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.

SCOTTISH COTY - Jaguar takes two awards at this years ceremony with the F-Pace and XF both winners.

• The F-PACE, Jaguar’s fastest-ever selling car, named ‘SUV of the Year’ at Scottish Car of the Year Awards
• The Jaguar XF completes the double beating rivals to be crowned ‘Luxury Car of the Year’
• 2016 awards mark a decade of success for Jaguar, with the brand collecting 15 Scottish Car of the Year awards since 2006
• Jaguar sales in Scotland are up 41% on the same period in 2015, supporting a record-breaking year for the brand in the UK

Jaguar has picked up two Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with the F-PACE named ‘SUV of the Year’ and the XF crowned ‘Luxury Car of the Year’. The accolades mark a decade of success for Jaguar at the annual awards, with the brand collecting 15 wins since 2006, and every new Jaguar winning an award since 1999.

These awards are the latest in a line of major UK industry honours for the XF and F-PACE, with the British-built saloon having won seven accolades since its launch just over a year ago, and the F-PACE named Auto Express ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Premium SUV’ by Telegraph Cars since its April introduction.

Commenting on the success, Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director said:

“The past ten years have been a momentous success for the Jaguar business, as our stylish and luxurious model line-up continues to compete with, and surpass, the industry’s biggest players. Our Scottish retailers have been vital to this, with Jaguar sales in Scotland up 41% on the same period in 2015. It’s a real honour when your cars are recognised independently by motoring experts, and to have them recognised so consistently by the Scottish Car of the Year Awards is incredible.”

“With the All-New XF, we’ve built on a winning formula to really disrupt one of the market’s most competitive segments, offering style, low running costs and luxury across the range. The F-PACE marks Jaguar’s first foray into the SUV market, and so far it’s been a great success. With its combination of sports car looks and versatile package, it’s a vehicle that appeals to the heart and the head.”

Jaguar’s successful decade at the Scottish Car of the Year awards began in 2006, with the Jaguar XK collecting both the ‘Sporting Car of the Year’ and ‘Overall Car of the Year’ awards. Recent highlights include the Jaguar E-Type being named as the ‘Most iconic car of the last 50 years’ in 2011, and the XE taking home the ‘Executive Car of the Year’ award at last year’s ceremony.

Stephen Park, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Once again, Jaguar is a worthy winner at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards; the F-PACE is not only a stunner but it’s also a hugely practical car with handling and steering that are hard to fault. The XF, meanwhile, stands at the top of its class thanks to sharp styling, a superb chassis and broad range of frugal or performance engines.”

The Jaguar XF, priced from £32,300 on-the road, and F-PACE, priced from £35,020, are available to order now at Jaguar UK retailers.

Exclusive world first, features and unique cars, confirmed for the Palace of Holyroodhouse 2015 event.

Concours of Elegance 2015, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, 4-6 September

• Sir Jackie Stewart named Concours of Elegance Vice Patron, alongside Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent
• Jackie Stewart to showcase three of his Formula One world championship cars on the lawns of the Palace
• Tribute to Scottish motor racing heroes and a world-first gathering to celebrate the Ecurie Ecosse racing team to be displayed in September
• World’s first Scottish Motoring Hall of Fame inaugurated at 2015 Concours of Elegance
• Main Concours event to be held alongside the Club Trophy, celebrating the best of the UK’s car club national winners
• History of motoring celebrated alongside modern day automotive legends from partners such as Bentley and Jaguar
• 2015 charitable beneficiaries confirmed, including a number of projects in Scotland

Concours of Elegance has announced further details of its 2015 event at a special preview held in Edinburgh, giving an early glimpse of one of the highlights: a priceless Jaguar D-type ‘Long Nose’ Ecurie Ecosse racer, which finished second at Le Mans in 1957, just behind the winning Ecurie car.

Running alongside the main Concours event, made up of 60 of the world’s finest cars, will be the largest ever collection of Ecurie Ecosse racers, ranging from the ‘50s to the modern day. Sir Jackie Stewart, recently named Vice Patron of the Concours of Elegance, will also display his three Formula One Driver’s Championship-winning cars to Holyroodhouse, in another world first.

There will be a separate homage to some of Scotland’s motor racing heroes, including two Formula One cars driven by Jim Clark and Johnny Dumfries’ Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9. Concours of Elegance will also see the first members of the Scottish Motoring Hall of Fame inducted at the event.

In the main Concours display, the organisers have confirmed a number of the stars of the show, which will include a 1933 Hispano-Suiza J12 Cabriolet and the 1911 London-to-Edinburgh Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

The Club Trophy will also be held at the Palace in September, featuring hundreds of classic cars from across the UK and the best-of-the-best from the nation’s car clubs. Each club submits their individual Concours winner, which is then judged by a panel of Concours of Elegance experts, chaired by HRH Prince Michael of Kent and guest judges which in recent years have included David Gandy, Mark Knopfler, Jodie Kidd and others.  2015’s judging panel will be confirmed in the summer.  The Club Trophy winner car is then entered in to the Concours of Elegance in 2016.

Sir Jackie Stewart, Vice Patron of the Concours of Elegance, said: “This event already has an incredible history, beginning with the Windsor event in 2012, and it’s brilliant to see it heading to Scotland this year. The history, the roads and the scenery mean that Scotland is the perfect place to host our automotive festival of cars old and new here in Edinburgh.”

One of the primary aims of Concours of Elegance is to raise money for charity, and this year’s event will be generating funds for Walking With the Wounded – who will be establishing facilities for ex-military personnel all over Scotland – Action on Addiction and Springfield Motor Racing’s Club for Young People. So far, Concours of Elegance has raised more than £600,000 for its charities.

Concours of Elegance, supported by AIG, takes place between 4-6 September and has partnered with a series of exclusive brands for the event, including Autoglym, Bentley, Johnnie Walker, Hamilton & Inches, Jaguar, Pol Roger, RM Sotheby’s and Rolex. Tickets are available now from www.concoursofelegance.co.uk; an adult ticket costs £35, with a variety of discounts and concessions available (under 5s go free and under 17s £10). A variety of hospitality packages are also available.