo have driven off with two prestigious titles in the 2013 Auto Express New Car Awards. ŠKODA continued its incredible run of Auto Express victories by clinching the Best Family Estate award for the all-new Octavia, and the Best City Car award for the Citigo. The latest additions to the ŠKODA trophy cabinet mean that the brand has won 11 Auto Express awards in the past three years.

The awards were presented to ŠKODA by Auto Express Editor-in-Chief Steve Fowler, who said: “When it comes to practical estate cars, ŠKODA has the market covered. The Superb has been a favourite for years, but now it’s been usurped by its little brother – although little is something you can hardly say about the interior of the Octavia Estate. It’s truly cavernous, but easy to use, too, with loads of clever features. And up front, you get the same space, quality and fabulous drive as you do in the Octavia hatch. How does ŠKODA do it for the money? We don’t know, but we’re glad it does!”

Handing over the Citigo award, he added: “Last year’s Car of the Year is a winner once again. In fact, we’ve grown to love it even more. It’s the sort of car that makes you pinch yourself – can a car this small and so affordable offer such style, quality, comfort, refinement and practicality? Yes it can, and it’s called the ŠKODA Citigo.”

The Auto Express judging panel also commended the new Octavia hatchback in the Compact Family Car category, the Yeti in the Crossover category and shortlisted the Superb in the Family Car category.

Commenting on the awards, Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director of ŠKODA UK said: “We are thrilled to receive these two awards for Octavia and Citigo. To gain this level of recognition from such a respected title proves again that we are making great cars. These awards mean a great deal to everyone at ŠKODA and we’re confident that the exciting new cars we have in the pipeline will continue our success story in future years.”

The latest Auto Express New Car Awards for Octavia and Citigo add to ŠKODA’s impressive list of titles won in 2013. These include the award of Best Car Manufacturer in the Which? Awards, and Best Car for the Yeti in the Auto Express Driver Power survey.

SEAT Leon takes the coveted Car of the Year 2013 prize at the Auto Express New Car Awards

• SEAT Leon takes the coveted Car of the Year 2013 prize at the Auto Express New Car Awards
• Leon also wins the Best Compact Family Car award
• Five-door hatchback acclaimed for its style, quality, equipment levels and low running costs 
• SEAT Alhambra wins Best MPV for the third year in a row – the 13th UK award for this outstanding people carrier
• The SEAT Leon has won the prestigious Car of the Year 2013 prize at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards. 

During a ceremony in London’s Grand Connaught Rooms last night (2 July 2013), Auto Express Editor-in-Chief Steve Fowler handed the coveted award to new SEAT Chairman Jürgen Stackmann.

The Leon scooped a double win, also picking up the Best Compact Family Car award, while there was yet more cause for celebration at the SEAT table as the Alhambra won the Best MPV award – for the third year in a row.

But it was the Leon’s night overall, with the Auto Express judging panel giving it the nod for Car of the Year ahead of some very strong competition.

Explaining why the Leon was crowned the year’s best car by the UK’s best-selling motoring weekly, Auto Express Editor-in-Chief Steve Fowler said: “We love its style, the way it drives, the quality and the kit. Best of all, you get all that at a bargain price, while running costs will be ultra-low, too.

“The SEAT Leon has beaten some superb cars to be crowned Car of the Year – it’s that good,” he concluded.

Jürgen Stackmann thanked the Auto Express jury for choosing the Leon as Car of the Year. “The new Leon is the best vehicle in SEAT’s history. It is a perfect embodiment of SEAT’s transformation and shows the direction we will be taking over the next few years. We are very pleased with the reception customers have given the Leon. Since its launch we have sold 45,000 units of the five-door Leon, and this is just the beginning. The Leon SC was launched just a few weeks ago, and we will present the estate version at the Frankfurt Motor Show,” said the SEAT Chairman.

SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson said: “It’s wonderful to receive an award like this, and it’s confirmation of what we suspected from the day we first unveiled the Leon – here is a car that’s truly top of the pile.

