The Jaguar XF saloon has been named "Best Saloon" in the Golden Steering Wheel Competition.

• Jaguar XF voted ‘Best Saloon’ in Medium-Full-size category
• Jaguar F-PACE takes second place in the Large SUV category

Jaguar has won Germany’s top car award, the Golden Steering Wheel. The Jaguar XF was voted ‘Best Saloon’ in the Mid-Full-size category, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90. 

Jaguar had further reason to celebrate in the Large SUV category, with the F-PACE taking second place.

The Jaguar XF defines the segment with unrivalled design, luxury, technology and efficiency, underpinned by class-leading driving dynamics and refinement. 

With the recent addition of all-wheel drive, the XF offers greater confidence in its all-weather traction and has exceptional total cost of ownership, with class-leading residual values and running costs.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, accepting the Golden Steering Wheel for the Jaguar XF, said:“Winning this prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award in the most demanding automotive market and the toughest premium segment in the world, means a lot to Jaguar Land Rover. The Golden Steering wheel confirms all the efforts of the Jaguar Land Rover team in delivering special, solid products with distinct character that excite the senses.

“I want to thank the experienced readers and seasoned expert jury for their appraisal – and especially the JLR team.”

Jaguar’s first performance SUV, the F-PACE, took a strong second place in the large SUV category. It is designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement Jaguar is renowned for together with everyday usability that delivers the Ultimate Practical Sports car. The F-PACE has been fantastically received and is Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle ever.

For the 41st Golden Steering Wheel Awards, 36 new models competed in six categories. In the first round of voting, millions of readers of Auto Bild and its sister publications in more than 20 European countries, together with the readers of Sunday paper Bild am Sonntag, selected their favourites. After the votes had been counted, the 24 finalists were determined. A 67 strong jury consisting of racing drivers, chief editors, designers and other car experts, thoroughly tested the new models comparing driving dynamics, connectivity, designs and operating costs.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been named "Most Beautiful Car" in the Golden Steering Wheel competition.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been named "Most Beautiful Car" in the "Das Goldene Lenkrad" ("Golden Steering Wheel") competition. The award adds to the remarkable collection of international prizes won by the new Alfa Romeo sports car.

The Giulia was voted for by readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag, with a panel of 29 automotive experts. 

Panel members included rally world champions Walter Röhrl and Sébastien Ogier, DTM champion Mattias Ekström and designer Andrea Zagato.

Created by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the exciting Giulia is a new expression of the best Italian tradition that combines harmonic proportions, linearity of style, high quality materials and sophisticated aluminium, wood and leather accents. All these are embellished with iconic elements originating in the brand's over 100-year history, the most significant of which is the trefoil, arguably the most famous emblem of Alfa Romeo design.

Awarded since 1976 and this year divided into seven categories, the "Golden Steering Wheel" was won by Alfa Romeo in 2011 for the "I am Giulietta" advertising campaign. Alfa Romeo 147 won in its category in 2000, while in 1995 the "Golden Steering Wheel" award for the "Coupé" category went to Alfa Romeo GTV

The Volvo XC90 has been crowned Best SUV at the Fleet World Honours 2016.

• Tax-efficient XC90 voted best SUV by panel of fleet judges
• Seven-seat XC90 praised for its Scandinavian design, world-first safety systems and advanced connectivity
• Diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with CO₂ emissions from just 49g/km

The Volvo XC90 has been crowned Best SUV at the Fleet World Honours 2016. The prestigious award ceremony was held at the famous Royal Automobile Club in London on Tuesday 19th April 2016. The XC90 was praised by the judges for its elegant design, luxurious and practical interior, and advanced safety and connectivity equipment.

Commenting on the XC90, the Fleet World judges said: “Spearheading Volvo’s new-generation products, the XC90 is a distinctly Scandinavian take on luxury motoring. Elegantly designed and effortlessly comfortable, it offers competitive diesel and plug-in hybrid options for fleets and features the best interior in its class. 

With world-first safety systems, advanced connectivity on board and near-infinite practicality, it’s a deserved winner.”

The XC90 uses Volvo’s all-new SPA platform and a range of powerful yet efficient Drive-E powertrains. These include the recently upgraded D5 diesel engine with its ground-breaking PowerPulse technology and the plug-in hybrid petrol-electric T8 Twin Engine.

PowerPulse is an innovative technology that uses compressed air to boost the engine’s responsiveness by virtually eliminating turbo lag. This helps give the performance of a much larger engine, especially at low revs. Add CO₂ emissions of just 149g/km and competitively low P11D prices, and the XC90 D5 PowerPulse is a compelling choice for fleet customers.

