Auto Express names the new Discovery as it's Car of the Year for 2017.

• British-built SUV scoops two major trophies at prestigious ceremony
• Four Awards for BMW including Best Electric Car for the i3
• Skoda wins four Awards, including Best Family Car for the second year running and Best Integrated Ad Campaign

British brand Land Rover has scooped the coveted Auto Express Car of the Year award for its new Discovery at a ceremony in Central London. The Discovery was voted the best new car on the market, with judges commending its innovation in technology, quality and comfort. The model was also named the Best Large Premium SUV for 2017.

The Auto Express New Car Awards celebrate the best cars on sale, from city cars to performance models. Voted for by the expert reviewers at Auto Express, every single model on sale is analysed according to specific criteria, with only the very best cars making the winners’ list.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: "The new Land Rover Discovery is an incredible car, bringing new levels of luxury and go-anywhere ability to the SUV class. 

It rivals the very best cars you can buy for quality and refinement, offers all the practicality a family could ever need, will wow buyers with amazing technology they won't have seen before and offer a level of efficiency you wouldn't expect for this size and class of car. On top of all that, it's brilliantly built by the guys and girls working for Land Rover in the Midlands. It's a great British success story."

Another big winner on the night was Skoda, taking home four trophies: Best Family Car for the Skoda Superb, Best Estate Car for the Octavia, Best Large SUV for the Kodiaq and Best Integrated Ad Campaign for Skoda-Reconnect starring Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The Technology Award was given to BMW for its advanced range of plug-in cars, plus its industry-leading connectivity and autonomous tech. BMW also took home the newly launched Best Electric Car Award, for its i3, while the 5 Series won Best Executive Car. The brand also won the Best Social Media Campaign Award for BMW Genius Live.

Other British-built winners, in addition to the Land Rover Discovery, were the Jaguar XE, which was named Best Compact Executive for the third year running, and the Swindon-built Honda Civic Type R, which was crowned Best Hot Hatch. Jaguar also won the reader-voted Design Award for the I-Pace Concept.

Auto Express New Car Awards Winners 2017

Category

CAR OF THE YEAR BEST CITY CAR BEST SUPERMINIBEST COMPACT FAMILY CARBEST FAMILY CARBEST ELECTRIC CAR BEST ESTATE CARBEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CARBEST EXECUTIVE CARBEST LUXURY CAR BEST HOT HATCHBEST_CONVERTIBLE                                       BEST MPV     BEST SMALL SUV    BEST MID-SIZE SUV BEST LARGE PREMIUM SUV BEST LARGE SUV BEST COUPEBEST ROADSTERBEST PICK­UPBEST PERFORMANCE CARBEST PREMIUM SUVDESIGN AWARDTECHNOLOGY AWARDVAN OF THE YEARDRIVER POWER AWARDBEST INTEGRATED CAMPAIGNBEST SOCIAL MEDIA

Land Rover DiscoveryVolkswagen up!Seat IbizaVolkswagen GolfSkoda SuperbBMW i3   Skoda Octavia EstateJaguar XE      BMW 5 SeriesMercedes S-ClassHonda Civic Type R       Mercedes C-Class       Citroen Grand C4 PicassoCitroen C4 Cactus        Peugeot 3008        Land Rover Discovery  Skoda KodiaqAudi A5 CoupeMazda MX-5 RFMitsubishi L200Porsche 911 GT3Volvo XC60Jaguar I-PaceBMWVolkswagen Crafter LexusSkoda-ReconnectBMW Genius Live

USA - JLR takes two awards, one for the Jaguar I-Pace and Range Rover Velar.

• Land Rover takes two prizes at Car Design Awards 2017, hosted during the Turin Motor Show
• Land Rover brand wins Best Brand Design Language
• Groundbreaking Jaguar I-PACE Concept wins Best Concept Car award
• Range Rover Velar on sale later this fall, priced from $49,900

 Land Rover has won the Best Brand Design Language award at the 2017 Car Design Awards for its family of vehicles, recently joined by the new Range Rover Velar. The Jaguar I-PACE Concept electric performance SUV brought more success to Britain’s biggest car manufacturer, winning the Concept Car category award.

The awards, held at the Turin Motor Show by Auto&Design magazine, celebrate brands and models that have contributed significantly to the evolution of automotive design. An international panel of journalists chooses winners in three categories: Concept Cars, Production Cars and Brand Design Language (new for 2017).

The jury of experts felt the Land Rover design team achieved the best interpretation of a formal brand design language across an entire product range, most recently displayed in the new Range Rover Velar with its unprecedented glamour, modernity and elegance.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, accepted the inaugural Best Brand Design Language award. He said, “It’s great to be recognized for the hard work and creative endeavour of the whole Land Rover team. This is a true team effort and one that will continue the transformation of our business.”

