Fleet News awards the all-new Audi A4 Best Premium Car in its annual awards in London.

Cost-effectiveness combines with outstanding premium credentials to secure key award for latest Audi compact executive  

• All-new compact executive saloon wins through in one of the most hotly contested corporate sales sectors
• Editor Stephen Briers: “Audi has addressed every single niggle, no matter how small, and put it right – the attention to detail is astonishing”

Fleet News, the magazine that assesses every new car as much for its ‘on-paper’ financial viability as its on-road appeal, has pronounced the all-new Audi A4 Best Premium Car in its annual awards, held recently in London.

The experts presiding over the annual awards honouring the best options for fleet managers and company car drivers reach their conclusions with the help of a complex scoring matrix. This factors in fundamentals such as efficiency, performance, driver appeal and safety, as well as important considerations such as P11D pricing, BIK implications, residuals and running costs and manufacturer support.

The compact executive saloon which has been one of the linchpins of the Audi range since 1994 has turned another corner in its fifth generation, striking out into new realms of refinement, efficiency, technological sophistication and dynamic ability. 

The very tangible advances have been sufficient to push the new car ahead of its premium sector rivals and to clinch the award, according to Fleet News Editor Stephen Briers: “The old car was good, but Audi has addressed every single niggle, no matter how small, and put it right – the attention to detail is astonishing,” he said. 

“The A4 is class-leading in refinement, specification, breadth of range (saloon, estate, engines – even 4x4 quattro) and looks. Low running costs and strong residual values are the icing on the cake.”

James Douglas, Head of Fleet Sales for Audi UK, emphasised the particular significance of the award: “My team and I are absolutely delighted that the Fleet News judging panel has recognised the new A4 as the best premium fleet car, particularly as this award is of course not simply made on the strength of the car in its own right but also acknowledges the many other factors behind it that need to stand scrutiny by our fleet and business customers. This is a ringing endorsement of the car’s all-round appeal to business users for which we are extremely grateful.”

Twelve ultra variants

The all-new A4 Saloon and Avant ranges are available to order now with a wide choice of TFSI and TDI engines, the latter powering a total of twelve acutely efficiency-focused ‘ultra’ variants offering economy returns of up to 74mpg combined with tax-efficient CO₂ outputs of as little as 99g/km. The low running costs to which these figures contribute are complemented by typically robust residual values that, according to leading trade guide CAP Monitor, are either strongest in the premium compact executive class or unbeaten in the class.

With a quality of finish that palpably exceeds its predecessor’s already widely acclaimed standard, a degree of refinement that genuinely merits comparison with cars in the luxury class and a cabin that artfully blends supreme comfort with subtly integrated, state-of-the-art technology, the latest A4 saloon doesn’t constantly remind its driver of its cost-effectiveness. Its appeal as a ‘business tool’ can also be further enhanced by a raft of innovative options, from Matrix LED headlights to Audi traffic jam assist and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. Prices start from £25,900 OTR for the 150PS 1.4 TFSI six-speed manual, rising to £40,350 OTR for the 272PS V6 TDI Avant with quattro all-wheel-drive and eight-speed tiptronic transmission. 

Jaguar XF rated top executive car at 2016 Fleet News Awards and the XE was highly recommended.

• Jaguar XF rated top executive car at 2016 Fleet News Awards
• Jaguar XE also Highly Recommended in Premium Car category
• Judges praise XF’s driving dynamics, practicality and low running costs
• XF and XE propelled Jaguar to a 30% increase in UK sales last year

The Jaguar XF was named Best Executive Car in the Fleet News Awards last night, while the XE was Highly Recommended in the Premium Car category. It caps a remarkable first quarter of fleet award wins for Jaguar’s saloon models with victories at the UK Car Of The Year Awards, SME Company Car Of The Year Awards and BusinessCar Awards.*

The all-new Jaguar XF and the Jaguar XE both launched last year to critical acclaim, contributing to a 30% increase in Jaguar sales and a 52% growth in Jaguar Land Rover Fleet and Business sales year-on-year in 2015.