The T8 Twin Engine combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to offer the running costs of a far smaller, less powerful car. It is capable of doing up to 27 miles in electric-only mode, offering near-silent, zero-emission travel. Its class-leading CO₂ emissions of 49g/km are seriously impressive, but factor in its 100% first year write-down allowance and corporation tax relief of up to £12,720 (based on a T8 Twin Engine Inscription) and the XC90 T8 is exceptionally tax-efficient for a seven-seat SUV.

Being a Volvo, the XC90 also leads the field when it comes to safety. Among the world-first technology fitted as standard is automatic emergency braking at a junction, which applies the brakes should you turn into the course of an oncoming vehicle. Another ground-breaking safety aid is Run-off Road Protection, which includes an innovative energy-absorbing section in the front seats to help prevent spinal injuries if your car leaves the road.

Selwyn Cooper, Head of Business Sales of Volvo Car UK, said: “It’s a fantastic result for the XC90 to be voted Best SUV by such an influential title as Fleet World. The XC90’s winning combination of tax-efficiency, luxury, practicality, high-tech equipment and of course safety make it the ideal choice for all business users.”

ŠKODA Superb claims ‘Best Upper Medium Car’ title at Fleet World Honours making this, the fifth award this year.

• ŠKODA Superb claims ‘Best Upper Medium Car’ title at Fleet World Honours
• Judges impressed by space, style and efficiency
• Fifth award win for ŠKODA’s flagship this year

The ŠKODA Superb was named ‘Best Upper Medium Car’ at the 2016 Fleet World Honours, at The Royal Automobile Club in London last today. The annual Fleet World Honours celebrates the very best in the fleet industry.

Voted best in category, the ŠKODA Superb boasts space, style and the ideal combination of technology, comfort, desirability and value for money, all with a P11D rate that starts from £19,005 and BiK of 19%.

Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, commented: "ŠKODA’s excellent new Superb makes a great case for itself. Understated and stylish, it’s spacious enough to shame much larger cars, with equipment levels to match.

“ŠKODA also scores highly on fuel efficiency, with the 95g/km Greenline III diesel available in most trim levels, including fleet-focused SE Business versions. It makes it hard to argue for any other winner in this sector."

Speaking after the win, Henry Williams, Head of Fleet for ŠKODA UK said: "Being named ‘Best Upper Medium Car’ in this year’s Fleet World Honours is testament to the Superb’s compelling residual values, class-leading space, eye-catching design and sophisticated technology. The success of the ŠKODA Superb is the perfect showcase for the brand’s continued growth in the fleet sector.”

Launched in the UK in September 2015, the new Superb has picked up five awards this year alone, including the What Car? title for Best Estate Car.

Fleet World names Alfa Romeo Giulia “One To Watch in 2016”

• Fleet World names Alfa Romeo Giulia “One To Watch in 2016” describing the new sports saloon as “an exciting addition to the sector”
• Judged by the Fleet World Team of experts the awards are a significant endorsement before the car even goes on sale in the UK
• Built on an-all new rear-wheel-drive platform, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia also has efficient all-new powertrains and advanced safety features
• Not only beautiful to behold, the Alfa Romeo Giulia will also be fun to drive thanks to its low weight, perfect weight distribution and handling agility

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has scooped the inaugural “One to Watch” award at the Fleet World Honours 2016, which were held today, April 19, at The Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London. 

Divided into a series of categories representing cars, vans and fleet management, the Fleet World Honours recognise innovation, quality and sustainability in the fleet industry and picking up an award, as voted for by the expert Fleet World Team, is a significant endorsement which resonates with fleet managers and business users across the UK.

“One to Watch” is a new category for 2016 and is awarded to the car that the Fleet World team thinks will be an exciting and significant addition to the fleet sector over the coming year.

Built on an all-new, rear-wheel drive platform with an emphasis on light weight, perfect weight distribution and handling agility, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia will be powered by a range of advanced engines - including an all-aluminium 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 150hp or 180hp, as well as a 200hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 2.9-litre turbo-charged V6 producing 510hp in the top Quadrifoglio version. 

An advanced eight-speed automatic debuts on the Giulia, as do numerous innovating safety systems including  the new, electromechanical Integrated Brake System (IBS) which combines the stability control system and traditional servo to improve brake responsiveness, lower weight and reduce pedal vibrations of the ABS system while also making record-breaking stopping distances possible.

Commenting on the win, the Fleet World Honours judging panel noted, “The Giulia looks set to transform Alfa Romeo’s fleet presence. 

A stylish return to the compact executive class after a five-year hiatus, it’s underpinned by a new chassis with a focus on driver enjoyment and will be offered with a pair of diesel engines for fleets. With work underway to ensure competitive whole-life costs, it’s an exciting addition to the sector.”

Francis Bleasdale, Fleet & Remarketing Director commented, “We are very encouraged by the level of interest in the fleet sector in the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia. 

