FLEET WORLD - The Vauxhall Corsa takes the Best Supermini title in the awards for 2017.

Vauxhall’s Corsa has been chosen as one of the top models in the fleet industry, taking home the Best Supermini award at the 2017 Fleet World Honours.

Announced at the annual Fleet World Honours awards ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London on Tuesday, the Corsa topped its extremely competitive Best Supermini category. 

The judges, made up of influential decision-makers and fleet industry journalists, praised the model for its efficiency, running costs and technology.

“The Corsa is a staple part of the UK fleet sector, popular enough to outsell entire model ranges single-handedly,” said Alex Grant, Fleet World Editor. “Driving the latest version, that’s no surprise. It’s fun to drive, great value and feature-rich, while the model range includes low-CO₂ engines and trim levels to suit all business needs.”

“We’re delighted the Corsa has been recognised at the Fleet World Honours,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “The fleet market is an important sector for our best-selling Corsa and we are pleased that it remains a firm favourite.”

In its fourth-generation, the Corsa has achieved exceptional sales, thanks to buyers’ familiarity with its name, looks, value and fondness for its compact dimensions and interior packaging.

It has also been Vauxhall’s best-selling car for many years, vying with Fiesta for the UK’s Number One spot and topping sales charts in Scotland and Northern Ireland outright.

Renault ZOE wins the Best Supermini category at the Next Green Car Awards 2016.

• Renault ZOE wins the Best Supermini category at the Next Green Car Awards 2016
• ZOE applauded for its class-leading range and excellent all-round package
• Judging criteria included capability, suitability for purpose and value for money
• All-electric ZOE priced from £13,995 (inc. PiCG)

Only weeks after the launch of a new version with the longest available range for a mainstream electric car, the Renault ZOE has underlined its class-leading usability by being voted the Best Supermini at the Next Green Car Awards.

Europe’s best-selling electric car was awarded the win after eclipsing the other cars shortlisted in the fiercely-contested category. 

Next Green Car’s expert judging panel praised the stylish ZOE for its unrivalled range of 250 miles (NEDC) and excellent all-round package.

The ZOE was selected for the annual awards through Next Green Car’s unique NGC Rating, which rates the environmental impact of all new cars on the market. 

It was then judged on a variety of criteria, including capability, suitability for purpose, impact on its sector and value for money.

Commenting on their decision to award the Renault ZOE, the Next Green Car judges said: "Renault roots out range anxiety with its new ZOE Z.E.40, offering a long range in an already strong supermini package. Nicely designed and easy to use, the zero-emission ZOE now has more than enough range to persuade even the most anxious driver into an EV."

Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We’re delighted that Next Green Car has chosen the Renault ZOE as its Best Supermini, its decision reaffirming that the ZOE is not just a superb electric vehicle, but is also a versatile, comfortable and easy-to-own car in its own right, irrespective of how it is powered.”

It’s not the first time that the innovative Renault ZOE has triumphed at the Next Green Car Awards. It is a previous winner of the Supermini category and has also won the leading green car website’s prestigious Gold Award.

ZOE offers a well-equipped specification, five-door practicality and immense ease-of-use. Perfect around town and further afield, the ZOE’s silent drive, instant torque and zero emissions-in-use make for a highly relaxing and environmentally-friendly driving experience. As standard, the stylish hatchback benefits from such features as cruise control, speed limiter, keycard entry with push button Start/Stop function, automatic climate control and the Renault R-Link multimedia system including satellite navigation.

Adding to the ZOE’s user-friendliness is its patented Chameleon™ charger that allows ZOE to always make the best use of whatever charging supply is available in order to speed up charging times. ZOE Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.40 Quick Charge can charge at up to 43kW, meaning that 0 to 80 per cent full, of the new enhanced range battery, can be achieved in as little as 65 minutes. For retail customers with a domestic address and off street parking, a 7kW Homecharger will also be fully installed free of charge enabling ZOE to be charged from flat-to-full from just 3-4 hours, depending on specification.

Using the My ZE Inter@ctive timer app customers are able to schedule the time that ZOE is charged and benefit from significantly lower off-peak electricity prices, while the car’s numerous innovations include its unique heat pump. This is able to air condition and heat the ZOE more efficiently than a traditional system, meaning the car’s occupants can stay comfortable without worrying about the range.

Renault estimates that the recently launched Z.E. 40 battery in ZOE, which enables a 250 mile (NEDC) range, has a real-world range of 186 miles in temperate conditions and 124 miles in extreme cold conditions. 

