WHAT CAR AWARDS - Peugeot's innovative i-Cockpit® wins Technology accolade & 3008 commended too.

• Latest generation of PEUGEOT’s unique i-Cockpit^® driving environment wins Technology accolade
• New PEUGEOT i-Cockpit^® made its debut in the all-new 3008 SUV and features include new configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel, enhanced ergonomics and safety
• New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV also commended in the Thatcham-sponsored Safety Award category

The unique PEUGEOT i-Cockpit^® driving environment of the all-new 3008 SUV has received a prestigious motoring accolade, winning the Technology Award at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2017.

This second generation of PEUGEOT’s i-Cockpit^®, which is standard across all models of the new 3008 SUV range, won praise for its ability to put the latest technology safely at the fingertips of the driver, while creating an optimal driving position for an engaging and focused drive.

The latest evolution of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit^® includes an all-new infotainment system on an 8.0”  capacitive high-resolution touch screen, as well as an elevated configurable 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel positioned above a compact multi-function steering wheel, designed to give an added sense of agility. 

These three key components come together to provide a truly exceptional driver-focussed environment perfectly aligned with PEUGEOT’s brand values of uncompromising quality and that of an instinctive driving experience.

Offering such an advanced technological package and a premium feel on a competitively priced vehicle sealed the win for the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit^® interior on the new 3008 SUV, while the car’s excellent overall safety credentials led to further success, as the 3008 SUV was also commended in the Safety Award category, endorsed by Thatcham Research.

On collecting the award Mark Pickles, Marketing Director at PEUGEOT UK commented: “Achieving the prestigious What Car? Technology Award for the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit^® affirms our ambition to make brilliant in-car technology accessible to all drivers with no compromise on safety or driver appeal.

“The fact the 3008 SUV has also achieved significant recognition in the Safety category reflects the appeal of the car as an all-round package. It is a truly stylish car, designed to meet the needs of the user to exceed their expectations of safety, space and luxury.

“It is safe to say it has done that, but also raised the bar as a benchmark for vehicle interior design.”

Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car? said: “The fantastic thing about the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®dashboard is that it takes desirable tech that was previously found only on high-end models and options lists, and gives it to buyers of everyday cars. That desirability is partly down to the sophisticated look it gives the 3008’s interior.

“It also makes the car easy and appealing to interact with and brings genuine safety benefits. On their own, any of these strengths would have made the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® worthy of consideration, but when combined they seal its victory. We expect to see other brands following PEUGEOT’s lead when they launch new models, but for now the French brand has stolen a march.”

Now in its second year, the What Car? Technology Award is co-judged with AutoTech, a new car technology brand.

The all-new 3008 SUV with its stunning PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® is available to order now with first deliveries due at the end of January 2017

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.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised as the Best Family Car at the Carbuyer Best Cars 2017 Awards.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised as the Best Family Car at the Carbuyer Best Cars 2017 Awards. This latest win adds to what has been an outstanding year of awards for the all-new Astra, securing its position as one of the top new models on the market.

The multi award-winning Astra picked up the accolade in the Best Family Car category, and was commended for its design, value for money and build quality. 

The Carbuyer Best Cars Awards are focused on what matters to buyers, honouring the winners with the title of best in their respective classes.

Winning models are recognised as meeting, or surpassing, the standards that Carbuyer has identified across key buying factors such as style, space and running costs.

This latest win follows on from a trio of Carbuyer Car Tech Awards for Vauxhall, who picked up the titles of Tech Car of the Year and Best Self-Parking System for the new Astra, as well as Best Safety Innovation for Vauxhall OnStar. 

“The latest Vauxhall Astra has been on sale since late 2015, and it’s fair to say it’s the best family hatchback the company has ever made. The Astra is better built, more aesthetically pleasing and more economical than any of its predecessors,” commented Stuart Milne, Editor of Carbuyer. “We rate it as the best family car you can buy today, thanks to its blend of modern technology, excellent value for money and superb overall ownership experience.”

Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand, said: “This award adds to what has been an extremely successful year for the new Astra. It has proven itself in many categories and now has been singled out as one of the best family cars available on the market.”

“The Astra is a strong contender in every aspect. The latest technology, thanks to OnStar, offers excellent levels of connectivity and safety, while the latest design offers a great look without compromising on space for the family.”

The all-new Astra has built up an impressive list of accolades throughout 2016, including being named a Game-Changer by Autocar and picking up European Car of Year. It has also secured category wins in the Auto Express, WhatCar? and Fleet News Awards.

AUTO EXPRESS AWARDS - VW's Transporter takes Van of the Year and the Caddy gets a commended nod too.

• Transporter named ‘Van of The Year’ at this year’s Auto Express New Car Awards
• New Caddy panel van also commended in the category
• High standards of comfort, refinement and quality key to securing accolade

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ sixth-generation Transporter has claimed another overall ‘Van of the Year’ award, this time thanks to Auto Express, with the Transporter’s car-like level of quality, high level of comfort and class-leading residual values giving it the edge over rivals.

The leading consumer motoring title also commended the Transporter’s smaller sibling, the fourth-generation Caddy panel van. With class-leading reliability plus a smooth and responsive drive, the Caddy impressed the judges with its impressive fuel economy, load carrying capability and strong residual values.

Offered with an extensive range of wheelbases, roof heights, load volumes and payload options, the new Transporter, which went on sale in the UK in September, caters for all business needs within the medium van sector. Available as a passenger carrier, panel van or more recently chassis cab and dropside variants, the Transporter comes equipped with a range of economical EU6 2.0-litre engines, manual and DSG transmissions, and two- and four-wheel drive. The new Transporter boasts a comprehensive list of safety equipment, including standard Driver Alert and Automatic Post Collision Braking System, plus optional Adaptive Cruise Control, City Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist.

Auto Express editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, said: “The Volkswagen Transporter sets a very high standard in terms of comfort and refinement while the cab environment delivers genuinely car-like levels of quality. The level of safety technology built into the van is excellent, while class-leading residual values contribute to a powerful value proposition. It all goes towards making the Transporter an excellent tool for businesses of all sizes.”

Commenting on the awards success, Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The Transporter continues to gain recognition from across the industry and this latest award demonstrates its high quality. To have the latest generation Caddy commended by the judges is also extremely pleasing and further recognition of the strength of our brand.”

This latest award builds on a number of impressive results for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand. The Transporter has won the prestigious ‘International Van of the Year’ award as well as Van Fleet World’s ‘Best New Van’ award, overall Van of the Year titles from VansA2Z and Trade Van Driver, and Honest John’s ‘Most Popular Van’ accolade.

AUTO EXPRESS AWARDS - Ford takes one outright title, Best Hot Hatch, and commended in five others.

Ford’s five-star Focus RS has added “Hot Hatch of the Year” from Auto Express to its increasing awards collection. The latest acclaimed fast Ford has already been honoured by Top Gear, Autocar and Vehicle Dynamics International this year.

Now the all-wheel drive performance sensation has also been sent to the top of the class by top-selling weekly motoring magazine and website Auto Express.

“The flames of the hot hatch fire were well and truly fanned when the Ford Focus RS hit the market,” said Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler.  

“Despite the muscular styling, the RS is still practical – just as a hot hatch should be.  Ford has put distance between the hottest Focus out there and its similarly priced competition – in fact graduating into the mega hatch league of Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS3, only a lot cheaper.”

The £31,000 hatch can now be specified for all seasons, with the addition of heated steering wheel and seats available as a Winter Pack.  While summer is supposedly here, demand for Focus RS means an order today will be delivered in mid-winter.

Consequently Winter Packs comprise 10 per cent of latest specifications, with an additional five per cent opting for the heated wheel only.  Luxury Pack (powerfold mirrors, rear parking sensors, KeyFree, cruise control and privacy glass) continue to be on 90 per cent of orders.

