The Peugeot 3008 takes the main Car of the year title at the DieselCar Top 50 awards.

• ‘Car of the Year’ 2017 awarded to PEUGEOT’s dynamic new SUV
• All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV also awarded ‘Best Medium SUV’ by Diesel Car
• UK awards follow the 2017 ‘European Car of the Year’ recognition and add to growing honours

The celebrations that have surrounded the arrival of the All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV continued at this year’s Diesel Car Top 50 Awards, with two major honours bestowed upon the ground-breaking new model.

The All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV was acclaimed as the overall ‘Car of the Year’ in the Diesel Car Top 50, with a second award being earned in its class as the ‘Best Medium SUV’.

On behalf of the judging panel at Diesel Car, Editor Ian Robertson commented: “PEUGEOT has transformed the 3008 into a fully-fledged SUV and created a real winner in the process… its engines are refined and economical, while its suspension is ideally set up to smooth out British roads. It’s a winner in every respect and we are proud to declare it number one in this year’s Top 50 awards.”

PEUGEOT UK Managing Director, David Peel, added: “PEUGEOT has long been synonymous with diesel engines that set the bar for efficiency and sophistication. The 3008 SUV remains true to this reputation with a range of powertrains that offer the blend of performance, economy and driving enjoyment that today’s motorist demands.

“The car’s many other refinements – notably its class-leading interior quality and technology - combine to make it a highly competitive package. The acclaim that has been bestowed upon the All-New 3008 SUV is a fantastic achievement in what is a new segment for us, and we are genuinely thrilled to receive this recognition from the industry experts.”

The All-New PEUGEOT 3008 SUV can be configured and ordered online from start to finish using PEUGEOT’s Order Online facility.

SCOTTISH COTY - Ford takes two awards with the Focus RS and Mustang both winners at this years event.

• Ford Focus RS takes Hot Hatch of the year
• Iconic Ford Mustang wins Drop Top of the year

This year’s Ford Performance newcomers, the Focus RS and Mustang, were voted best Hot Hatch and Drop Top at the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year.

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ Hot Hatch of the year, the Ford Focus RS, pioneers All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, plus selectable drive modes including the industry first “Drift-mode”.

Over 2,000 Focus RS hot hatches have been delivered in the UK this year – 350 of those in Scotland. Focus RS is powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering 350PS and sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.7sec to make it the fastest accelerating RS ever.

Alisdair Suttie, ASMW secretary, said: “Whether it’s off the line, through the gears or round corners, the Focus RS is simply the best hot hatch of the year, and perhaps the best ever. It couldn’t deserve this award more.”

New Ford Mustang, the UK’s best-selling high performance car within six months of going on sale in January, is Scottish Drop Top of the year. The iconic American muscle car comes with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, or a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, and is available alongside the RS from 75 UK FordStore dealerships.

Stephen Park, ASMW president, said: “No other car launched this year delivers such a sense of occasion for the money as Ford’s Mustang. Choosing a Convertible with the mighty V8 engine delivers sensory overload. This is a thrilling muscle car in every respect and one which should prove to be a sound investment with strong demand equalling strong residuals.”

Danny Bell, Ford Britain’s district manager for Scotland, said:  “Ford’s excellent new performance range has the power and capability to make the most of this region’s flowing road routes. Scottish dealers are benefitting as a result and will be further buoyed by the Association’s endorsement.”

The Focus RS is available from £31,250, and the Ford Mustang is available from £31,745 for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and £35,745 for the 5.0-litre V8 GT.

SCOTTISH COTY - The Volvo V90 took the Best Estate title and the top prize of Car Of The Year 2016.

• Volvo V90 crowned Scottish Car of the Year and Estate Car of the Year 2016
• Praised for its advanced technology, style and “one of the best cabin environments of any car at any price”
• V90 available now in D4 and D5 PowerPulse diesel form, priced from £34,555

The Volvo V90 has been named 2016 Scottish Car of the Year at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ Awards in Edinburgh. Volvo’s new premium estate also won the Estate Car of the Year award.

The V90 beat stiff competition to win the coveted Car of the Year title, and was praised for its practicality, high-quality interior and stylish good looks. 

The judges were also impressed by its innovative technology, which includes the ground-breaking Sensus touch screen infotainment system. 

