The Ultra luxurious Bentley Bentayga achieves the SUV of The Year from Robb's Report Best Of The Best 2016.

• Bentayga receives top honours from leading luxury title
• Crewe-built SUV combines speed, performance and craftsmanship
• Creation of new ultra-luxury segment recognized by Robb Report

Bentley Motors is today announcing that the new Bentayga has been named SUV of the Year by Robb Report.

As part of its annual Best of the Best Awards, Robb Report unveiled its list of hotly anticipated products among the luxury sector, with the Bentayga taking top honours in the guide to the world’s finest automobiles.

“This outstanding acknowledgement from Robb Report is a testament to the continued momentum of the Bentayga,” said Michael Winkler, President and CEO of Bentley Motors Inc. 

“The Bentayga has created a new category of SUV that redefines the luxury category and offers a breadth of performance, design and technological abilities. This go-anywhere vehicle is changing what it means to drive an SUV.”

In high demand since launch, the Bentayga has attracted new customers to the Bentley brand from around the world, offering a true Bentley driving experience and showcasing technological innovation, luxury features and a powerful all-new W12 engine.

Robb Report’s editor-in-chief, Brett Anderson, added: “Choosing among the most exceptional products, services, designs, and destinations to be found anywhere in the world is certainly no mean task for the editorial staff. 

The process began a year ago, and in the end our final decisions are guided not only by our obsessive passion for absolute quality – that’s a given – but also by the people, places and creations that speak to our imaginations in a language uniquely their own.”

Bentayga takes top honours in magazine awards being named SUV of the Year by Robb Report

• Bentayga takes top honours in magazine awards
• Judges conclude ‘Bentayga is a truly ground-breaking SUV’
• Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, the Bentayga offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment

Bentley’s Bentayga has been named SUV of the Year by Robb Report UK. A panel of automotive experts for this leading luxury title singled out the new Bentley Bentayga during the judging process for being ‘truly ground-breaking’. 

Erin Baker, Automotive Editor at Robb Report UK, commented: “The Bentayga creates a whole new segment: the ultra-luxury SUV. It far exceeds the nature of other luxury SUV’s in every respect. Where else in the world would you find such craftsmanship, other than the workshop in Crewe?"

With an all-new W12 powertrain, the Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. It offers a true Bentley driving experience and showcases innovative technology features.

The development programme for Bentayga was the most extensive in Bentley’s history. This resulted in the creation of a completely new luxury SUV segment. In high demand since Bentley announced it would launch this all-new car, the Bentayga has attracted new customers to the brand right around the world.

Kevin Rose, Bentley Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, added: “The Bentayga is the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology.”

USA - Volvo is racking up the awards for the XC90, now Automobile Magazine names it 2016 AUTOMOBILE All-Star

The all-new Volvo XC90 has been named a 2016 AUTOMOBILE All-Star by the experts at AUTOMOBILE magazine, and collected more awards from three other publications. 

This brings the global number of awards the XC90 has received to more than 110, including being named Motor Trend’s 2016 SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year.

“We are extremely proud to call the all-new XC90 an AUTOMOBILE All-Star, and to be recognized by so many other independent experts,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Accolades from such prominent publications give owners the confidence they are driving something truly great. They also mean a lot to everyone at Volvo.”

The XC90 was also named Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families by U.S. News and World Report; Best Luxury SUV by the Daily News; and the Autobytel Luxury SUV/Crossover of the Year. Trophies were presented to Volvo executives during the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.

“The XC90 is unquestionably one of the best SUVs to come along in years, a true All-Star if there ever was one,” said Mike Floyd, editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE. “It’s easy to see why it’s won so many awards – it’s that good.”

Redesigned from the ground up the 2016 XC90 carries forward the full-size SUV torch for Volvo, the 89-year-old Swedish automaker known for building some of the safest passenger vehicles available.

The elegantly styled XC90 is available with several powerful and efficient powertrains – from a 250- horsepower turbocharged engine to a 400-horsepower, plug-in hybrid that can propel seven-passengers to 60 MPH in about five seconds and get 53 MPGe.

Inside, the XC90 features Volvo’s Sensus control system, which is centered around a lag-free, 9.3-inch tablet-like touchscreen that incorporates most vehicle controls, including Apple CarPlay, and eliminates nearly all buttons and switches.

