The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 have been announced, with the UK’s best green cars recognised

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 have been announced, with the UK’s best green cars recognised.

Winning models have been carefully selected across 10 awards categories, made up of nine vehicle sectors and a Next Generation award. 

An overall NGC Car of the Year 2016 champion has also been picked from the 10 category winners, all of which have been launched in the UK in 2016 or will be released in 2017.

All winning models have been judged against a range of environmental, performance and cost criteria, with Next Green Car's unique NGC Rating a primary factor in deciding which vehicles made it through to the shortlist.

With key environmental credentials established, other considerations such as suitability for purpose, impact on the market, and value for money are taken into account, to decide the winning and commended vehicles in each category.

Commenting on the winners of this year’s awards, Dr Ben Lane, Director at Next Green Car, said: “We are delighted to give recognition to 10 cars which best combine environmental and driving performance. 

Utilising state-of-the-art technology, the winners demonstrate that cars can be exhilarating to drive and impact less on the environment – all at affordable cost.

“To illustrate the range and capability of low emission vehicles now on the market, the average CO₂ emissions of the finalists across the 10 categories is less than 36 g/km, nine of the 20 models are pure-electric, six are plug-in hybrids, four conventional hybrids, with only one model not featuring any kind of electrification; reflecting the global trend in auto-tech.”

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 are as follows:

Citycar Award 2016

WINNER: Volkswagen e-up! – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

NGC verdict: "Already one of the best city cars around, VW has made its e-up! even better with sharper looks and improved equipment. Fun to drive, cheap to run, and with zero tailpipe emissions, this little electric Volkswagen is an ideal urban runabout."

COMMENDED: Mahindra e2o – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

Supermini Award 2016

WINNER: Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 25

NGC verdict: "Renault roots out range anxiety with its new Zoe Z.E. 40, offering 250 miles of range in a 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."

COMMENDED: BMW i3 94Ah – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 23

Small Family Award 2016

WINNER: Hyundai Ioniq Electric – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

NGC verdict: "It's tough to find any flaws with the Ioniq Electric. Hyundai has packed plenty of performance, practicality, range and value for money into the new model, making it a genuine winner that will tempt many buyers into their first electric car.”

COMMENDED: Renault Megane – CO2 96 g/km – NGC Rating 32

Large Family Award 2016

WINNER: Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid – CO2 37 g/km – NGC Rating 40

NGC Verdict: "Smooth, spacious, and stylish, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid offers plenty of kit and a comfortable driving experience. With its handy range in electric-mode, Kia's latest plug-in is likely to prove a popular family and company car."

COMMENDED: Toyota Prius – CO2 70 g/km – NGC Rating 27

MPV Award 2016

WINNER: BMW 225xe –CO2 46 g/km – NGC Rating 37

NGC verdict: "The only PHEV MPV on the market, BMW's 225xe manages to combine the practical capabilities of its 2 Series Active Tourer with its tried and tested plug-in hybrid power-train. The result is a brilliant family workhorse that costs very little to run."

COMMENDED: Renault Scenic – CO2 92 g/km – NGC Rating 34

Crossover Award 2016

WINNER: Toyota C-HR –CO2 86 g/km – NGC Rating 32

NGC verdict: "If you find the Prius tempting but a bit too staid, Toyota now offers the C-HR. Making the most of its market-leading hybrid system, the crossover is a frugal and stylish way to nip (and be seen) around town."

COMMENDED: Kia Niro – CO2 88 g/km – NGC Rating 33

SUV Award 2016

WINNER: Tesla Model X –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 35

NGC verdict: "From its wrap-over windscreen and falcon-wing doors to its long-range electric drive, Tesla's Model X excels in providing a sophisticated 21st century driving experience.  Tesla's entry into the SUV market looks set to be just as successful as the Model S."

COMMENDED: Audi Q7 e-tron – CO2 48 g/km – NGC Rating 26

Executive Award 2016

WINNER: BMW 330e –CO2 44 g/km – NGC Rating 35

NGC verdict: "A plug-in version of a car synonymous with the compact executive class can only be a good thing. With the potential for cost savings, strong performance, well-balanced handling, and a refined interior, the BMW 330e is a welcome addition to the executive fleet."

COMMENDED: Mercedes Benz E 350e – CO2 49 g/km – NGC Rating 37

Sports Cabrio Award 2016

WINNER: Morgan EV3 –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 18

NGC verdict: "With its unique blend of design, range and performance, Morgan's electric sports car provides all the thrills of the three-wheeler but with zero-emissions. The Morgan EV3 is an unconventional, but warmly welcomed addition to the electric car market."