There’s clearly an appetite amongst fleet users to have something new and exciting to choose from, and what makes the Giulia special isn’t just its looks, character and driving dynamics, it will also be right there with the best in class in terms of safety, efficiency, equipment and performance. 

We are grateful to the Fleet World Honours team for singling out the Alfa Romeo Giulia as the “One to Watch in 2016” and I’m positive that when they experience the car for themselves their enthusiasm for the Alfa Romeo Giulia will be justified.”

The Jaguar XF wins another major award, it's been crowned ‘Best Executive Car’ at the Fleet World Honours.

• The Jaguar XF has won yet another major award this year, having been crowned ‘Best Executive Car’ at the Fleet World Honours
• This latest award underlines the new XF’s fleet-friendly total cost of ownership figures, which are the best in a class of extremely competitive models
• Fleet World judges praised the all-new XF’s ultra-low emissions and internet-connected technologies, which make it perfect for a life on the road
• The new Jaguar XF has already been named Business Car’s Executive Car of the Year and the SME Best Director’s Company Car, as well as the Top Gear ‘Saloon Car of the Year’

The Jaguar XF has won yet another major award, having been crowned Fleet World’s ‘Best Executive Car’ at the annual Fleet World Honours. With an aluminium-intensive construction and ultra-efficient Ingenium engines, the XF was not only praised for being great to drive, but also for its cost of ownership figures and technology.

Steve Moody, Fleet World Editor, said: “Having spent several years building on its fleet infrastructure, Jaguar’s new XF arrived ready to take on this segment’s biggest-selling models. Its aluminium-rich structure cuts weight, reduces running costs and has made this a true driver’s car. The XF is also packed full of useful internet-connected technology, perfect for a life on the road. It’s the right tool to continue Jaguar’s push into fleet.”

It’s only the latest award won by the all-new Jaguar XF this year, which has already had been recognized by Business Car as Executive Car of the Year and as Business Car Manager’s SME Best Director’s Company Car. Top Gear Magazine also named the XF as its Saloon Car of the Year.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “The XF competes in one of the most aggressive segments in the industry; not only does it have to be stylish, luxurious and packed full of technology, but it really has to add up financially, too. This Fleet World Honour is just the latest validation of what we’ve known about new XF from the beginning; it is quite simply the best all-round package in the executive class.”

The Jaguar XF was designed from the ground up to appeal to fleet and business customers, and boasts total cost-of-ownership figures better than any of its rivals. Industry valuation company, CAP, says the XF will have the strongest residual values in its segment – holding 53% of its value after 3 years/30,000 miles – and thanks to emissions as low as 104g/km and fuel economy as high as 70.6mpg, it makes perfect financial sense as a company car.

Mitsubishi UK is celebrating the Outlander PHEV as it was awarded the title of ‘Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating after the Outlander PHEV was awarded the title of ‘Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle’ for the second year in a row at the prestigious Fleet World Honours.

The Fleet World Honours, at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London, are presented annually to motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals that have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The awards are open to all motor manufacturers and the judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall and Alex Grant from the Fleet World editorial team.

Presenting the award, Steve said: ‘A global sales phenomenon, the Outlander PHEV has introduced more than 21,000 UK drivers to the benefits of electric motoring, and it’s revolutionised Mitsubishi’s fleet presence. Low CO₂ emissions of 42g/km make this capacious, well-equipped SUV an accessible company car, while updates last year have broadened its appeal still further. It’s a true game-changer.’

Just over two years on from its launch in April 2014, the Outlander PHEV has overtaken every other plug-in hybrid and pure electric car, even passing vehicles that have been around since 2011, such as the Nissan Leaf. 

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: ‘The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is different to other hybrids in the market and we are so pleased that it has won this award at the Fleet World Honours for the second year running. People are increasingly attracted to environmental credentials, performance and the economy that can be delivered, but still want to have a vehicle that is great to drive, so it’s no surprise the Outlander PHEV has generated such interest from fleet operators and leasing companies. The judges described it as a “game-changer” and that is absolutely right because the Outlander PHEV has transformed the UK’s plug-in hybrid sector.’

The Outlander PHEV has become the UK's number one choice and it’s not difficult to see why it is proving so popular. It boasts impressive fuel economy and ultra-low emissions – in a vehicle with the go-anywhere ability of four-wheel-drive. Combining electric and petrol power it has a range of 541 miles - 32 miles in electric mode alone, which is more than enough to accommodate the average daily commute.

As well as its official fuel consumption figure of 156 miles per gallon, the Outlander PHEV’s low emissions of just 42g of CO₂ per kilometre mean there’s no vehicle tax to pay. It is exempt from the congestion charge and it qualifies for the Government's £2,500 plug-in car grant. In addition, company car drivers can reap the reward of low Benefit in Kind tax (BIK), meaning a virtual pay rise of several thousand pounds per year.