The Fiat 124 Spider has been named Best Convertible in yet another Car of the year awards ceremony.

The Fiat 124 Spider has been named Best Convertible by contracthireandleasing.com in their annual Car of the Year Awards.

A panel of judges, comprising of road testers and writers, honoured the roadster for its combination of good looks, engaging driving dynamics and comfort.

Announcing the award, Mike Best, head of sales at contracthireandleasing.com, said: “The Fiat 124 Spider is easy on the eye, effortless to drive and perfect for cruising in comfort – bringing classic looks and the laid-back sensibilities of the Mediterranean to UK shores.

“The Fiat 124 Spider has a unique character of its own and is a worthy winner.”

Sebastiano Fedrigo, country manager at Fiat and Abarth, said: “The new Fiat 124 Spider brings iconic Italian design, heritage and performance to a new generation. This award is testament that its combination of driving dynamics, technology and safety delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience.”

The Fiat 124 Spider is available from £20,995 OTR, for a CLASSICA 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 140hp.

The All-New Peugeot 3008 has arrived in the UK with a mass queue of cars as dealers take cars away.

• PEUGEOT’s All-New 3008 SUV arrives on UK roads 
• Dealers attending the PEUGEOT Dealer conference at Arena MK drove away the new model in convoy
• Latest generation of PEUGEOT’s unique i-Cockpit^® available across the All-New 3008 SUV range

PEUGEOT’s All-New 3008 SUV officially hit UK roads as the first 200 models arrived at the PEUGEOT Dealer conference at Arena MK, Milton Keynes.

Dealers at PEUGEOT’s conference drove away the All-New 3008 SUV model in convoy following the close of the event, with the visual spectacle neatly captured by drone footage.

The All-New 3008 SUV received rave reviews following its European launch during the latter half of 2016, and has already established the brand as a key competitor in the compact SUV segment.

Primed and ready for the UK, the All-New 3008 SUV demonstrates the latest in its unique i-Cockpit^® interior design, recognised by the automotive industry as one of the most advanced technological packages currently available after it scooped the ‘Technology Award’ at the 2017 What Car? Car of the Year Awards ceremony held earlier this month.

The new i-Cockpit^® design places key instrumentation in the driver’s eyeline for a safer and more engaging driving experience, as well as adding to the overall ambience of an already premium interior.

What Car? and Thatcham Research also commended the All- New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV with its Safety Award, owing to its standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB), speed limit recognition and blind spot warning system.

All-New Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic awarded ‘Best MPV’ at UK Car of the Year Awards 2017.

• All-New Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic awarded ‘Best MPV’ at UK Car of the Year Awards 2017
• Judged by some of the UK’s most influential motoring writers
• Latest fourth generation Scénic described as stylish, confident and practical
• UK COTY provides authoritative, independent advice to buyers

The distinctive fourth generation All-New Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic have been awarded the title of ‘Best MPV’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 today, just over a month after going on sale.

The stylish five-seat Scénic and seven-seat Grand Scénic, with unprecedented 20-inch wheels as standard and available with an abundance of innovative high-end safety and convenience features, were voted into first place thanks to its design, practicality and a sense of fun. 

The UK Car of the Year (UK COTY) Awards judging panel is made up of 27 independent, influential motoring journalists who assess more than 100 new cars to produce winners in 12 categories, from which one overall champion is chosen.

John Challen, Managing Director of the UK COTY Awards and Editor of ukcoty.co.uk, said of the All-New Scénic and Grand Scénic: “For situations where space is a must – especially for a large family, the Renaults get it spot on. Practicality taken to a whole new level in a pleasant environment.”

Indeed, other judges impressions of the cars included:  “The best cure for parental depression”; “The Scénic gets so much right for families, it just has to be the winner in this sector”; “A car that proves there’s life in the MPV format yet” and “Style with substance. Demonstrates Renault’s new-found confidence”.

Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, commented: “Renault invented the compact MPV and now with the latest fourth generation, the All-New Scénic has brought distinctive design, innovative technologies and unprecendented safety to its category. 

To win ‘Best MPV’ so soon after launching in the UK from such a respected group of motoring experts really is a fantastic accomplishment and one that everyone at Renault UK is very proud of.”

As well as being the only vehicles in class to provide Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard across the range – gaining a five-star Euro NCAP rating – the All-New Scénic and Grand Scénic are also available with a range of active and passive safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Fatigue Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Safe Distance Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition.

High-end technologies from the segment above such as an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen and the Multi-Sense driving mode selector are available on a compact MPV for the first time. Other technologies such as Hands Free parking, 360-degree parking sensors, full LED headlights and BOSE^® seven-speaker sound system.

The All-New Scénic and Grand Scénic are each offered in four trim levels – Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav and each version provides a comprehensive standard specification. They remain as impressively practical as ever thanks to its modularity and class-leading storage and boot space. 