The ZOE is part of Renault’s Z.E. range made up of the Twizy and Kangoo Van Z.E. The ZOE range is priced from £13,995 (including Government PiCG plus monthly battery lease) in a choice of three trim levels, including a new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim and can be purchased either outright or by leasing the battery. 

The ZOE has been selling strongly in the UK with 1,482 examples sold in the first three-quarters of 2016 – a 33 per cent increase on the same period of 2015 – continuing the trend set in Europe where Renault was the best-selling electric vehicle manufacturer in 2015.  Purchases of ZOE represent one in six electric vehicles sold in the UK. 

The ZOE is proving popular with the British public having been voted ‘Best Supermini’ in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2016 – coming second overall out of 183 models. The ZOE is also a three-time winner of What Car?’s ‘Best Electric Car for less than £20,000’ and a Which? ‘Best Buy’ in 2016. It was most recently awarded Best Electric Car in the Carbuyer Best Cars Awards 2017.

AUTO EXPRESS AWARDS - Volkswagen takes the best Supermini with the Polo, the second year running for the model.

The all-conquering Volkswagen Polo is once again Britain’s best supermini buy according to the experts at respected automotive consumer title Auto Express.

Britain’s biggest-selling weekly car magazine puts the Polo, Volkswagen’s second-best seller in the UK behind the Golf, top of the supermini stack for the second year running.  

Announcing the Volkswagen’s victory in the 2016 Awards’ hotly contested supermini class Auto Express Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler said: “A 2015 facelift kept the Volkswagen Polo looking fresh and boosted its charm, and this year the German brand has added even more efficient engine options that see the supermini once again edge ahead of its rivals.

“The Polo now shares Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with the smaller up! city car, but there’s also a more potent turbo version available. Even the lower-powered model is sufficient, thrumming along at motorway speeds with plenty of refinement.  However, if you need a bit more oomph, the punchy and efficient 1.2 TSI engine is the one to go for.

“Volkswagen released a sporty new R-Line model this year to address one of the Polo’s biggest downfalls, which ensured the supermini can no longer be accused of looking a little safe or lacking style.  The R-Line bodykit and bigger wheels add some extra interest to the car’s solid surfaces and sharp creases.  It looks like a smaller Golf – which is no bad thing – and that’s reinforced from the moment you shut the door with a solid thunk.  The cabin is very well built and feels genuinely upmarket.”

He added: “There’s a wider range of petrol and diesel engines with a larger, more powerful 1.4 TSI available. Not only is this hotter, but it also features clever tech like cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency when cruising.  It shows how big-car innovations have filtered down to make superminis even easier to live with, and VW is at the head of the class.  There’s a 1.4 TDI with two different outputs for those covering big miles, too.

“If you’re after an eco champion, VW’s high-efficiency BlueMotion technology has been applied to the already frugal 1.0 TSI, with impressive claimed fuel economy of 68.9mpg and 94g/km CO₂ emissions.

“With plenty of trim levels to match the line-up under the bonnet, there’s an equipment spec to suit all budgets.”

Welcoming the award win newly appointed Director of Volkswagen UK, Alison Jones, said: “The Polo neatly typifies all the positives of the Volkswagen offering in the UK.  It has a huge breadth of appeal thanks to a broad choice of models and engines, great styling and that class-leading quality for which Volkswagen is rightly renowned.”

Vauxhall celebrates as it smashes the rest by taking no fewer than FOUR awards at the Fleet World Honours awards.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has proven itself to be one of the top models in the fleet industry, taking home two awards at the 2016 Fleet World Honours. The awards didn’t end there for Vauxhall, as the Corsa also picked up the Best Supermini award and the Combo van won Best Small Van.

Announced at the annual Fleet World Honours awards ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London on Tuesday, the Astra topped the extremely competitive Best New Car and the Best Lower Medium Car categories. 

The judges, made up of influential decision makers and fleet industry journalists, praised the model for its efficiency, running costs and technology.

“The Astra is a fleet staple in the UK, and the corporate sector has never had it better,” Alex Grant, Fleet World Deputy Editor, commented.  “It’s more stylish, more fun to drive, more practical, and more economical than ever. The Astra brings technologies such as IntelliLux LED headlights and OnStar connected services to the compact class, yet it still manages to be ultra-competitive on whole-life costs.”

This year has already proven to be a positive year for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards, being named European Car of the Year and winning the Lower Medium category at the Fleet News Awards.

