WHAT CAR AWARDS - Skoda takes three and another three price point wins, not bad going !

• Kodiaq, Fabia Hatchback and Superb Estate all take category titles
• All-new Kodiaq wins Best Large SUV for 2017
• Fabia takes Small Car title for the third consecutive year
• Superb wins back-to-back Estate car honours
• Price Point wins for Citigo, Fabia Estate and Superb
• Judges praise value for money, design and practicality

ŠKODA has kicked off 2017 with another remarkable haul of titles at the annual What Car? Awards. The all-new Kodiaq, Fabia Hatchback and Superb Estate all won their categories at the ceremony widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the automotive world.

As in previous years, the event was attended by some of the biggest names in the industry. And, once again, it was ŠKODA that provided the biggest cheers of the night. The all-new Kodiaq headlined ŠKODA’s triple crown of awards, driving off with the coveted Best Large SUV 2017.

Commenting on the award, Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, said: “We had high expectations for the Czech brand’s first large SUV, and the Kodiaq doesn’t disappoint. 

Our favourite model costs a little more than £28,000, and for that you get seven seats, four-wheel drive, a punchy 148bhp diesel engine and generous equipment levels. It’s simply a brilliant large SUV.”

Not to be outdone by the newest member of the ŠKODA family, the Fabia Hatchback continued its remarkable run of awards by clinching Best Small Car 2017. Crowned overall Car of the Year in 2015, the Fabia has retained its Best Small Car title for three years in a row – confirming it as one of the most complete superminis on the market.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen plenty of new small cars come and go, but the Fabia still sits at the top of the pile.” said Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor. “The Fabia not only feels agile and easy to drive in town, but is also more comfortable and refined at motorway speeds than many larger cars.Its solidly built interior and impressive array of safety kit just set it further apart from rivals. Throw in its interior features and outstanding practicality, and it’s a clear winner.”

Completing ŠKODA’s collection of 2017 titles was the Superb Estate, which took top honours in the Estate Car category. Like the Fabia, the Superb retained its crown – comfortably seeing off stiff competition.

Explaining the judge’s decision, Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor said: “ŠKODA really has taken a lead in this class; the Superb retains the crown it won last year, and the Fabia isn’t far behind it. Practicality, performance, space, comfort and affordability are king here, and no car mixes all these things as phenomenally well as the Superb.”

ŠKODA was also awarded three price point wins on the night, with the Citigo winning best City Car for £8,000-£10,000, Fabia Estate named best Estate Car for less than £18,000 and the Superb gaining an award for best Executive Car for under £25,000.

MEXICO - The Tsuru sedan that has sold 2.4 million units will end production with a special commemorative Edition.

• Popular Nissan small car sold more than two million units in Mexico since 1984

Nissan confirmed today the end of production of the Nissan Tsuru in Mexico by May 2017. The popular Tsuru, with more than 2.4 million sales to date, has provided accessible, economical and dependable mobility for drivers across Mexico and other markets for more than three decades.

Tsuru has been an important product for Nissan to establish itself as one of the top investors and employers in Mexico. 

The company expects to continue its Mexican sales and production leadership despite ceasing production of the iconic sedan.

 "In the Mexican automotive industry, Tsuru is one of the top sales leaders," said Mayra Gonzalez, president and general director, Nissan Mexicana. "The majority of Mexicans have some history that binds us to the Nissan Tsuru. The sedan, which has a huge following, has provided families in Mexico high-quality, reliable and durable transportation since 1984."

Nissan also announced today a special commemorative version of the Nissan Tsuru will be sold beginning March 2017, with only 1,000 units available. The company will also continue to support Tsuru customers by offering service and parts for the repair and maintenance of its vehicles for the foreseeable future. 

Nissan confirmed that although no direct substitute for the Tsuru is planned, the company will direct customers toward models like the Nissan Versa, the industry's sales leader, as well as other models like Tiida, through their different available versions.

J.D. Power awarded Nissan Tsuru the highest level of customer satisfaction in its 2013 and 2014 Mexican Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (MVOSS) that evaluated customer satisfaction in the subcompact category.

Nissan Mexico's overall production volume will not be affected by the Tsuru announcement due to production increases at the company's two Aguascalientes plants, including the recently introduced Nissan Kicks.

Additionally, the new Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance joint-venture manufacturing complex, COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes), will start production in late 2017. The COMPAS plant will allow Nissan to surpass the 1 million manufacturing benchmark in Mexico before the end of the decade and, when it's at full capacity, the company will add an additional 3,600 employees to its 15,000 team members in Mexico.

USA - Chevy launches the All-New Sonic in hatchback and sedan models and three trim levels.

Fresh look, segment-first Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility lead changes

Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Sonic – a more expressive, sporty take on the brand’s fun-to-drive small car. It offers big technologies such as a new MyLink system with segment-exclusive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a fresh exterior with new LED signature lighting.

The updated styling complements new comfort and convenience features such as an available heated steering wheel and a standard 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen for the new MyLink system. Rear Park Assist is also new, adding to one of the most comprehensive safety packages in the segment.