Like all new Volvos the XC90 also features Intellisafe, a full suite of active and passive safety technologies designed to protectwhat’s important to owners. And with semi-autonomous driving features like Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control the XC90 is ready for life in the twenty-first century. Together these features and functions are helping Volvo realize Vision 2020, which states that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.

UKCOTY - The Volvo XC90 has been voted SUV of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2016.

• Seven-seat XC90 voted best SUV by panel of expert journalist judges
• Praised for its stand-out design, technology, luxury and safety
• Priced from £46,250 and offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains

The Volvo XC90 has been voted SUV of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2016.

The prestigious awards are judged by a 27-strong panel of motoring journalists, who write for publications including The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Top Gear and Auto Express.

The XC90’s design, technology, safety and interior packaging came in for particular praise. “A stunning cabin – packed with game-changing technology – is combined with luxury, space and great engineering, making the flagship Volvo a very enjoyable driving experience,” said John Challen, the Editor and Managing Director of the UK Car of the Year Awards.

Built on Volvo’s ground-breaking SPA platform, the XC90 is the most technologically advanced car Volvo has ever made. It is available with an innovative petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers 407 hp yet CO₂ emissions of only 49 g/km, which equates to a monthly Benefit-in-Kind tax bill of just £100.67 for a higher-rate taxpayer.

It also leads the field in terms of connectivity. The standard Sensus Connect system combines an intuitive nine-inch touch screen display – including pinch and zoom functionality – with a sophisticated voice control system. This provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps, while the option of Apple CarPlay allows you to control selected functions of your phone, such as music streaming, directly from the Sensus Connect display.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “It is a great honour for the XC90 to be voted SUV of the Year – especially when the people voting for it are some of the most influential and respected motoring journalists in the UK. The XC90’s stunning design, unrivalled practicality and industry-leading technology, efficiency and safety perfectly meet the needs of modern premium SUV buyers, and awards such as this one prove just how right those buyers are to put their trust in Volvo.”

USA - The Volvo XC90 takes the Motor Trend SUV Of The Year for the Second Time, and well deserved it is too.

The Volvo XC90 has been named Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year for the second time.

Developed from the ground up on Volvo’s unique Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), with a 316 horsepower, supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine featuring an EPA rating of 25 mpg highway. 

A tablet-like Sensus control system, and understated Scandinavian design, the all-new 2016 XC90 sets a new standard for the luxury SUV segment. 

With its full suite of IntelliSafe features and two more world firsts for safety, the all-new Volvo XC90 is also the safest Volvo ever.

“Everyone at Volvo Cars is exceptionally proud to win the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award,” said Lex Kerssemakers, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. “The all-new XC90 is a strong indicator of things to come at Volvo.”

Kerssemakers accepted the iconic Golden Calipers trophy at an award ceremony tonight near Motor Trend’soffices in El Segundo, California.

When it was introduced in 2002, the original XC90 won Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year as it redefined the seven-passenger SUV segment.

Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test, and is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year.

To judge contenders for the award, Motor Trend's editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking, and handling. 

Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. 

An off-road section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In the third phase, the judges debate and deliberate. The judging criteria include the following categories:

Design Advancement - well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials.

Engineering Excellence - total vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective tech that benefits the consumer.

Performance of Intended Function - how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended it to do.

Efficiency - low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle's competitive set.

Safety - a vehicle's ability to help the driver avoid a crash, as well as the secondary safety measures that protect its occupants from harm during a crash.

Value - competitive price and equipment levels, measured against those of vehicles in the same market segment.

USA - Land Rover Discovery Sport names Digital Trends 2015 SUV Of The Year.

• Land Rover's versatile premium compact SUV, the Discovery Sport is the first member of the new Discovery vehicle family and features a 240hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 5+2 seating option
• Discovery Sport goes on sale starting May 2015

Land Rover North America announced today that the 2015 Discovery Sport compact SUV has been named "SUV of the Year" by leading consumer technology publisher Digital Trends.

Digital Trends compiled their three favorite vehicles from five different categories: Car, SUV, Performance, Luxury, and Alternative Energy, and spent four days in Palm Springs, California comparing them against one another, narrowing down each category into one single winner. 

The award methodology factored in technology, style, safety, value, driving dynamics, efficiency and performance.

The Discovery Sport was chosen for its concept-car styling, midsize stature, efficient and peppy turbocharged four-cylinder, plethora of technology, and stylish and versatile interior. With the smart use of technology, the Discovery Sport also won points for shedding the weight of its predecessors without losing its river-fording abilities.