COMMENDED: Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid – CO2 56 g/km – NGC Rating 46

Next Generation Award 2016

WINNER: Riversimple Rasa –NGC Rating TBC

NGC verdict: "Ultra-efficient, the Riversimple Rasa was designed on a clean sheet of paper, and it shows. No other car maker can touch Riversimple's dedication to efficiency, and the technology found on the Rasa is proof that such a car can be done and done well."

COMMENDED: Tesla Model 3 – NGC Rating TBC

NGC Car of the Year 2016

WINNER: Hyundai Ioniq –CO2 0-79 g/km – NGC Rating 22-29

NGC verdict: "The new Ioniq’s design philosophy is pitch-perfect in delivering a range of low emission, stylish and practical family cars. Full marks to Hyundai for offering a choice of three electric and hybrid powertrains, all of which combine performance with affordability.”

Commenting on the Car of the Year winner, Chris Lilly, Content Manager at Next Green Car commented: “The Hyundai Ioniq wins the NGC Car of the Year Award 2016 against some exceptional competition. While the last 12 months have seen a number of new models come onto the market, the Ioniq takes the prize for its quality design, practicality, and its low running costs.

“In addition, the Ioniq range has been intentionally designed from the outset to offer three different electric powertrain options: pure electric and conventional hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid due for release next year. 

The ability for customers to choose the electric powertrain that best fits their driving needs from across the Ioniq range is a great step forward, and a route we hope other manufacturers will follow.”

All-new Optima PHEV wins the large family car segment in the Next Green car Awards.

• All-new Optima PHEV wins the large family car segment
• All-new Niro is commended in the Crossover category
• A first win for Kia from Next Green Car

Two of Kia’s all-new models this year have had recognition for their environmentally-friendly values and focus on green energy. 

These models are steps towards the Korean manufacturer’s aim to cut its average CO₂ emissions by 25 per cent by 2020, and now have been praised in the Next Green Car Awards 2016.

The all-new Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) has been announced as the winner of the large family car category. 

Not only this, but the all-new Niro was commended in the crossover category. 

This is the first win for Kia from Next Green Car, and second commendation following the Soul EV being nominated in 2014.

Next Green Car state that their mission is “to help car buyers find, compare and buy a greener, more economical car “ and their annual awards are a part of this. In the Next Green Car awards 2016, the shortlisted models vary from city cars, through to large SUVs. Nominated models must be available to buy or order in 2016 and are judged based on their capability, impact on its sector, value for money and suitability for purpose.

A spokesperson from Next Green Car said: "Smooth, spacious, and stylish, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid offers plenty of kit and a comfortable driving experience. Throw in the plug-in powertrain that has a very handy electric-only range, and the Kia is likely to prove a popular addition to the line-up." 

With a range of up to 33 miles in all-electric mode, the Optima PHEV is able to complete many regular urban commuter runs with no tailpipe emissions, while its CO₂ figure of just 37g/km means company car users pay just 7 per cent benefit-in-kind taxation in 2016-17.

Suzuki looks forward to haveing two of its new models nominated for World Car Of The Year Awards.

Suzuki is well known as the ‘Small Car Experts’ and is pleased to announce that it has two eligible nominations in the new ‘Urban Car’ category of the 2017 World Car of The Year.

To qualify, vehicles must be less than four metres long, suitable in design for everyday use in an urban environment and also be on sale in two Continents by the deadline of Spring 2017. The Baleno hatchback model at 3.99 metres and the new Ignis Mini Crossover at 3.70 metres both qualify for judging and there are six other new cars listed in this category.

The World Car of the Year judging panel comprises of 73 Automotive Industry journalists with eight of these representing the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Baleno was first launched in India and then introduced in Europe several months later in June 2016. It was Suzuki’s first car to be available with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology and is equipped with a lithium–ion battery and Integrated Start Generator to enable CO₂ emissions of just 94g/km. The Baleno is also available with Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1.0-litre three cylinder Boosterjet turbocharged engine offering CO₂emissions of 105g/km and 62.7mpg on the EC combined fuel consumption cycle.

The new Ignis Mini Crossover model was first launched in Japan for the domestic market and more recently unveiled for Europe at the Paris Motor Show; it will go on sale from January 2017. In addition to its stylish exterior design, the Ignis features excellent visibility, compact dimensions and a spacious cabin with ample luggage space. The development goal was to create purely iconic crossover styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki.