“Credit has to go to the team in Martorell, who’ve created a family hatchback that’s appealing whichever way you view it: the Leon is outstanding to drive, beautiful to look at, as practical as could be, and it doesn’t cost the earth to buy and run. That’s engineering at its very best, and we hope that this is the first of many accolades for this wonderful car.”

The new SEAT Leon was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and hit UK showrooms in March 2013. Priced from just £15,670, it offers truly class-leading technology; at launch the Leon became the first family hatchback in the world to offer full-LED headlights, and remains the only one to do so.

This week sees the showroom introduction of the Leon SC (7 July 2013), the first ever three-door Leon and the second member of a model family that will shortly also include the Leon ST estate.

Prices for the Leon SC – Sport Coupé – begin at £15,370, rising to £22,075 for an FR-specification car with a powerful 184 PS 2.0 TDI engine.

Three in a row for the Alhambra

While the Leon will justifiably grab the headlines in the aftermath of the Auto Express Awards 2013, it was a night in which the Alhambra cemented its place as the most highly decorated car in SEAT’s history. This latest Best MPV prize is its third in a row from Auto Express, and its 13th award overall, having taken prizes from other motoring media heavyweights including What Car?, Fleet News, Fleet World, Diesel Car and Car Buyer.

“When it comes to moving large families around, nothing does it better than the SEAT Alhambra. It’s built for an easy life with loads of space and clever features that make every family outing a joy. And unlike so many other MPVs, it offers executive levels of quality and refinement, and it’s great to drive, too,” said Steve Fowler.

The Alhambra is priced from £25,040, with every version including alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, sliding rear doors, front- and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth hands-free system with voice control, and a tiredness recognition system. Two engine choices are available, both 2.0 TDI units but with either 140 PS or 177 PS power outputs and both with Start/Stop and Energy Recovery as standard, to help keep running costs low.

Range Rover duo win at Auto Express annual awards

• All-new Range Rover voted Best Luxury Car
• Range Rover wins Design Award
• Range Rover Evoque scoops Best Compact SUV

 Land Rover vehicles have again proved they can do battle with the best, scooping three top prizes at the annual Auto Express Awards. The all-new Range Rover was voted ‘Best Luxury Car’ by the judging panel, which consists of the magazine’s road testers and other senior staff members.

Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editor-in-Chief commented: “The new Range Rover is an awesome achievement, combining the highest standards of luxury with a hitherto impossible blend of on-road comfort and off-road ability. To do all that with such style and efficiency makes it a worthy winner.”

The Range Rover also won ‘Auto Express Design Award’, voted for by magazine readers and website visitors. More than 80 production cars and concept vehicles were eligible, yet the Range Rover came out on top.

Steve Fowler added: “It’s testimony to the work Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern and his team have done in reinventing this motoring icon, especially when you see the long list of beautiful cars the Range Rover beat.”

Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern said: "Designing the All-New Range Rover for a new era was always going to be a significant challenge; particularly finding the right balance between maintaining its iconic form while giving it greater relevance and modernity.  It also had to sit comfortably as the flagship of a whole new generation of Range Rovers.  This award is particularly significant to us at Land Rover as it is voted for by the Auto Express readers themselves and reflects the efforts of everyone in the Land Rover Design Team."

The all-new Range Rover is the most capable and most luxurious Land Rover yet. Up to 420 kilogrammes lighter with new levels of refinement, the Range Rover reinforces its position as the world's finest luxury SUV.

Not to be left out was the Range Rover Evoque, which was awarded the honour of ‘Best Compact SUV’. It’s the magazine’s former Car of the Year and is receiving an Auto Express trophy for the third year in a row.

Steve Fowler commented:  “Its star is showing no sign of dimming. We love its style, quality and ability on and off-road. It remains one of the most desirable cars on sale in the UK today.”