The Corsa also picked up an accolade in the Fleet World Honours, coming out on top of the hotly-contested Best Supermini category. With a wide selection of trim levels and high efficiency, the judges saw the Corsa as a great choice for fleets.

“Although the Corsa has long been one of the UK’s best-selling cars, Vauxhall’s very effective overhaul in 2014 means there’s never been more reason to opt for one,” said Alex. “The wide range encompasses trim levels to suit all types of corporate user, with engines ranging from 85g/km diesels and low-carbon petrols to the potent VXR. Strong on design and technology, it’s the segment benchmark.”

The Van Fleet World judging panel felt that Vauxhall’s Combo van range, despite increasingly strong competition, continues to offer UK fleets the Best Small Van option. Combo is available with no less than four body sizes, including two high-roof models, delivering an unrivalled choice of payloads and load volumes.

“Vauxhall recognises that there is no one-size fits all van, and Combo provides fleet managers with a huge range of engine, load volume and payload options,” said Dan Gilkes, Van Fleet World Editor. “With the backing of Vauxhall’s extensive dealer network, Combo delivers a practical, well-equipped, cost-efficient load carrier.”

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised for not one but two awards at the Fleet World Honours,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “The fleet market is an important sector for the all new Astra. It’s great to see how well-received the Astra has been so far, and we are also pleased that the Corsa and Combo have remained firm favourites.”

The MINI Hatch has taken the Best Supermini category in the Sunday Times Top 100 cars list.

• MINI Hatch awarded best Supermini in The Sunday Times Top 100 Cars
• Engine technology, comfort and style praised by judges 

It’s a New Year and a new win for MINI, as the British brand is named best Supermini in The Sunday Times Top 100 Cars of 2016. 

Fending off stiff competition in its category, the MINI Hatch was commended by The Sunday Times judges for its hi-tech engines coupled with its refined ride, road noise and comfort.

MINI Hatch’s build quality was also praised, with the judges commenting: “MINI has not lost its touch when it comes to creating a cabin that’s distinctive, luxurious and stylish.'

MINI 3-door Hatch starts from £13,935 and, with more space than ever before, has been finished to an even higher standard. First-for-class features such as LED headlamps and Emergency Calling (E-Call), as well as a suite of advanced three and four-cylinder engines ensures that it will stay ahead of its rivals for years to come.

Its larger sibling, the MINI 5-door joined the range in September 2014 and has been a runaway success since launch. As well as sporting two extra rear doors, the MINI 5-door has improved legroom, a practical third rear seat and larger boot.

mazda takes a trio of awards at this years Scottish car Of The Years Awards 2015.

• All-new Mazda CX-3 named ‘Best Crossover’ at the 2015 Scottish Car of the Year Awards.
• Scottish Car of the Year ‘Best Supermini’ title awarded to the all-new Mazda2.
• Adding to its growing awards tally, the all-new Mazda MX-5 takes ‘Best Drop Top’ title.
• Winning cars selected by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).

Mazda has grabbed three titles at the annual Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards, taking top honours in two of the most fiercely contested categories, and claiming the glamorous ‘Best Drop Top’ title. In a year that has seen Mazda deliver an unprecedented range of new cars, judges from the ASMW recognised all three of Mazda’s 2015 introductions, with awards for the all-new Mazda2, all-new Mazda CX-3 and all-new Mazda MX-5.

Commenting on the all-new Mazda2’s ‘Best Supermini’ Award, ASMW President Alisdair Suttie said, “putting the super into supermini is no easy task, yet our winning car manages it with ease. Great to look at, a joy to drive and good value, the Mazda2 has an appeal that’s beyond expectations for this class.”  ASMW Secretary Stephen Park added, “Mazda is on a roll with the way its cars are styled and the way they drive. Never has a supermini had to beat so many talented rivals to come out on top, but the Mazda2 is a clear favourite of the judges. They love its sharp looks, classy cabin and most of all the way it drives.”

Sharing its platform and award-winning SKYACTIV engine line up with the all-new Mazda2, Mazda’s first small SUV also collected silverware by taking the ‘Best Crossover’ title. “Crossovers are big business and 2015 has witnessed the debut of more talent in this segment than ever before, but the Mazda CX-3 is without doubt the best-looking compact crossover on the road today,” commented ASMW Secretary Stephen Park. Adding, “And beneath the style there’s real substance. Comparing the CX-3 against its peers, the judges were particularly impressed by the driving dynamics and the efficiency of the SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines.”