Ignis is powered by a 90PS 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine and will be available with optional four wheel drive. It will also offer optional SHVS technology that lowers CO₂ emissions to 97g/km.

Ignis also offers the latest in safety technology with stereo cameras monitoring the distance between the vehicle and other objects, as well as the shape of those objects. This new technology becomes the basis for three advanced safety functions: Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS), Lane Departure Warning, and Weaving Alert.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Volvo, unsurprisingly takes the Safety Award with the new XC90 Sports Utility Vehicle.

• Volvo XC90 wins Safety Award at the What Car? Awards 2016
• Seven-seat SUV praised for its world-first crash-prevention aids
• Automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection is standard on every XC90

The Volvo XC90 has won What Car?’s Safety Award at a prestigious ceremony held at the Grosvenor House hotel, Park Lane, London on Wednesday 13^th January 2016.

The XC90 beat competition from Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz to claim the coveted award, and was praised for its world-first safety features, such as Run-off Road Protection, which automatically tightens the seatbelts and has energy-absorbing front seats to help prevent spinal injuries.

Another world first is automatic emergency braking at a junction, which will apply the brakes to stop or help prevent an accident if you inadvertently turn into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

This is on top of the other standard safety technologies, such as City Safety, which can help to avoid or mitigate collisions with pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles day or night, and the driver alert and lane-departure warning systems.

Jim Holder, What Car? Editorial Director, said: “The Volvo XC90 is far from the cheapest car on the Safety Award shortlist, but it is by far the best. Indeed, the Swedish SUV is the safest car ever tested by Euro NCAP, and it includes several cutting-edge features that even the organisation itself doesn’t currently have ratings for. It is, quite simply, the safest car on sale today and a thoroughly deserving winner of this award.”

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, added: “This award is yet more proof that Volvo is at the forefront of automotive safety – in fact, it is our vision that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020. The XC90’s innovative IntelliSafe safety features are designed to keep you, your family and other road users safe from harm – and the fact that this technology is fitted as standard to every XC90 means that you don’t have to pay a penny extra to get the safest car on the road.”

WHAT CAR AWARDS - The car everyone is waiting for, me too, is the recipient of this award....

• Tens of thousands of What Car? readers cast their vote for most eagerly-anticipated car of 2016
• From the shortlist of ten vehicles, the Alfa Romeo Giulia secured 30 percent of the total vote, 20 percent more than the runner-up vehicle
• The Alfa Romeo Giulia sports an all-new, rear-wheel drive platform with an emphasis on light weight, perfect weight distribution and handing agility
• The FIAT 124 Spider was also shortlisted, even though the car wasn’t even unveiled to the public when voting began

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has won the prestigious What Car? Reader Award for the most eagerly-anticipated new car of 2016.

Built on an all-new, rear-wheel drive platform with an emphasis on light weight, perfect weight distribution and handing agility, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia will be powered by a range of advanced engines - including a Ferrari-inspired 2.9-litre turbo-charged V6 producing 510hp in the top Quadrifoglio version.

Combine these attributes with unmistakably muscular Italian styling and it’s no wonder that the new Alfa Romeo Giulia secured 30 percent of the overall votes, 20 percent more than the runner up vehicle.

Ten vehicles were shortlisted for the award, including the FIAT 124 Spider (which had not even been unveiled when the voting opened), and tens of thousands of What Car? Readers cast their votes for their most eagerly-anticipated new car of 2016 but it was the Alfa Romeo Giulia that opened up an early and unassailable lead, earning its first major UK award well in advance of its official launch later in the year.

Commenting on the win, What Car? Editor, Jim Holder said, “You either have the X factor, or you haven’t – and Alfa Romeo has it in spades. New Alfas have always had the power to intrigue and seduce in equal measure – the extrovert styling combining with the firm’s heritage to give the brand a unique appeal – and the new Giulia has already got readers wanting more. Being picked as the most exciting launch of 2016 by What Car?’s readers is very positive news indeed.”

Damien Dally, Country Manager Alfa Romeo UK, noted, “This is a very significant award for the Alfa Romeo Giulia to win because it demonstrates that this important new car has what it takes to succeed. The designers and engineers have poured over every detail of the new Giulia to ensure we deliver a class-leading car worthy of this iconic marque and I’m very confident that when those readers see the Alfa Romeo Giulia in showrooms and drive it for the first time it will not just meet their expectations, it will exceed them. We are very grateful to the readers of What Car? for choosing the new Alfa Romeo Giulia as their most eagerly-anticipated new car of 2016.”