This is designed to operate like a smartphone or tablet, and allows you to control most of the car’s functions using simple swipe or pinch and zoom gestures – even when you’re wearing gloves.

This focus on advanced technology extends to every part of the car. The D5 diesel engine, for example, benefits from PowerPulse, an ingenious Volvo-designed system that uses compressed air to boost responsiveness at low revs. There’s also Pilot Assist, the semi-autonomous drive technology that is fitted as standard to all V90s. This pioneering driver aid takes care of the steering, acceleration and braking at up to 80 mph, helping to make long motorway journeys less stressful and tiring.

Every V90 also comes with a host of advanced safety equipment as standard, including two world-first aids: Large Animal Detection and Run-off Road Mitigation. Large Animal Detection helps to prevent collisions with animals such as deer by scanning the area in front of the car and automatically applying the brakes in an emergency if you fail to react in time. Run-off Road Mitigation is designed to stop the car inadvertently leaving the road by applying the steering if the car gets too close to the edge of the carriageway.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Be in no doubt, the Volvo V90 is an exceptional car and one which reshapes the estate car marketplace. The judges were impressed by the way it marries traditional Volvo family values with a head-turning sense of style, advanced technology, exceptional build quality, safety, driving dynamics and one of the best cabin environments of any car at any price. In short, we reckon it’s the most accomplished new car to be launched this year and one which offers strong appeal in the unique Scottish marketplace.”

Commenting on the awards, Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “For the V90 to be crowned not only the Estate Car of the Year but also the overall Scottish Car of the Year is a fantastic achievement. Volvo is rightfully proud of its rich estate car heritage, and the V90 successfully continues that lineage. It provides all the space and thoughtful practical touches you’d associate with a Volvo estate, along with cutting-edge technology and efficiency, and beautiful design inside and out.”

SCOTTISH COTY - Mazda takes the double at this years awards with the best diesel and best used car.

• Mazda’s 1.5-litre Mazda3 named ‘Best Diesel’ at the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year Awards.
• Winning cars selected by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).
• The ASMW also named the third-generation Mazda MX-5 their ‘Best Used Car’ for 2016.

Mazda has scooped a pair of titles at the annual Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards, taking the extremely competitive ‘Best Diesel’ title with the recently launched 2017 Mazda3 and securing the ‘Best Used’ car award with the ever popular third-generation Mazda MX-5.

In a UK marketplace that now sees more than 40 per cent of C-segment diesel sales delivering sub 100g/km CO₂ emissions, Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D 1.5 engine ensures the 2017 Mazda3 is now a strong contender in this competitive area of the family hatch market.

Developed with same Defy Convention approach as the larger SKYACTIV-D 2.2, the smaller capacity diesel features an exceptionally low 14.8:1 compression ratio that sets new standards of efficiency and performance. With 270Nm of torque and 0-62mph performance of 11.0 seconds, the Mazda3 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D features Mazda’s new Transient Control technology.

By delivering a more positive throttle response, reducing turbo lag and boosting torque to deliver a petrol-like engine feel Transient Control ensures that the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D delivers the no compromise blend of performance and efficiency demanded by customers in this sector.

Refinement has also been enhanced thanks to the introduction of Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) technology to SKYACTIV-D engines. Fitted to all diesel versions of the 2017 Mazda3, it reduces knock noise during starting and low-speed acceleration by suppressing the resonance from the piston and connecting rod using a dynamic damper installed to the inside of the piston pin. In addition, the three critical frequency bands in which engine components typically vibrate most loudly are suppressed by Mazda’s Natural Sound Frequency Control. It deactivates the engine timing in 100 microsecond waves thereby causing the pressure waves caused before, after and during combustion to cancel each other out, with the end result being less combustion induced vibration. Working in unison these two technologies have reduced diesel engine resonance in the cabin of the 2017 Mazda3.

Highlights across the full hatchback and Fastback 2017 Mazda3 range include, subtle exterior changes and an updated cabin. Plus, with the introduction of G-Vectoring Control, the debut of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technology.

Commenting on the 1.5 SKYACTIV-D Mazda3’s title, Stephen Park, President of ASMW said “the Mazda3 is a previous winner of our Family Car category and the latest 1.5-litre diesel engine makes this stylish car even more attractive. Choosing the least powerful diesel powertrain in the recently launched 2017 Mazda3 range doesn’t leave the driver feeling short-changed, as this highly efficient four-cylinder diesel is extremely quiet and feels quicker and more responsive than its output would suggest.”