The five-seat All-New Scénic has a best-in-class boot volume of 572-litres with all seats in the upright position and All-New Grand Scenic provides a maximum boot capacity of 1,737-litres with all seats folded. 

A feature carried over from the new Espace, the One Touch Folding rear seats can be folded effortlessly to achieve a flat floor. The model is the only vehicle in its class in which this function can be activated from two different places: from inside the boot or by using the R-LINK 2 multimedia system in the dashboard. 

Other ingenious storage solutions, including four underfloor compartments, extend total cabin storage capacity to 57-litres, placing the All-New Scénic at the top of its class by offering up to twice as much space as its competitors. 

The All-New Renault Scénic is priced from £21,445 OTR and the Grand Scénic from £23,375 OTR.

The arrival of the fourth generation Scénic signals the complete renewal of Renault’s all-new family car line-up – alongside Kadjar and the All-New Mégane and Mégane Sport Tourer – and the French manufacturer now has the youngest model range on sale in Europe.

The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d AMG Line Saloon has been announced as ‘Executive Car of the Year’

The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d AMG Line Saloon has been announced as ‘Executive Car of the Year’ in the 2016 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards.

The E-Class, which was launched in the UK earlier this year, was praised for its combination of advanced safety technology and its ‘roomy’ and ‘comfortable’ interior.

Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver Magazine, said: “The new E 220 d is a formidable vehicle, taking on a lot of safety technology and interior finish from the S-Class. It’s roomy and comfortable, and it is still the benchmark executive car for chauffeurs.”

Rob East, Head of Fleet, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, added: “The E-Class is a hugely important model for us – it’s at the very heart of our brand. It’s one of our longest serving models and it’s great to see the car still getting the recognition it deserves. The newest E-Class takes style, comfort and technology to a new level, making it the perfect executive package.”

Professional Driver magazine is the UK’s monthly publication aimed at the private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry. The Professional Driver Car of the Year is chosen from the seven category winners, and the awards are announced at the Professional Driver Awards dinner in November.

The E-Class saloon was launched in early 2016 and is one of the most technologically advanced cars in its segment. The E 220 d features a new 2.1-litre diesel engine, which further boosts efficiency and refinement. In September, Mercedes-Benz introduced the new E-Class Estate which adds a level of practicality to an already attractive offering.

Seven-seat Audi SUV reigns supreme in highly respected industry awards category

Seven-seat Audi SUV reigns supreme in highly respected industry awards category

• Audi Q7 in SE specification announced as the 2016 judges’ Luxury SUV choice
• Available to order now with a 218PS or 272PS V6 TDI engine
• quattro all-wheel drive fitted as standard on all Q7 variants
• Comprehensive SE specification includes Audi parking system plus, pre-sense city, smartphone interface, Audi drive select, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, dual-zone electronic climate control and heated, electrically adjustable front seats
• Further enhancements for S line include all-weather LED headlights and dynamic rear indicators, 20-inch alloys, privacy glass and bespoke detailing inside and out
• Priced from £48,455 to £54,540 OTR

The eminently capable Audi Q7 and its blend of exemplary refinement, technological sophistication and comfort have earned it the seal of approval from the judges at Professional Driver magazine, who have crowned it this year’s Luxury SUV. 

The ringing endorsement was presented at the publication’s Car of the Year Awards, held last night in London. 

Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver Magazine, said: “The new Q7 is a neater, lower car than the original version, and our judges were full of praise for its car-like ride and handling, and excellent driving dynamics. 

The sat-nav system drew praise too, allowing multiple map displays on nav screen and instrument panel.”

A panel comprising over 80 members representing multiple disciplines, from private hire firms and chauffeurs to experienced motoring journalists, singled out the entry-level SE specification as their preference, which features a host of technology that is ideally suited to the chauffeur car role.

Making life easier for both driver and passengers is the raised ride height, Audi smartphone interface and MMI Navigation Plus with the MMI Touch handwriting facility for quick and intuitive navigation entries.

Other particularly suitable elements that single the Q7 out as an ideal candidate include the option of adaptive air suspension for a cosseting ride on every occasion, regardless of road condition, and various driver assistance systems that can take the strain out of travelling congestion and even save operators money in the long term. Two such examples are the adaptive cruise control with the integrated traffic jam assist function that can brake, accelerate and steer the car in traffic at up to 37mph, and the predictive efficiency assistant, which uses the route data not only to advise the driver of where they can lift off the accelerator, but is also capable of actively ‘freewheeling’ the transmission where possible to reduce consumption and enhance ride comfort.  

For even greater levels of refinement, power door closure is available and the windscreen and front side windows can be upgraded with heat and sound insulating glass in addition to privacy glass which is already fitted as standard on S line models.