Ford of Britain chairman and managing director Andy Barratt, said: “For new Focus RS to add Auto Express Hot Hatch of the Year to its trophy cabinet is yet another highlight in its still short life.

“Since specs and prices were announced 10 months ago, we have already taken 4,500 orders – around the UK’s first allocation.  While we have secured additional cars, prospective Focus RS owners need to move quick to be part of this thrilling chapter of RS history.”

The 350PS Focus RS achieves 0-62mph in 4.7sec and its 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine can power the car on to 165mph.  Its development was filmed for an eight-part online documentary called “Rebirth of an Icon”, capturing the highs – and lows – of engineering the third-generation Focus RS: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JVhgCqHr2g.

Further Fords commended

Five other Ford models were commended in other Auto Express award categories:

Best Coupé:	Mustang
Best Convertible:	Mustang
Best MPV:	S-MAX
Pick-up:	Ranger
Van:	Transit

New Mondeo Hybrid takes Next Green Car Award, with the Transit Courier commended.

• Ford Mondeo Hybrid wins Next Green Car Large Family Car Award
• All-new Ford Transit Courier Kombi was also commended in LCV category

Ford’s first hybrid to be built and sold in Europe has been awarded a Next Green Car Award.

Next Green Car praised the all-new Mondeo Hybrid, stating: “Well done to Ford for bringing its hybrid know-how to the UK market. The Mondeo Hybrid delivers emissions under the 100g CO₂/km threshold.”

Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe said, “With our first hybrid to be built in Europe, we’ve improved fuel efficiency and CO₂ without sacrificing the power and driving experience Mondeo customers have come to expect.”

The Ford Mondeo Hybrid now on sale uses two electric motors in the hybrid system – one to support the petrol engine in driving the wheels and another to enable regenerative charging to the 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery, located behind the rear seats.

It is capable of speeds up to 85mph in electric mode, and the combination of the specially-developed 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and electric drivetrain delivers 187PS with 67.3mpg and 99g/km CO_2.*

The all-new Ford Transit Courier was also highly commended by Next Green Car in the LCV category.

The smallest van in the new Transit line-up is a first for Ford in the compact van segment, offering unrivalled fuel economy across its diesel and petrol engine range with class-leading load space of 2.3m³ (SAE) behind the bulkhead.

The 95PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, Dagenham-built engine achieves 76.3mpg and 97g/km CO₂ emissions*, and the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost offers 54.3mpg and 119g/km CO₂ ** – 15 per cent better than the closest rival.

One week into UK sales and the Kia Soul EV is already winning a commended notification.

• Kia Soul EV recognised for class leading environmental technology
• Proudly earns the commended accolade in the ‘Crossover’ category
• Class-leading 132 miles range and 200 Wh/kg density battery

Less than a week after its official UK launch, the Kia Soul EV has already begun to be recognised for its class leading environmental technology, impressive performance and range capabilities, by the Next Green Car Awards 2014.

Sitting proudly as a strong competitor in the award’s ‘Crossover’ segment, the Kia Soul EV received an impressive Next Greencar (NGC) Rating of 14*, placing it firmly as the commended vehicle in that category. It also achieved the lowest CO₂ figures in the whole segment - 0 g/km.

Peter Thomas, Content & Data Manager at Next Green Car commented on the achievement. “The Soul EV has impressive environmental credentials, particularity when used in the city and charged using renewable electricity. We were impressed with the advanced battery density (200 watt-hours per kilogram), maximum range (132 miles) and the environmental consideration given to the interior materials.”

The Soul EV goes on sale in showrooms later this year and deliveries will take place from early in 2015. It is Kia’s first battery-electric vehicle to be sold globally and offers a range of class leading capability figures, including a range of 132 miles and battery energy density of 200 Wh/kg, plus the same fun styling and practical interior as the combustion-engined Soul.

For more information on the Kia Soul EV, please visit: 

http://www.kia.co.uk/new-cars/range/compact-cars/soul-ev.aspx

*32 if charged using grid electricity