Adding to its growing collection of awards, Mazda’s all-new MX-5 sports car took the SCOTY ‘Best Drop Top’ title, ASMW President Alisdair Suttie commented, “for more than a quarter of a century the Mazda MX-5 has reigned supreme as the world’s best-selling roadster and the new fourth-generation model is the best yet. With better looks, sharper handling and a very affordable price tag, the outlook for the latest version is very good indeed.”

Collecting all three awards at the 2015 SCOTY Awards evening held at the Dalmahoy Country Club on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson commented, “2015 has been an astonishing year for Mazda that has seen us deliver one of the youngest model line ups in the industry. It’s fantastic that Scotland’s motoring media has recognised both the all-new Mazda2 and the all-new Mazda CX-3 as best in class in such competitive sectors of the market. I’m also delighted that the all-new MX-5 has taken another prestigious award.” 

Mazda’s latest crop of Scottish motoring awards mean that every current model in the Mazda range has achieved a SCOTY accolade - recognition that contributes to the success of Mazda’s Scottish dealers and a 2.7 per cent market share in Scotland.

The Green Apple Awards for 2015 names the Mazda2 as it's Best Supermini.

• 2015 International Green Apple Awards name the all-new Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-D Best Supermini.
• Green Apple Awards recognise and reward environmental best practice.
• All-new Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-D has a combined economy of 83.1mpg and emits 89g/km of CO₂.
• Motoring section of the Green Apple Awards judged by the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

The all-new Mazda2 has been named ‘Best supermini’ in the 22^nd annual Green Apple Awards. With the motoring section of the environmental awards judged by journalists from the Midland Group of Motoring Writers (MGMW), the 1.5-litre diesel SKYACTIV-D Mazda2 took top honours in the supermini category at the awards ceremony held recently at the Houses of Parliament.

MGMW Chairman Ian Donaldson commented, “the Mazda2 sets an engaging, practical and efficient benchmark in the class, making economy enjoyable while also providing sensible running costs. Mazda shows that using a larger engine than the competition and applying clever technology can provide fine economy and a car that’s good to drive.”

Having already claimed the Car Dealer Magazine Car of the Year Award earlier this year, the Green Apple Award’s acknowledgment of the all-new Mazda2’s blend of efficiency and performance comes on the back of the 105ps SKYACTIV-D Mazda2 exceling in the recent MPG Marathon, where it recorded an average fuel consumption of 103.42mpg – an impressive 24.45 per cent better than the official combined economy.

Equipped with Mazda’s i-stop system, which delivers the world’s fastest restarts on a diesel engine, the all-new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D engine embodies Mazda’s clean-sheet approach to combustion engines. The 1,499cc common-rail diesel engine features a lightweight all-alloy construction and an ultra-low 14.8:1 compression ratio that radically optimises the engine’s compression ratio to achieve superior air-fuel mixture levels and more uniform combustion for improved economy.

At the same time Mazda’s latest generation small diesel impresses with its combination of refinement, throttle response and performance.  As well as proving the real-world benefits of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, the all-new Mazda2’s KODO: Soul of Motion style and engaging driving experience help it stand out in this ultra-competitive sector.

DRIVER POWER - Hyundai's baby i10 wins best Supermini in this years report.

• Hyundai’s best-selling i10 wins ‘Supermini’ category, as voted by Auto Express readers
• i10 recognised for its ‘low running costs’, ‘practicality’ and ‘reliability’

The Hyundai i10 has once again been recognised by consumers for its affordable, yet high-quality offering, leading to its win in the ‘Supermini’ category in the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power Survey.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: “The Hyundai i10’s result in Driver Power 2015 proves it’s a hot favourite with owners. 

Not only does it provide them with low running costs, but they also tell us that it’s proving to be reliable and well built, too. There’s no reason why it shouldn't be a consistent performer in our survey for years to come.”

Following the Driver Power survey results, Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, explained: “The i10 is Hyundai’s best-selling model, so to have its key attributes praised by consumers shows us exactly why this car continues to be such a sales success. 

Thanks to its stylish looks, reliability, practicality, and, most importantly, affordability, the future looks bright for i10.”

Making the i10 even more attractive to new and existing Hyundai customers, the company has recently added the well-equipped Premium SE model to the range. 

Premium SE buyers benefit from: 15” alloy wheels, heated seats and steering wheel, electric tilt and slide sunroof, rear parking sensors, climate control and smart key stop and start.

These top-of-the-range features mean that i10 customers can now enjoy even higher levels of equipment, without the hefty price tag.