In terms of infotainment, the Audi entertainment mobile provides an immersive experience for rear-seat passengers through two detachable 10.1-inch touchscreens that are capable of streaming content from a range of source including iOS or Android and Bluetooth, while the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system provides a rich cinematic audio experience that is on a par with a concert hall.

Extensive testing over a full day is undertaken by the Professional Driver panel and involves a circular road route, taking in urban roads and motorway-standard dual-carriageways. The cars are then given a full walk-around scrutiny and on-board systems are comprehensively trialled.

Naturally, boot space tests are an important part of the process and the Q7 comfortably excels with a 770-litre luggage capacity that increases to 1955 litres with the third row of seats folded.

A power-operated tailgate adds to the convenience, and the third row of seats can also be raised or lowered in seconds electrically via buttons in the boot or the second seat row.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its Cars of the Year awards.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its inaugural Cars of the Year awards, just weeks after the new convertible received global acclaim during its international launch in Cape Town, South Africa.

The world’s most uncompromised open-top motoring experience, Dawn redefines the notion of a true super-luxury Drophead and has won plaudits from some of the most highly respected international commentators.

The fourth distinctive model in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars family, Dawn is powered by an effortlessly smooth 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and features a multi-layer foldaway fabric roof that, when in place, makes Dawn the world’s quietest convertible car. Addressing the desires of a significantly younger customer base, Dawn offers striking and assertive styling, timeless refinement and is the most social car the marque has ever produced.

Robb Report is a world-renowned luxury title, and the first UK edition of the magazine launches on newsstands and online today, featuring the inaugural Cars of the Year awards.

Erin Baker, Robb Report Auto Editor and Cars of the Year judge, explained, “Our Design award acknowledges the most visually stunning cars of the past 12 months – both inside and out. And Rolls-Royce has triumphed with another piece of timeless automotive design in the form of the Dawn.”

Harry Metcalfe, Robb Report Cars of the Year judge added, “This machine is the epitome of elegance – a masterclass by Rolls-Royce design.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Dawn’s styling is sensuous yet contemporary – it represents the most glamorous expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. Dawn’s sleek and powerful design appeals to a younger group of discerning customers. To be recognised by a true arbiter of luxury like Robb Report for this new model’s aesthetic is an important accolade, and one which is truly gratifying to everyone concerned with the car’s design and development.”

Renault's Kadjar takes the title of best Small SUV class in ContractHireandLeasing.com 2015 Car of the Year Awards

• All-New Renault Kadjar wins Small SUV class in ContractHireandLeasing.com 2015 Car of the Year Awards
• Stylish crossover praised for its overall package, driving dynamics, ride, fuel economy and space  
• Category win adds to All-New Renault Kadjar’s awards success

Having struck a chord with the motoring press and car buyers alike, the All-New Renault Kadjar has now made a great impression at the ContractHireandLeasing.com 2015 Car of the Year Awards by winning the class for best Small SUV.

The family-sized crossover topped the fiercely competitive category after the nation’s biggest leasing website’s panel of motoring journalists and industry professionals praised its driving dynamics, cabin space and fuel economy.

Commenting on their decision to award the Renault Kadjar, the judges said: “The Kadjar is a consummate all-rounder, combining a supple ride with solid driving dynamics, bags of cabin space and impressive fuel economy. It isn’t just the best C-segment SUV to arrive in 2015, but the best C-segment SUV full stop.”

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK said, “We’re delighted that the judges from ContractHireandLeasing.com have chosen the All-New Kadjar as the best Small SUV and that it has impressed with its whole package. The All-New Kadjar has entered into a very competitive segment to fantastic reviews and extremely encouraging sales figures. This is the latest of many awards for Kadjar after only a few months since its launch and I look forward to it receiving many more.”

Now in their second year, the ContractHireAndLeasing.com Car of the Year Awards recognise the best cars to have been launched over the last 12 months. The judging panel collaborates over a month to narrow the three-vehicle-per-category shortlist down to an eventual winner across 13 different categories. The award win adds to the silverware already under the All-New Kadjar’s belt – the distinctive SUV having won the Best Crossover at the Next Green Car Awards 2015 hosted in November.

Since it arrived in the UK in September 2015, Kadjar has strengthened Renault’s presence in the crossover market – building on the success of its compact crossover sibling, the Captur. It is proving highly popular with British car buyers thanks to its striking design, efficient powertrains, spacious interior, high levels of standard specification, best-in-class residual values and five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Although only arriving in the final quarter of 2015, the All-New Kadjar made a significant contribution to Renault selling a four-year high of 75,618 cars in the UK during last year – up by 14 per cent on 2014 compared to a market that grew by 6.3 per cent. 

The All-New Kadjar is available with a choice of two diesel and one petrol, efficient yet powerful, engines in manual or EDC automatic transmissions with two- or four-wheel drive and in a choice of four trim levels. Kadjar is priced from £17,995 and comes with a four-year warranty and Renault Assistance package as standard.