“The new styling and features of the 2017 Sonic reinforce its position as a fun, efficient small car with leading technology – all at an affordable price,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “This is an important segment for Chevrolet, as we really have an opportunity to introduce ourselves to new buyers and show them what we’re all about.”

Like the new Trax, Sonic brings new, younger customers to the brand, with more than 20 percent of them younger than 35 – and nearly 30 percent trading in non-GM vehicles. It is also Chevrolet’s top vehicle for first-time new buyers.

The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this fall, offered in LS, LT and Premier trims on sedan models. The hatchback returns exclusively in RS guise, offered in LT and Premier trims. An RS package is also available on the sedan.

Refined design

Sonic’s athletic exterior has an entirely new, expressive look echoing the global Chevrolet cues seen on vehicles such as the Cruze, Bolt EV and 2017 Trax.

It is a richer, more detailed design, with the front end featuring a new hood, new front fascia and new lighting elements. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with available LED daytime running lamps. Likewise, the rear fascia is new.

“With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance, the dramatic changes to the Sonic’s design give it and even sportier stance and attitude,” said Justin Thompson, exterior design manager.

There are also new 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and four new exterior colors offered in 2017: Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat and Arctic Blue Metallic (late availability).

Interior and technology enhancements

Sonic’s thoughtful interior retains its focus on delivering comfort, convenience and technology. A new, detailed gauge cluster incorporating an analog speedometer adds a higher degree of refinement to the cabin, complementing addition new comfort and convenience features.

For 2017, Sonic becomes the first in its segment to offer a power driver’s seat. Additional new features include:

• Keyless Open and Start
• Available heated cloth seats with new heated steering wheel
• RS trim includes RS-logo floor mats, piano black décor, RS-badged flat-bottom steering wheel – with new, red cloth seating available.

Also new is a 7-inch-diagonal infotainment system designed to support the latest connectivity technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. With the available 4G LTE connection, Sonic provides a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows passengers to connect up to seven compatible devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless Internet.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.

Safety first

Sonic offers safety features designed to alert drivers to potential crash situations. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are available active safety features. Sonic also offers 10 standard air bags, Stabilitrak electronic stability control and an antilock braking system to help provide peace of mind. Rear Park Assist is new for 2017 and a rearview camera is now standard on all models.  

Turbocharged performance

The Sonic’s standard Ecotec 1.8L engine is estimated to deliver similar fuel economy numbers for the 2017 model year, however official EPA estimates are not yet available.  Sonic’s fun-driving spirit returns with an available Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine, backed by a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Rated at 138 horsepower (102 kW).

USA - Honda cleans up at this years Kelley Blue Book Awards with Overall Winner and four other class wins.

• All-new, redesigned sporty and fun-to-drive 2016 Civic Wins Top Award
• Honda takes home bevy of 'Best Buy' honors for 2016 including CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey, showcasing strength in light-truck offerings
• Honda takes five of 11 non-luxury awards from Kelley Blue Book

Honda vehicles took home top accolades in multiple categories at the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, with the all-new, sporty and aggressively styled 2016 Civic taking home the 'Overall Best Buy Award.' 

According to the expert team of editors and evaluators at KBB.com, 'the 2016 Honda Civic is the Overall Winner in our Best Buy Awards because it sets a new standard in a segment already known for delivering great value, providing an up-level experience to drivers and passengers in every facet of the driving and ownership experience.'

2016 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners: Honda

Overall Winner: 2016 Honda Civic

Small Car: 2016 Honda Civic

Small SUV/Crossover: 2016 Honda CR-V

Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: 2016 Honda Pilot

Minivan: 2016 Honda Odyssey

In addition to the Overall Best Buy of the Year Award for Civic, Honda secured accolades from The Trusted Resource® for three vehicles in its light truck lineup including CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey in their respective categories.

The Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV over the past two decades and continues to offer incredible value to customers. The sleek and sophisticated 2016 Pilot is all-new and fully redesigned from the ground up with more trim levels, features and options than ever before. 

The 2016 Odyssey continues to be the only minivan to offer an in-vehicle vacuum and class-leading fuel economy.

"We are incredibly confident in the value, quality and design of the all-new 2016 Civic," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. 

"This prestigious award from KBB.com helps current and future buyers with their purchase decisions and further solidifies the notion that for customers who purchase a Honda, be it a car or a light truck, they are making an 'overall' smart choice."

"We believe the all-new Honda Civic is a game-changer in the compact vehicle class" said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. 

"While the previous-edition Civic was a market leader in a very important segment, the newest version ups the ante in every category – interior and exterior style, safety, feature set – the new Civic takes them all to a new level."

USA RECALL - HONDA - The Fit Small car gets a voluntarily recall to replace the Plug Top Ignition Coil.

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 17,800 model-year 2015 Fit vehicles in the United States to replace the plug top ignition coils, free of charge. 

The original plug top ignition coils may degrade over time, which, in the worst case, could cause the vehicle’s engine to stall, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. 

No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was discovered through the warranty claim process outside of the United States.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage each owner of an affected vehicle to take it to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin October 6, 2015. 