New XF is 190kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to an aluminium-intensive body and chassis construction, and offers new powertrain options which optimise performance and efficiency. XF was the best-selling nameplate for Jaguar in 2015 with 10,973 registered vehicles.

The Jaguar XE is the driver’s car in its class and offers the strongest residual values of any of its premium rivals over three years and 20,000 miles thanks to its efficient engines; low servicing, maintenance and repair costs; and class-leading design.** 9,561 were registered in 2015 between its Spring launch and the end of the year.

The Fleet News Awards, now in its 28^th year, is recognised as one of the most influential and important awards in the fleet industry. The judging panel for the manufacturer award categories include a mix of senior fleet motoring journalists, fleet managers and residual value rate setters.

The judges commented: “The XF takes Jaguar’s product offering to a whole new level. Well equipped, great to drive, outstanding interior quality and spacious for front and rear passengers – it has high appeal for drivers while the low running costs make it the perfect executive car to have on the fleet.”

Skoda displays 3d Rendering of new Superb at Fleet Car News Awards, as it accepts two awards.

ŠKODA has added to the heightening anticipation around the all-new Superb with a virtual showcase of the new large car at the annual Fleet News awards, held last week at Grosvenor House in London.

The technology-packed new model – which launches this summer – was a centre-piece at the pre-awards reception, but because a real car could not be transported into the room, it was in virtual form, on three linked giant LED screens that together created a 3D representation of the car. 

This smart, technological way of showcasing the new Superb fits neatly with the car’s ‘Simply Clever’ technology features, while at the same time allowing guests to see the car’s crisply styled exterior.

Patrick McGillycuddy, Head of Fleet for ŠKODA UK, said: “The excitement around the new Superb has been building, particularly since its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. The car itself will hit British roads in late summer, but as it’s likely to be a huge hit for company car drivers across the country, we wanted to do something special for the Fleet News awards. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve had about the installation, we’re confident we achieved that.”

The showcase’s popularity capped off a brilliant night for ŠKODA, as the company claimed two prestigious awards: ‘Best Estate Car’ for the Octavia Estate and ‘Best Small Car’ for the new Fabia. These prizes, in turn, have added to an already successful year for the brand – following Fabia’s triumph as the overall winner at the What Car? ‘Car of the Year’ ceremony in January.

The stylish new ŠKODA Superb is longer, lighter, and even more spacious than the current version, yet starts at £18,640 - £50 less than the outgoing entry-level S model. Company car drivers are also well catered for, with the Superb SE Business model which features a higher level of standard equipment including Alcantara upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and satellite navigation and starts from £21,590 for the 1.6 TDI 120PS model.

Skoda wins yet again, The brand is definitely at the pinnacle of all things auto.

• ŠKODA tops two categories at 2015 Fleet News Awards
• ŠKODA Octavia Estate crowned ‘Best Estate Car’ for second year running and Fabia named 'Best Small Car'

ŠKODA UK has bagged two enviable accolades at this year’s Fleet News Awards which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The most prestigious event in the fleet calendar, the Fleet News Awards recongnises the best-performing businesses and individuals within the sector over the last 12 months.

For an unprecedented second year running the panel of judges, including members of the Fleet News editorial team as well as industry experts, voted ŠKODA Octavia Estate, ‘Best Estate Car’ for its unrivalled space, functionality, comfort and affordability, in addition to its range of efficient power plants. With exceptional value and high quality after care, the ŠKODA Octavia Estate has once again proven to be an essential for any fleet manager.  

It has already been a brilliant year for the new ŠKODA Fabia. The What Car? 'Car of the Year' swooped to victory in the Fleet News 'Best Small Car' category, beating off fierce competition from its rivals. The most economical Fabia ever was praised for its versatility, space and style.

Judge Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News commented: "Value-for-money, spacious and efficient, the Octavia Estate benefits from low running costs and strong customer support from the manufacturer and its retail network. It adds up to a compelling estate car for both business and personal use.