Adding to the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year Award success of the 2017 Mazda3, Mazda’s second title highlights the continued appeal of the third-generation Mazda MX-5. While the all-new fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has written the next chapter in the MX-5 success story, the ASMW has recognised the unrivalled ‘fun for the money motoring’ offered by a used MX-5s. “We could pick almost any MX-5 from the cars three-decade history and recommend it as a great used buy but with third-generation models now available from less than £4,000, this roadsters unrivalled driving fun and famed reliability mean the third-generation wins this award and our hearts” commented ASMW President, Stephen Park.

SCOTTISH COTY - The New Hyundai IONIQ takes the title as best Eco car at this years ceremony.

• IONIQ awarded top place in the Eco category, decided by members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers
• IONIQ is the only car in the world to offer 3 electrified powertrains on one platform
• IONIQ is runner up in Family Car category, with i20 runner up in Small Car category

The Hyundai IONIQ has been awarded top place in the Eco category in the annual Scottish Car of the Year awards.

The Hyundai IONIQ was recognised above other electric, hybrid and conventional petrol and diesel vehicles thanks to its uniqueness and the customer choice offered by its 3 electrified powertrains. 

As well as being optimised for efficiency, IONIQ delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience, with the latest connectivity and safety features, combined with an enhanced industry-leading warranty-package, including an 8 year, 125,000 mile warranty on high voltage battery components.

The IONIQ is the latest in Hyundai Motor’s product range of low-to-zero emission vehicles, which already includes the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle and 2015 SCOTY award winner, the ix35 Fuel Cell. By 2020, Hyundai Motor Group will have introduced 28 alternative fuel models to the marketplace.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Hyundai’s progress in recent years is nothing short of remarkable. This is a forward-thinking manufacturer with an ever-expanding portfolio of desirable vehicles, of which the innovative IONIQ is one. As the world’s first car to offer three electrified powertrains, it demonstrated Hyundai’s commitment to low and zero emissions motoring but what we like most about this car is that it also looks good, drives well and is a great family hatchback.

“While plug-in models offer a decent real-world range, the hybrid drivetrain is undoubtedly the best on the market due, thanks in part, to a superb six-speed double clutch automatic transmission. With a Plug-in derivative due next year, we can’t think of any other eco car which offers the breadth of choice as this one does."

Sylvie Childs, IONIQ Product Manager said “IONIQ is a vehicle that Hyundai Motor is very proud of, so we are delighted to receive an award that not only recognises the innovation IONIQ brings to the market but also that recognises Hyundai Motor’s commitment to producing eco friendly vehicles that are also desirable in their own right.”

IONIQ Hybrid has already begun nationwide sales, with IONIQ Electric available from a selected group of 28 dealerships. By mid 2017, IONIQ Electric will be available from all Hyundai dealerships, when it will also be joined by IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid.

As well as capturing the top place in the Eco category, IONIQ was the runner up in the Family Car category, the Hyundai i20 was runner up in the Small Car category.

SCOTTISH COTY - The Small Car category, usually fiercely competitive, was taken by the new Suzuki Baleno.

Suzuki is well established as the small car experts and is pleased to announce that it has won the ‘Small Car’ category at the 2016 Scottish Car of The Year Awards held in Edinburgh by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

Baleno was announced as a category winner following an intensive test programme over the last 12 months with the 18 members of the Association recently assembling to cast their votes for the best new cars on the market.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Value for money is hugely important to Scottish new car buyers spending their own hard earned cash and the ASMW recognised immediately that the Baleno is priced and equipped to deliver. 

It’s good to drive too with the incredible new Boosterjet engine delivering exceptional real-world economy and strong performance. Well packaged, generously kitted out and combining strong performance with exceptional eco credentials, our winner performs strongly across these key areas”.

Dale Wyatt, Director of Automobile at Suzuki GB PLC comments: “We have 22 dealers in the Scottish Region and this award is really positive news for us as the launch of Baleno has opened up further opportunities to win new buyers in the crowded small car segment. It certainly appeals to customers who are looking for a more rational choice than Swift with extra interior space and larger boot capacity but who may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross”.