The Range Rover Velar took second place in the Production Cars category. Designed to fill the white space between the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover Evoque, Velar offers levels of luxury, refinement and all-terrain capability never before seen in the mid-size SUV segment. It goes on sale later this fall, priced from $49,900.

The Jaguar I-PACE Concept won the Best Concept Car category. One of the most visually arresting concepts ever produced by Jaguar, the electric performance SUV takes full advantage of the packaging freedom offered by electrification. It previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be on the road in the second half of 2018.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said, “This award recognizes that the Jaguar I-PACE Concept is a radical departure for electric vehicles. It represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing design – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA matched with beautiful, premium details and British craftsmanship.”

FLEET WORLD - Volkswagen is named manufacture of the year for its commercial side.

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles claims top Van Fleet World Honours award
• Brand is named Manufacturer of the Year in 2017 awards
• New services and initiatives aimed at fleets are key to success
• Crafter wins first UK awards: named ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has taken home the triple crown from the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours, with the brand winning the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award and the new Crafter claiming the ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’ accolades.

Van Fleet World judges commended Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ work over the past 12 months, with a number of initiatives piloted by the brand now being adopted by the Van Centre network.

Commenting on the win, Dan Gilkes, editor of Van Fleet World, said: “Volkswagen has worked hard over a number of years to develop an outstanding Van Centre network that delivers a dedicated service to fleet and retail customers across the UK. However in the last 12 months the brand has piloted a number of initiatives that are now being adopted by the network, all aimed at improving service for fleet customers. It seems to be working too. 

Volkswagen is number two in the UK light commercial vehicle market with sales having doubled since 2009. More importantly, the company recorded record levels of customer satisfaction in 2016, making it a worthy winner of our Van Manufacturer of the Year Award.”

Initiatives introduced include head of business development support at every Van Centre, with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ensuring the needs of trade customers are being fully met through business experts employed at each location. An extended hours offer is also being rolled out across all Van Centres, along with Mobile Service Clinics.

The new Crafter also picked up two key awards – its first in the UK after being named International Van of the Year in September 2016. In awarding the Crafter its Best New Van and Best Large Van accolades, the Van Fleet World judges said: “It’s not often that a van manufacturer has the chance to create a new vehicle, not just from a clean sheet of paper, but with a completely new factory dedicated to its production. Volkswagen has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, to meet the needs of large van users in every sector.”

Praising its wide range of drivetrains, bodies, engines and driver assistance systems, Gilkes concluded: “Volkswagen had one chance to get new Crafter right and it seems to have hit the spot first time.”

Chris Black, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, collected the awards on behalf of the brand at the ceremony in London.  He said:  “We’re overjoyed to be named Manufacturer of the Year and for all of the brand’s hard work to be recognised. It’s also great for the all-new Crafter to have its first two UK awards, reinforcing the strength of the brand and quality of our products.”

DS 3 has been awarded ‘Best Small Second-Hand Buy’ for the second consecutive year

DS 3 has been awarded ‘Best Small Second-Hand Buy’ for the second consecutive year in the 2017 Diesel Car Magazine ‘Used Car of the Year’ awards. The supermini is still a favourite among car buyers looking for a stylish vehicle with chic design and strong desirability.

DS 3 has once again been named ‘Best Small Second-Hand Car of the Year’ in the Diesel Car Magazine annual ‘Used Car of the Year’ awards. Preferred by second-hand car buyers due to its stylish design, frugal running costs and strong residual values, DS 3 retained the prestigious title having also won the award last year. 

Announcing this year’s results, Diesel Car Editor Ian Robertson said: ‘Every year there are more and more models to choose from, and the ‘Diesel Used Car of the Year Awards’ is designed to help buyers select the best cars in eight key categories.’

Since launch DS 3 has attracted more than 400,000 customers and is testament to the car’s Parisian-chic look, it refined and attention-to-detail features. 

Customer surveys conducted by the DS brand in Europe* show that some of the main reasons for purchase of a DS 3 are unique and distinctive styling, comfort and technological features.

Mark Blundell, UK Marketing Director - DS Automobiles UK, said: ’We are absolutely delighted to receive this award, as it showcases DS 3’s most important qualities. It is important for the DS brand to be recognised for creating luxury vehicles that have lasting appeal and durability to make them a great long-term investment. 

DS 3 has a certain French je ne sais quoi that charms everyone who has one.’

Every year, Diesel Car appoints an expert panel of judges to examine second-hand examples of cars sold in UK showrooms, drawing up a shortlist of 16 vehicles announced in eight sub-categories. 

DS 3 was crowned winner by the judges in this years’ small car section, assessed as being the best car for all-round ability, residual values, design and fitness for purpose.

*Surveys conducted between 2011 and 2015 in the G10 Europe countries with customers buying new DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. Survey panel: 6,000 respondents.

Hyundai’s IONIQ has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017.