Additionally, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair now by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (888) 234-2138.

BMW and Toyota to co-operate on new small car, bringing the MINI Rocketman Concept to market ?

BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corp. may expand their cooperation to include the joint development of a new addition to BMW's Mini range, a German auto magazine reported.

BMW is considering an entry-level car for Mini that would be called the Mini Minor, Autobild said. Toyota could launch its own version of the model, which may be badged as the Starlet, the report said. Automobile magazine also reported on the cooperation talksbetween the two companies.

A Mini spokesman declined to comment on the report, telling Automotive News Europe that it was "mere speculation."

If built, the Minor is expected to be smaller and less expensive than Mini's core model, the three-door hatchback. Based on the Mini Rocketman concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva auto show, the Minor will be 11-feet, 4-inches long, which is 14.5 inches shorter than the three-door hatch.

With a sticker price of about 13,500 euros ($15,300), the Minor would undercut the three-door Mini hatch by nearly 4,000 euros ($4,500).

It's unclear if the model would be brought to the U.S.

The Mini Minor’s name would revive a moniker first given to the early versions of the car built by the UK brand Morris in the early 1960s.

BMW is expected to add an electric version of the Mini Minor after the first conventionally powered models arrive in 2018 or 2019, the report said.

Mini is shaking up its lineup as it seeks to make the brand profitable. While the Minor would be an addition to the portfolio Mini is likely to discontinue three weak-selling models: the Coupe, Roadster and Paceman.

BMW and Toyota formed an alliance in 2011 to cooperate on diesel engines and have since expanded the collaboration to include fuel cell and battery cell technology, lightweight materials as well as the joint development of an architecture and components for a sports car.

David Jolley

REPORT HERE

TMW - The first of our awards, Small Car, and the winner is...........

SMALL CAR - from Micro to Super mini, the nominations are

SUZUKI SWIFT - The Small car that has helped turn Suzuki into a world class car manufacturer, with regular updates and upgrades, which keep the car fresh and modern, the Swift earns its place on the list.

FIAT 500 - The rebirth of an Icon continues apace, with expanded ranges, which now include the 500L, XL, Trekking and the new 500X, the sales cant lie, the new 500 is the car, that has saved FIAT once again.

HYUNDAI i10 - The i10 has single handed given Hyundai some stunning sales numbers, and when the UK had its own "Scrappage Scheme" the i10 was one of the major stars, in fact one was purchased for the Mother-in-Law (but that's no reason to not have one... LOL ed) 

CITROEN C1, PEUGEOT 108, TOYOTA AYGO - This threesome (ooeer missus) is the second generation of co-operation to produce three distinct cars, the Peugeot is definitely the best of the three, with the Toyota last, this time around, more distinction between the brands is evident, and it clearly shows.

MAZDA2 - The new Mazda2, carries on where the Mazda6 and Mazda3 have started, with Skyactive Technology and the KODO - Soul of Motion design influence, Mazda has hit another home run, it is not surprising that Mazda sales worldwide are flying high.

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The hotly contested segment, where price is more important than loads of extras, not to say that they are not important, but the Small car segment is predominantly an age related segment, either the young, where they can get a cheap car, or the elderly, that just needs a small car for their needs.

But because a car is in this segment, it does not mean that they are not good, far far from it, over the last few years, this segment has seen quality and specification gains more so than in other segments, Just look at the previous generation Citroen C1 to today's offering, and with the Hyundai i10 being the car of choice during the UK;s own scrappage scheme, it shows how this segment has moved on.

But it is not always a case of the cheapest or the best specified cars wins, this segment takes a little longer to decide on who should take our first win, and it is a tough one, each car has its own merits, the Mazda will be a huge success, the trio of cars from the PSA & Toyota are already a cut above the rest, The Hyundai is a giant leap from the previous generation, the FIAT, is a let down, its not cheap, its not overly great at any one thing, its good at most things, and its starting to show its age.

Then it brings us to the Suzuki, The Swift is a great little car, it is priced to be competitive, and it has looks that are modern, curvaceous and from the manufacturer that is supreme in small car production, so whats it to be, well...........

THE MOTORING WORLD SMALL CAR OF THE YEAR........

Goes to......

Congrats to Suzuki, and keep building the Swift as is, it is a great car, at a price point that is spot on, and with those looks, it has a sporty look, even on the lower end models, whats not to like about this little pocket rocket.

NEED READERS TO OFFER OPINIONS PLEASE

I know that this is just a blog, and not a massive multi million selling magazine or world wide massive website, but i am really happy with teh way things are progressing, there has been well in excess of one million Google page views, with nearly 300,000 direct page reads, and I thank you all for that, without you guys reading these posts, I would not continue.

In nearly two years of blogging about car, bikes, truck and commercial vehicles, we have never really pushed our favourites, so i was wondering if a "The Motoring World" should do our own car of the year, let me know your thoughts and what catagories to have.

Currently my choices are

• Small Car.
• Family Car.
• Executive.
• Sports Car.
• Cabriolet.
• SUV.
• Luxury Car.
• Car of the Year.
• Most interesting new car 2015.

So, please let me know...