"The all-new Fabia offers an excellent choice of engines and bodystyles for fleets. High quality, competitively priced, low CO₂ emissions and with a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating, the Fabia is an excellent all-round car – perfect for fleets in this category."

Patrick McGillycuddy, Head of Fleet for ŠKODA UK said: "We are extremely pleased that the Octavia Estate has been awarded the ‘Best Estate Car’ for the second year running; reaffirming that it is best in class for affordability, space and innovation."

He added: "ŠKODA's second winner, Fabia, is a versatile small car with the benefits of space and adaptability needed for business driving. These accolades mean a great deal to the ŠKODA Fleet team, and are testament to ŠKODA's core offering, which continues to offer class-leading C02 emissions and excellent whole life costs without compromising on style or efficiency.”

Mercedes takes a Hat Trick of awards at the 2015 Fleet News awards.

Last night Mercedes-Benz took home a hat trick of accolades from the 2015 Fleet News Awards.  The brand was awarded the title of ‘Most Improved Manufacturer’ for the second consecutive year, while the C-Class and E-Class were honoured as Best Premium Car and Best Executive Car respectively.

Most Improved Manufacturer

Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News commented: ‘Last year’s winner has not rested on its laurels; it has continued to make significant improvements. Mercedes-Benz has invested in its people and services to keep pace with its rapid growth in fleet. The judges praised its outstanding customer service and highly knowledgeable staff and said that the field teams are working hard on their fleet relationships. Topped by a much improved model range, it edged Mercedes-Benz ahead of the pack for an unprecedented back-to-back category win.’

Sally Dennis, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK, said:  ‘We are delighted that we have won Most Improved Manufacturer of the Year for a second time.  This is confirmation that our continued efforts across the board are being recognised and that we are on the right path providing customers with a great range of tax and fuel efficient cars, as well as meeting and exceeding great levels of customer service. Our continued success is thanks to the great team effort from those in our retail network and based at Mercedes-Benz UK.’

Best Premium Car and Best Executive Car

The C-Class launched in June 2014 and continues to go from strength to strength with a comprehensive engine line-up and it can now add being Best Premium Car to its list of accolades as well. 

‘The C-Class is a major step-up in class over the previous model, with excellent build quality and the use of intelligent technology. The judges said it marked a return to class-leading interior quality for Mercedes, while the attractive exterior design boosts its appeal. Low emissions, frugal on fuel, strong residual values and a good driver’s car are further helping to strengthen Mercedes-Benz’s order bank in the corporate market,’ said Stephen Briers.

When it came to Best Executive Car and the E-Class, Stephen explained: ‘The diesel hybrid option swung the judges’ decision in favour of the E-Class in a highly competitive category. It gives the car a wide choice of efficient engines, complemented by executive-car features, low running costs and a quality interior. Available in both estate and saloon versions, the E-Class is an unbeatable choice for the corporate sector.

Sally Dennis added: ‘C-Class and E-Class are two of our biggest volume fleet cars, for both to be honoured at the Fleet News Awards as Best Premium Car and Best Executive car respectively is fantastic!  We have worked hard to offer great packages and the teams in Stuttgart have delivered the goods in terms of developing cars that are competitive when it comes to CO₂, fuel consumption and ride comfort, plus they look great!’

The C-Class range is priced from £28,985 OTR for the C 200 BlueTEC SE Saloon and offers a choice of diesel and petrol engines, as well as the C 300 BlueTEC Diesel Hybrid.  June will also see the introduction of the first plug-in hybrid for the C-Class range when the C 350 e arrives.  From the June launch until the end of 2014 over 5,400 C-Class’ were registered to fleet.

The E-Class range starts from £34,270 OTR for the E 220 BlueTEC SE Saloon and like the C-Class offers a choice of petrol, diesel and a diesel hybrid and in 2014 there were over 9,403 vehicles registered to fleet customers.

Citroen has double delight with a brace of Fleet News awards.