Priced from £13,249 the Baleno is available with Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1.0-litre three cylinder Boosterjet turbocharged engine offering CO₂ emissions of 105g/km and achieves 62.7mpg on the EC combined fuel consumption cycle. It was also Suzuki’s first car to be available with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology and is equipped with a lithium–ion battery and Integrated Start Generator to enable CO₂ emissions of just 94g/km.

Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model (Available with 1.0-litre Boosterjet) includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows.  

SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support .

SCOTTISH COTY - Renault takes two awards with the Megane and Kadjar both taking home awards.

• Scottish Car of the Year awards success for Renault’s new family car models
• All-New Renault Mégane wins Best Family Car
• Renault Kadjar wins Best Crossover

The All-New Renault Mégane and Kadjar have won Best Family Car and Best Crossover respectively at the Scottish Car of the Year awards, meaning consumers now have an even greater choice when it comes to award winners in the Renault range.

The All-New Renault Mégane, launched in the UK this summer, won Best Family Car and was praised in particular for its style, safety and high quality.

The stylish Kadjar crossover scooped Best Crossover having caught the eye of the judges thanks to its space, style and value for money.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “An array of impressive new models has returned Renault to a position of strength in Scotland. The striking new Mégane follows on from the Clio, Captur and Kadjar to give Renault a desirable and relevant model line-up that’s appealing to buyers north of the border.”

Commenting on the Kadjar, Park added: “Competition in the crossover segment was fierce but Renault’s Kadjar performs strongly across so many areas. It’s visually distinctive, well equipped across the range and the perfect size to cope with the demands typically placed on a car in this category. Of course, Scottish new car buyers always keen a keen eye on pricing and the Kadjar offers more for your money than many of the alternatives.”

Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK said: “2016 has been an extremely busy year for Renault’s family car offering: we’ve seen the first full year of sales for Kadjar, the UK launch of All-New Mégane and the unveil of All-New Scénic and Grand Scénic. Renault now offers the youngest model range in Europe and I’m delighted to see our latest family cars being recognised by the Scottish Group of Motoring Writers twice in one night.”

The distinctively styled All-New Mégane – more dynamic, more comfortable and more refined than its predecessor – offers unique technology with an 8.7-inch portrait central touchscreen, configurable 7-inch TFT instrument display, Active Emergency Braking and convenience driver systems such as Handsfree Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control. CO₂ emissions are as low as 96g/km with economy as high as 76.4mpg, and from Spring 2017 a Hybrid Assist version will be available with emissions of just 92g/km of CO₂. The All-New Renault Mégane range is available from £16,600 on-the-road.

The Renault Kadjar is proving popular with British drivers, having topped the tables in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey as Best SUV earlier this year, coming third overall out of 183 models. The Kadjar has also strengthened Renault’s presence in the crossover market – building on the success of its compact crossover sibling, Captur. Its combination of striking design, efficient powertrains, spacious interior, high levels of standard specification, best-in-class residual values and a five-star Euro NCAP rating have proved a hit with British car buyers. The Renault Kadjar is available from £18,495 on-the-road.

UKCOTY - Not only did the Astra take the European car of The Year, it takes UK Small Hatch of the year too.

Vauxhall’s all-new Astra has been recognised in the Small Hatch category at the UK Car of the Year Awards.

The Astra topped its extremely competitive category, with the judges (made up of 27 influential UK motoring journalists representing fleet, consumer and trade titles) praising the model for its design, performance and equipment. 

This year has already proven to be positive for the model, with this award the latest in a list that also includes a Family Car category win at the What Car? Awards and being named Scottish Car of the Year.

John Challen, UKCOTY co-founder, commented: “Vauxhall has shaken up the C-segment with the Astra. Big improvements in refinement, quality and driving dynamics are to be applauded.” Elsewhere, the Astra was described as “a consummate all-rounder thanks to space, comfort and quality in combination with a refined drive and great handling,” by consumer motoring journalist and also co-founder of the UK Car of the Year Awards, Alisdair Suttie.

“We’re delighted the Astra has been recognised by the UK Car of the Year judges, as they reflect all areas of the UK motor industry,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This year is the new model’s first full year of sales, and it has already been well-received.”

The all-new Astra is available with the new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system and OnStar, a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology. OnStar has received plaudits of its own recently, winning the Auto Express Technology and the BusinessCar Techies Awards.