With more than 130 global awards under its belt, the Evoque has gained critical acclaim from customers and media alike. The Evoque continues to receive plaudits for its concept car looks, dynamic driving performance, class leading off-road skills and excellent cost of ownership. Most recently, a Special Edition Evoque was launched in the UK which is available in coupé and 5-door, customers can choose from two exterior colour schemes, each one unique to the Special Edition model and based on a new Black Design Pack. Choices include a Sicilian Yellow exterior body finish with a Santorini Black contrast roof, or a Santorini Black exterior body finish with a Sicilian Yellow contrast roof and door mirrors. Unique interior finishes include yellow contrast stitching on seats, central storage area, door trims and fascia mid-section, plus an anodised yellow horizontal finisher.

The awards were announced at a gala event at the Grand Connaught Rooms, in London’s Covent Garden.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover UK commented: “Three trophies in one night is a fantastic achievement, but what’s especially pleasing is they each recognise distinct aspects of our business. The Range Rover has set new standards in luxury, the Evoque continues to be the benchmark car for compact SUVs, and industry leading design will always be at the heart of everything we do.”

TVR coming back to the UK reports AUTOEXPRESS

TVR has confirmed its return, and we've talked to the British carmaker's new boss about his future plans

TVR is on the brink of a sensational return to Britain. Rumours of a revival have been swirling ever since a holding page for www.tvr.co.uk was posted a few weeks ago sporting a TVR logo and the phrase 'never say never'. Auto Express spoke with the new British owner of TVR Automotive for confirmation and now the TVR homepage reads 'the distant rumble of rumour has turned to thunder and TVR is back in Britain'.

Mr Les Edgar, a businessman based in Dorking, Surrey, recently bought the rights to the TVR name, as well as the rights to manufacturer parts for existing cars, from the former owner, Nikolai Smolensky. Edgar wouldn’t reveal the price he paid for the deal, but did confirm that he will be “following up with more information, extremely soon.”

Edgar said he was under a strict non-disclosure agreement so couldn’t reveal the timeframe, only that it will be “as long as it takes to get this right.” He added: “There’s a lot of planning and forethought that’s gone into this. Watch this space.”

The imminent announcement adds fuel to speculation that an all-new TVR could be on the way, although Edgar was quick to play down a story posted on a rival website suggesting a new model with “totally new styling” that was “half the price of a Ferrari and probably as fast” is on the way.

TVR, which was sold by Peter Wheeler to Smolensky in 2004 before being officially closed down last year, has suffered a troubled past with several failed comebacks but it looks like this latest one is set to run its course. 

Read more: AUTOEXPRESS report here

IMPORTANT INFO - do you own an older Toyota, honda, Nissan or Mazda, then read this

Our friends over at AUTOEXPRESS have posted this report and is important information should you own or know someone who owns any of the cars these manufactures made.

Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda will recall 150,000 cars in the UK, after discovering a fault with passenger seat airbags

Four Japanese manufacturers - Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda - are to recall more than 3.4 million cars after a potential fault with the cars' airbags was identified.

Toyota is recalling 1.7 million cars worldwide after its vehicles had a defective part that "could cause the airbag inflator to rupture and deploy the airbag abnormally in a crash". However, the manufacturer confirmed that the airbag would still deploy in the event of an accident.

Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars, while Nissan and Mazda are recalling 480,000 and 45,000 cars respectively.

In terms of UK numbers, the recall affects around 76,000 Toyota models, while Nissan is calling back 59,000 cars. Around 15,400 Hondas are affected by the fault and 1,900 Mazda cars. The fault affects cars sold between 2000 and 2004.

UK models affected include the Toyota Corolla and Yaris, the Honda Civic, CR-V and Jazz models, and the Nissan X-Trail, Patrol, Almera and Navara.

The problem came to light after Toyota received five separate reports of the fault, three in the US and two from Japan. There have been no complaints from owners in the UK and a spokesman for Toyota confirmed that there had been no injuries as a result of the incident. Honda, Nissan and Mazda claim there have been no incidents involving their cars.

The Japanese car makers said the defective part was supplied by parts maker Takata Corp.

All four manufacturers have said that the part will be replaced free of charge, and will notify customers over the next 30 days. Toyota owners can also go to the recall information section of www.toyota.co.uk and put in their registration number to find out if their car is affected. Meanwhile worried Nissan owners can call 01923 899334.