TELEGRAPH AWARDS - The Vauxhall Sports Tourer takes the best Estate car award.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has claimed another accolade, with the Sports Tourer model being named as Best Estate Car at the 2016 Telegraph Cars Awards.

The award recognises the Astra Sports Tourer as the best estate car driven by the Telegraph’s experienced road test team in the last year, following extensive testing of all new cars on the market. 

Built at Ellesmere Port in the UK, the Sports Tourer model provides more internal storage than its predecessor, while maintaining the athletic exterior design of its hatchback equivalent.

Of the model, the judges said: “The new Astra is at its best in estate guise, which gives a useful boost in boot space to go with its other winning attributes.” Although it was not just the convenience that impressed, with the judges adding: “The engine range is one of the strongest out there, too.”

The range of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powertrains on the new Astra Sports Tourer are smaller, more compact and lighter, while simultaneously being more powerful and frugal when compared to previous generations.

“The Astra has been very well-received and it’s great news that the new model has been recognised yet again, this time at the Telegraph Cars Awards,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director.

This year continues to be an extremely successful one for the Astra model, this week alone bringing two awards with today’s award joining the Auto Express Compact Family Car win.These awards join a list that includes being named European Car of the Year, a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards, a Lower Medium category win at the Fleet News Awards and the Game-Changer award from Autocar

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Skoda wins again in the Estate class.

• ŠKODA Octavia named best Estate car in annual Fleet World Awards
• Back-to-back victories for the multi-award-winning Estate
• ŠKODA’s fifth win in a row in the Estate category
• Octavia Estate praised for its practicality and low running costs

The ŠKODA Octavia Estate has been named Best Estate Car for the second year running by Fleet World. The latest in a growing list of industry accolades for the Octavia was announced at the annual Fleet World Awards in London and means that ŠKODA has won the Estate car category for the past five years.

ŠKODA’s dominance of the Fleet World Estate category further highlights the brand’s commitment to the fleet market, where value, practicality and low running costs are key criteria for both fleet buyers and drivers. 

Launched in 2013, the third-generation Octavia has already proved to be an incredibly attractive option for fleet operators thanks to its 1,740-litre boot, low CO₂ emissions (from just 90g/km) and competitive P11D values (from £16,230).

Commenting on the award, Fleet World Editor Steve Moody said: “The Octavia triumphed once again thanks to its great value and premium quality finish. ŠKODA’s development of fleet-focused trims and low emission engines continue to make it a great choice for fleet users.”

Patrick McGillycuddy, Head of Fleet at ŠKODA UK, added: “For the Octavia to win this fiercely competitive category for the second year running shows what an incredible package the Octavia Estate is. 

We’re passionate about building cars that appeal to fleet buyers and drivers, and that’s why ŠKODA has dominated this award for so long. We’re delighted that the winning streak has continued!”

The latest award from Fleet World adds to an impressive list of industry accolades for the Octavia Estate. 

Since its launch, it has been awarded Best Estate Car 2015 by Diesel Car magazine, Best Estate Car in both the 2014 and 2015 Fleet News Awards, and Best Estate by CarBuyer in 2014 and 2015.  

Built on a state-of-the-art platform, the Octavia Estate features a blend of cutting edge technology and the Simply Clever features for which ŠKODA is renowned, along with low running costs and a great driving experience. 

The extensive range includes a frugal GreenLine model capable of returning up to 88.3mpg, a sporty vRS version with 220PS and 142g/km of CO₂ and a rugged Scout model with four-wheel-drive transmission that emits just 125g/km of CO_2.

DIESEL CAR AWARDS - Skoda takes "Best Estate Car" Award for the second year running with the Octavia.

• Octavia Estate picks up ‘Best Estate car’ award from Diesel Car magazine for the second year running
• Stylish load-lugger wins praise for breadth of range and spaciousness
• Great-value Octavia Estate beats competition from the premium sector 

The Octavia Estate has won the ‘Best Estate Car’ award from respected magazine Diesel Car in its annual awards. The hard-working Octavia Estate won praise not just for its load-carrying ability, but also passenger space, low emissions and ŠKODA’s high levels of customer satisfaction. 

The latest Octavia Estate has been a favourite of reviewers and customers alike since it was launched in 2013. Built on a state-of-the-art platform, it features a blend of cutting edge technology and the Simply Clever features for which ŠKODA is renowned, along with low running costs and a great driving experience. 

Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car, was full of praise for the ŠKODA Octavia Estate. He said: “Mid-sized estate cars don’t come any roomier than the ŠKODA Octavia, so it’s no wonder that this load lugging version outsells the hatchback edition, and sales volumes continue on an upward curve.

There truly is an Octavia for everyone, including a four-wheel drive drivetrain, DSG twin-clutch automatic transmissions and versions that emit just 85g/km of CO₂, while recording an astonishing official economy figure of 88.3mpg. 

“Family cars don’t come any better packaged than this, with generous space for passengers and cargo alike. It’s a quality machine, too, with stylish looks, both inside and out, and customer satisfaction levels that rival car makers are intensely jealous of.” 

“The Octavia Estate is at the heart of the ŠKODA brand, with a version for everyone, from the frugal Greenline III to the speedy vRS to the rugged Scout. Thousands of new owners are finding out for themselves every year and we’re delighted to be recognised by Diesel Car,” said Chris Horrell, Product Marketing Manager, ŠKODA UK. 

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.”

Peugeot 308 SW wins CarBuyer award for best estate car 2015

• The new PEUGEOT 308 SW has strong credentials that make it an outstanding and capable winner
• Award salutes the best identified cars available to buy
• The PEUGEOT 308 is an award-winner having won the coveted Car of the Year in 2014

The PEUGEOT 308 SW has again been chosen for a special accolade – this time as Carbuyer’s 2015 ‘Estate Car of the Year’. This is the fourth year of Carbuyer’s awards and for 2015 the online website, from Dennis Publishing, has put more emphasis on what buyers actually search for and as such, has based the awards on the 20 biggest questions buyers ask.

Carbuyer’s Editor, Stuart Milne, commented; “The 308 SW offers more space than you'd believe given its compact size, but it's a range of efficient engines and a low price that cement the SW's position at the top of this class.”

Stuart continued by saying “As our Plain English Crystal Mark proves, our concise, easy to understand buying advice is jargon free - and includes in-depth reviews and entertaining videos. We have backed this up with the very best technical data available – which comes direct from the manufacturers themselves.

“Carbuyer receives 1.4m unique users a month, viewing more than 5.5m pages. Videos on our YouTube channel are also successful, with more than 282,000 subscribers and 118m video views to date. Our reviews are the most accurate, in depth and up-to-date available and are written with the car buyer in mind. 

That means we focus on the things that really matter to new car buyers, such as; running costs, practicality and reliability. We listen to the questions car buyers ask, which is why you’ll find features about the best economical cars, the safest cars and best cars for less than £150 a month among more familiar features outlining the best SUVs or hybrids. All of which puts real car buyers on the front foot when it comes time to negotiate the best possible deal when they replace their car.”

Kia wins at Diesel Car Magazine awards

Diesel Car magazine has named the Kia cee’d Sportswagon “Best Estate Car” in its annual Car of the Year issue – the first award won by Kia’s C-segment car.

Beating off strong opposition from the Mazda 6 Tourer and Jaguar XF Sportbrake to win the overall title, Diesel Car magazines editor, Ian Robertson said: “The cee’d Sportswagon combines well-designed practicality and excellent driving calibre in an attractive package.”

Kia had a strong showing in the Diesel Car magazine awards, with the Sorento highly commended in the mainstream 4x4 class, whilst the Rio was also commended in the mainstream small car class too. Celebrating their 25th anniversary in the business this year, Diesel Car is the UK’s top selling diesel, alternative fuel and eco-friendly car specialist monthly magazine.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia Motors UK Limited said:  “We are delighted that Diesel Car has awarded the cee’d Sportswagon best estate car for 2013.  It’s unrivalled combination of space, functionality and engine performance, wrapped up in a premium design and backed up with our 7 year warranty, gave us great confidence that we had a best-in-class product. Thankfully Diesel Car agree!”

Built and launched in Slovakia in September 2012, the second generation cee’d Sportswagon is available with two engine options – 1.4 litre 89hbp and 1.6 litre CRDi 126bhp, with prices starting from £16,895 on the road.  Kia’s fixed-priced and inflation proof “Care-3” and “Care-3 plus” servicing packages, which covers the first three or first five services for retail customers, are available for £329, or £609 accordingly.  For more information on cee’d Sportswagon, please visit www.kia.co.uk.

Since registrations of the new generation cee’d family begun in May 2012, the cee’d Sportswagon currently makes up 16 per cent of the total cee’d family sales, this being split between 75 per cent fleet, and 25 per cent retail sales in the UK.