Citroën has gained a double success in this year’s Fleet News Awards.  At a ceremony in London last night the innovative Citroën C4 Cactus won the Fleet News Best Compact SUV Award and the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso gained the Fleet News Best Seven-Seat People Carrier Award.

Martin Gurney, Director – Fleet & Used Vehicles, PSA UK, comments: “In 2014 Citroën introduced both the new Grand C4 Picasso and the C4 Cactus, which were designed to appeal to both business and private buyers.  Thus, it is very satisfying that Fleet News has recognised the considerable financial, operational and environmental benefits that these recently launched Citroën models bring to the UK fleet sector.”

An innovative design approach set the C4 Cactus apart from its competition for the Fleet News Compact SUV Award.  The C4 Cactus stood out with its advanced driveline and platform technology, for light-weight and low cost of operation, as well as a high level of customisation for driver appeal and unique Airbump® technology to provide real day-to-day protection.

With a choice of advanced three-cylinder PureTech petrol engines and BlueHDi diesels the C4 Cactus delivers exceptional Combined Cycle fuel economy of up to 91.1 mpg and CO₂ emissions as low as 82g/km.  As such the C4 Cactus suits user chooser fleet applications.  Its driver benefits from excellent equipment standards, a high level of customization and low BIK. The fleet operator gains from full capital write down and low whole life costs.

The Grand C4 Picasso stood out from its competition for the Fleet News Best Seven-Seat People CarrierAward thanks to its light weight, roomy and versatile interior and efficient driveline technology.  Combined Cycle fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg and CO₂ emissions as low as 98g/km contribute to low whole life costs for the operator and low BIK for its driver.

The Grand C4 Picasso’s versatility has already seen it enter fleet service in considerable numbers. 

Its choice of well-equipped trim levels enables the Grand C4 Picasso to be easily specified for a variety of fleet applications, without compromising its family appeal.

Ford wipes the board with five awards at annual Fleet awards ceremony.

Ford’s new 2015 company car line-up carried away five Fleet News awards – the blue oval’s best haul in over five years.

Ford’s acclaimed all-new Mondeo and new Focus, being delivered to fleets from the start of the year, spearheaded Ford’s success in five categories:

Ford Mondeo – Best Upper Medium Car

Ford Mondeo – New Company Car of the Year

Ford Focus – Best Lower Medium Car

Ford Motor Company – Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Ford Motor Company – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Both the new Ford Mondeo and Focus ranges feature models with CO₂ emissions of under the 100g/km benchmark – equating to 78.5mpg fuel economy achievable in the 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel Mondeo and 83.1mpg from the 1.5-litre diesel Focus.

The addition of a hybrid petrol/electric Ford Mondeo and zero emissions Ford Focus battery helped scoop Green Manufacturer of the Year for the blue oval brand.

Stephen Briers, Fleet News editor, said:  “The Focus is an excellent all-round fleet car that has been revitalised with a superb quality interior. It leads the way on wholelife costs and is a great driver’s car, combining the cost advantages and badge appeal necessary to satisfy fleets and drivers alike.  New Mondeo has the style and design to appeal to drivers, while its wide choice of low emission engines and very strong residual values make it a great package, rated highly by all sectors of the fleet market.

Ford’s recent new product onslaught, culminating in the introduction of new Ford Mondeo and Focus, confirmed Fleet News’ top honour – Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.

“There are no weaknesses in Ford’s model range which, from supermini to full-size people carrier, offers something to meet every fleet requirement. Low running costs are a given, while Ford has a deserved reputation for making some of the best drivers’ cars on the market,” added Stephen Briers.

Nick Themistocleous, Ford Britain fleet director who was presented with the awards, said:  “Ford’s renewed cars and vans – from Fiesta to Transit – have caught the eye of fleets and the discerning business car user and drawn even more of them to our range.

“Fleet News and its readers have endorsed Ford Mondeo and Focus as their stars, which Ford, its dealers and fleet partners thank them for.”