• Hyundai’s IONIQ, the world’s first car offering three electrified powertrains, has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017
• IONIQ praised for better driving and visual appeal than both Prius and Leaf
• Recognised for being the pioneer of offering three eco drivetrains in one stylish body

The IONIQ has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, beating competition from the Renault Megane and MINI Clubman.

The IONIQ received praise from all the COTY judges for its green powertrains, combined with a chassis that delivers a good driving experience and its stylish body design. UK COTY judges said:

“IONIQ scores for its choice of three good eco drivetrains and is also decent to drive, with a good ride and refinement.” Paul Hudson

“Hyundai has produced a solid model to take on the competitive segment.” Olivia Gauch

“It’s an intelligent proposition for its flexible electric technology – and the design is edgy enough to reflect this.” Nargess Banks

“Technologically pioneering in terms of the range of powertrains, and the car is stylish and without the compromises offered by other alternative-fuelled vehicles.” Paul Barker

“Out-Priuses the Prius with a three-car range in a single swoop. A very impressive first effort.” Nat Barnes

“The fact it offers three greener powertrains is a masterstroke. Why has nobody done this before? A great reputation for reliability, decent real-world economy from the petrol engine and looks that are sufficient to make a statement without looking polarising.” Keith Jones

“With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric options, the IONIQ takes on the Toyota Prius (hybrid & plug-in) and Nissan Leaf (EV only) and arguably offers greater attributes than both – from lower prices to better driving and visual appeal.” Guy Bird

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK said “IONIQ has only been available since October yet has already received praise for its eco credentials and also its more mainstream capabilities. The award for Best Small Hatch from the UK COTY judges once again proves that Hyundai is offering exactly what the market wants – eco-friendly vehicles that drive well and look good that are also cost effective to run.”

Ioniq – along with 11 other winning cars – will now go forward to a final category to decide the overall UK Car of the Year 2017. The winner will be announced on 24th February 2017.

USA - Lincoln takes two IIHS Top Pick awards for the MKX and MKZ models.

The new Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX have been named top safety picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in their respective categories:

• Lincoln MKZ, Midsize Luxury Car Winner*
• Lincoln MKX, Midsize Luxury SUV Winner*

IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine crashworthiness - how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. It also rates vehicles for front-crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision. 

The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick which has been awarded since the 2006 model year, or Top Safety Pick+, which was inaugurated in 2013.

According to IIHS, to qualify for 2017 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in five crashworthiness tests - small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints - as well as a basic rating for front crash prevention. Also, IIHS says, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

The new Lincoln MKX further strengthens Lincoln’s position in the midsize luxury utility segment, one of the largest luxury segments in the U.S., representing about one-quarter of the retail luxury automotive market.

The new Lincoln MKZ for 2017 combines intuitive technology, effortless performance and distinctive design to deliver an enhanced driving experience Lincoln calls quiet luxury.

The vehicles are available with a suite of intuitive, driver-assist technologies. Their Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses camera and radar technology to monitor the vehicle’s proximity to other vehicles and pedestrians. If a potential collision is detected, the system can alert the driver with visible and audible warnings and, if needed, pre-charge the brakes and increase brake sensitivity to help provide full responsiveness.

The lane-keeping system uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings. It can apply steering wheel torque and alert the driver with a steering wheel vibration should sensors detect drifting.

Both vehicles are equipped with BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert uses radar sensors to alert drivers with lights in their sideview mirrors if another vehicle is detected in blind spots. When drivers are backing up, the system can detect a vehicle approaching from either side, notifying drivers with a warning light and an audible tone.

An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for Lincoln owners. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes or lessen the severity of such events.

* With optional front crash prevention

USA - The Genesis G90 flagship saloon also gains the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2017.

• 2017 Genesis G90 3.3T flagship sedan awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• G90 provides uncompromised standardized safety with comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technology

The 2017 Genesis G90 earned one of the industry’s highest safety honors as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ due to its exceptional performance during testing. 

The Genesis G90 embodies a smarter, more progressive approach to luxury and safety by keeping innovation and elegance as top priorities.

“Safety is a hallmark of the Genesis brand with advanced safety technology standard on the G90 and a suite of features that is unmatched in the premium luxury class,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. 

“We have the ultimate respect for our drivers and passengers and strive to offer vehicles with world-class safety innovations.”

To ensure driver confidence and occupant safety, the G90 features the most comprehensive array of standard safety technology in the premium luxury class including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Smart Blind Spot Detection. 

The automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection employs a camera and a radar sensor to engage the automatic braking power from 5 to 50 mph. In addition, the G90 puts passenger safety at the forefront by automatically tightening seatbelts when it detects a quick turn, slippery roads, acceleration or change in direction. Mechanical and technological advances have also added to the safety of the G90 due to its advanced high strength steel, rigid platform and Multi-view Camera System featuring four external cameras.

The IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine the overall crashworthiness and how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. It also rates vehicles for front crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision. To qualify for 2017 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating. The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick+, which has been awarded since 2013.