WHAT CAR AWARDS - Suzuki makes it five in a row for the Super Swift, with a best buy award.

• Best buy hot hatch for less than £15,000 for the fifth consecutive year

Suzuki celebrated some great news at the 2016 What Car? Magazine awards last night as the Swift Sport has been awarded a ‘Best Buy’ accolade for the fifth year in a row. 

The performance flagship of the Swift range was comprehensively judged by the editorial team against strong competition in its sector, and the final vote resulted in the three door model yet again receiving the ‘Best Buy Hot Hatch for less than £15,000’.

First introduced in January 2012 and with a high standard specification that includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, USB connection and auto air conditioning, Swift Sport still remains considerably cheaper than £15,000 at just £13,999 for three door and £14,499 for the five door model.

Swift Sport is available in a choice of four standard metallic paint finishes and is also equipped with seven airbags, cruise control, High Intensity Discharge headlamps, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition to satellite navigation and DAB radio, the Sport also has voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming compatible with ipod/ iphone.

Jim Holder, What Car? Editor comments: “The Swift Sport is the epitome of the ‘junior’ hot hatch, and has had an enduring spot among our winners for many years. Ignore the relatively low 134bhp power output, because it’s actually the high-revving, grippy nature of this energetic little car that is its greatest achievement. This, after all, is a car that you can wring 100 per cent from on plenty of British roads and in all sorts of depressing weather, and just have masses of fun without fearing for your life or your bank balance.

"It’s full of unintimidating hilarity, and that’s the biggest thing you want in a hot hatch at this level. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cheapest of its kind to insure, has respectable real-world fuel economy, and is widely available with low monthly finance payments, so is ideally suited to younger drivers who want something with a bit of pizzazz. Maybe the interior is more durable than classy, and long-legged occupants might not be all that sold on the rear leg room, but frankly you’ll forget all of that as soon as you sling it through the first corner.”

The engine’s high output is combined with excellent fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the EC Combined Cycle; CO₂ emissions are 147g/km and a bespoke exhaust system yields a sporty note and the Sport is fitted with a six speed manual transmission as standard.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Suzuki takes best buy awards for the Vitara and Swift.

Suzuki celebrated good news at the 2016 What Car? Magazine awards for the second time last night as the Vitara has also been awarded a ‘Best Buy at less than £15,000’ accolade along with the Swift Sport model.  In the Small SUV class and priced at £13,999, the Vitara 1.6-litre SZ4 was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and announced as the best overall model in its price bracket.

Jim Holder, Editorial Director of What Car? comments: “In SZ4 trim the Vitara doesn’t just sneak into this price category; it’s more than £1000 beneath it. Even then it comes complete with niceties such as climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio.

“The 1.6 litre engine might not have a turbocharger but is smooth and more than capable in the Vitara. It’s also economical; our True MPG testers managed to get within 3.9mpg of the official figure. The Vitara drives well, too; the suspension is firm enough to resist roll without ever becoming uncomfortable and the controls inspire plenty of confidence. The five-speed gearbox is enjoyable to use, too. Practicality is a real strong point inside, with plenty of leg room front and back.”

Commenting further, Jim Holder added: “Cargo space is impressive in its size and also accessibility; the boot opening is wide with a low loading lip. The interior is also solidly put together, with piano black trim to add a little class. To top it all, there are also plenty of customisation options. It really is a complete package for very little outlay.”

Standard equipment for all models is comprehensive and also includes seven airbags, alloy wheels and front and rear electric windows. Suzuki’s latest ALLGRIP four wheel drive technology is available as an option on SZ5 models and is standard equipment on the recently introduced S model.

The new Vitara S provides a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line up and is the first Suzuki to utilise its new BOOSTERJET technology. The engine is a 140PS 1.4-litre Direct Injection turbocharged unit (DITC), it has compact dimensions and offers 220Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.  CO₂  emissions are 127g/km and just one gramme higher for the optional six speed automatic transmission.

Mitsubishi now offers the Outlander PHEV to its motability customers.

For the first time Motability drivers can get behind the wheel of the exciting all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the country’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Available across the Mitsubishi dealer network until December 31st 2014, the fantastic family-sized 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is on offer for an advance payment from £1,999.

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Lance Bradley, said:

‘We are very pleased to see the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the Motability scheme – it represents Mitsubishi’s strongest Motability offering ever. I’d encourage any motorists that are eligible for the scheme to visit a Mitsubishi dealership for a test drive. It’s a remarkable vehicle that has already proved extremely popular.’

The Outlander PHEV uses both electric and petrol power, and unlike non plug-in hybrid vehicles the Outlander PHEV can travel substantially further on its batteries – 32.5 miles - which is more than enough to accommodate the average daily commute (official SMMT figure: 22 miles per day).

The significant electric-only range gives the vehicle game changing economy and environmental credentials. The official combined fuel consumption figure is just 148mpg and emissions are as low as 44g/km of CO₂. The Outlander PHEV is clever too. Features on the entry model include controllable regenerative braking, keyless entry, Bluetooth and much more.

It has never been easier or more affordable for drivers registered with the Motability scheme to get behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi. Other vehicles available are the Outlander diesel, the ASX active sports crossover and the super-mini Mirage.

Intelligent, economical and luxurious, the Outlander diesel is among the largest SUV’s on the Motability scheme. Packed with clever features, it has a five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating, best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, and is lighter, quieter and more refined than ever. It is available with an advance payment of just £1,599.

There are also outstanding offers on the Mitsubishi ASX crossover, starting with an advance payment of just £149 for the ASX 2. Available with a choice of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, the ASX offers impressive fuel economy but packs plenty of pulling power when needed. Plus for those who like the assurances that a 4×4 can give, ASX is available as a 4WD. Peace of mind doesn’t just come in the form of the model’s 4WD ability. Each ASX model boasts a five-star Euro-NCAP rating.

Meanwhile, the clever and compact Mirage is roomy enough for five adults and exceptionally economical. It offers a winning blend of chic styling, comfort and low running costs. The vehicle has exceptional economy figures - the Mirage 3 1.2 CVT (automatic) has a combined fuel performance figure of just 68.9mpg. It is also highly maneuverable, with a tiny turning circle – perfect for nipping in and out of traffic and squeezing easily into those smaller parking spaces. What’s more, the Mirage 3 is available with no up-front payment for eligible drivers.