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Citroen takes a best buy at this years awards ceremony with the C3 Picasso.

The family-friendly practicality and low running costs of the Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 manual Edition was recognised at the 2016 What Car? Car of the Year Awards earlier this evening, when it was named ‘MPV Best Buy for less than £16,000’.

Speaking on behalf of the What Car? judging panel, Haymarket Automotive’s Editorial Director, Jim Holder, commented; “The C3 Picasso might be small, but it’s an eminently practical car. 

You sit quite high up, the visibility is excellent all-round, the boot is big and square-shaped, and the interior feels airy and spacious; the rear seats are split 60/40 and slide forwards and backwards for added interior versatility.” Jim continued; “[The] doors open wide and have broad apertures, so access is great if you’ve got child seats to reach in for.”

In addition to the C3 Picasso’s design and versatility, the judges were impressed with the choice of engines. They singled out the 1.2 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol as their top choice. 

Jim Holder concluded; “It does a fine job in the C3 Picasso, delivering nippy responses around town, and coping well on the motorway. It achieved nearly 50mpg in our real-world economy tests, too. Ultimately, the C3 Picasso may be all the MPV smaller families could ever need.”

Chris Cheetham, Citroën’s Marketing Director in the UK, said; “It is always an honour to receive such prestigious recognition for one of our cars, but it is especially gratifying when that award recognises the car for exactly what it was designed to be. 

The C3 Picasso is made with family life and family journeys in mind, so to win this accolade and hear those comments from the expert judges is very pleasing indeed.”

The Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 manual Edition is available from just £15,805 MRRP OTR.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - SEAT takes the best buy award for the LEON SC for the third time.

• SEAT Leon SC triumphs as Best Buy Coupé (less than £25,000) at What Car? Awards 2016
• Winning version, SEAT Leon SC FR 1.4 EcoTSI 150 PS praised as a “cracking buy” for its handling, performance, practicality and value

SEAT is kicking off 2016 in cava style, having picked up yet another highly coveted trophy at the annual What Car? Awards. At a suitably glitzy ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel tonight, SEAT’s sleek three-door Leon fought off fierce competition from two rivals to land the Best Buy Coupé (less than £25,000) category for the third time on the bounce.

Wider and shorter than its five-door brother, the Leon SC (Sports Coupé) combines the head-turning looks and agile nature of a coupé, with the practicality of a hatchback. The winning version, Leon SC FR, is available from only £20,225 and comes comprehensively equipped, with 17-inch ‘Dynamic’ alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, exclusive FR sport styling inside and out, plus Technology Pack included (which comprises Navigation System with 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, DAB digital radio, full LED lights). The svelte three-door bodystyle of SEAT’s best-selling model is available with either a precise six-speed manual gearbox or slick-shifting seven-speed DSG auto, and comes with a choice of seven diesel and petrol engines, including the even more potent CUPRA 290.

Commenting on the Leon SC’s third consecutive victory, Haymarket’s Editorial Director, Jim Holder, said, “Is it a coupé or is it a three-door hatch? We think the Leon SC just qualifies as the former and there’s no question it’s a cracking buy. For a fraction more than £20,000 you’re getting a car that’s as fun to drive as many hot hatches and which is remarkably well equipped. The SC’s hatch roots make it practical; two adults will fit in the back seats easily enough and the boot is just as big as a five-door Leon’s. We’ve chosen the 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol version, partly because it has enough performance to entertain (0-62mph takes less than eight seconds) but also because its CO₂ emissions are a diesel-rivalling 114g/km. This efficiency is partly thanks to the engine’s clever trick of being able to shut down half of its cylinders when cruising to save fuel.

He continued, “The Leon SC had to fend off the similarly slinky Volkswagen Scirocco and the more focused Toyota GT-86. It did so easily, winning this price point for a third year on the trot.”

Speaking at the awards bash, SEAT UK’s Director, Richard Harrison, added, “After winning the same category for the last two years, we were quietly confident about our chances this time around. But to win it yet again, especially against such tough opposition, is testament to the Leon SC’s enticing, all-round qualities. It’s got real substance backing up its eye-catching style, with performance, quality and value-for-money in spades.”