"An ever-tightening Federal fuel economy standard doesn't mean Americans have lost any love for the SUV," wrote Nick Jaynes, Digital Trends Automotive Editor. "And, delightfully, vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery Sport prove they don't have to. This machine truly represents the compromise-free future of SUVs."

"We're thrilled to have the Discovery Sport named Digital Trends' 'SUV of the Year'," said Kim McCullough, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America. 

"To be recognized for our capability and technology in such a competitive segment shows how truly special this vehicle is and we're so excited to see it arrive in retailers across the country in a few weeks."

The 2015 Discovery Sport delivers a highly refined combination of performance, safety and efficiency thanks to a body shell of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, a 240hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The progressive new design approach of the Discovery Sport defines the new Discovery family with optimized volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport will go on-sale next month in North America. Pricing begins at $37,070¹.

USA - Acura MDX is Americas best selling three row SUV.

Record sales in the first six months of 2014 have strengthened the third-generation MDX's position as America's best-selling three-row luxury SUV – not only in 2014, but of all time. Through June, sales of MDX are up 68.4 percent (compared to the same period last year) to 30,664 units, bringing cumulative sales of the MDX over its nearly 15-year history to 692,710 units, making it the most popular three-row luxury SUV of all time*. In fact, the MDX has topped all other three-row luxury SUVs in the annual sales rankings in every year since 2002.  Cumulative U.S. sales of MDX are anticipated to surpass 700,000 units before the end of the year.

"Luxury car buyers have spoken, and we really want to thank our Acura customers for making the MDX the clear winner among three-row luxury SUVs," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura Division. "MDX is the clear benchmark in its class, consistently delivering the best combination of features, function and performance that luxury buyers are after." 

Acura pioneered the three-row crossover luxury SUV segment when it launched the first-generation MDX in 2000 as a 2001 model, when the MDX captured both the Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year titles. For three generations, the U.S. engineering team responsible for MDX has steadily advanced and refined the original concept of the MDX – a three-row, 7-passenger luxury SUV with superior packaging, fuel efficiency, and ride and handling performance.

The third-generation, 2014 Acura MDX, introduced in June 2013, has undergone a complete makeover, starting with the development of an all-new, more rigid and lightweight body and chassis, dropping more than 275 pounds versus the previous model and boasting major gains in body rigidity, aerodynamic efficiency and low running resistance.

A safety leader, the third-generation MDX applies Acura's next-generation ACE™ body structure and the first-ever use of Acura's new hot-stamped steel, one-piece door stiffener ring.  As a result of these and other design enhancements, the MDX obtained class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 20/28/23 mpg city/highway/combined while earning both a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS, a feat only one other luxury SUV has matched. The MDX also offers greater interior comfort, advanced connectivity via its next-generation AcuraLink™ system, and greatly improved third-row entry and exit via its kid-friendly One-Touch Walk-In feature.

The MDX has been designed, developed and manufactured in North America for three generations. The third-generation MDX is manufactured exclusively at the company's Lincoln, Alabama automobile and engine production facility, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Subaru Forester names Mid Range SUV of the year by 4x4 magazine

• Subaru Forester wins prestigious award from 4x4 Magazine
• Judges praise on-road driving characteristics and off-road ability
• Subaru UK’s best-selling model, the Subaru Forester, has this week been named ‘Mid Range SUV of the Year’ by 4x4 Magazine.

Subjecting the new Forester to a wide range of tests both on- and off-road, 4x4 Magazine awarded the Forester with class honours in one of the hardest-fought categories in its annual ‘4x4 of the Year’ issue.

Commenting on the Forester’s victory, Nigel Fryatt, Editor of 4x4 Magazine, said: “Subaru's latest Forester impressed us both on and off road. This version is fresh, good-looking and a great drive. It has 'good for its class' approach and departure angles and with the automatically controlled X-Mode system, the Forester maintains its competent off-road ability and bad weather credentials. That it is also great to drive on the road is the bonus that grabbed the class victory.”

The all-new Forester went on sale in the UK in May and builds on the model’s established reputation as a tough, likeable and highly capable SUV. At the same time, the new Forester offers improved performance, safety and efficiency and a more spacious and better appointed cabin.

Sales of the Forester are up 75% year on year against 2012. The petrol turbo XT has been in particularly high demand among the Subaru faithful - bucking the trend for strong diesel SUV sales – with its 240ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine and clever X-Mode hill descent system. The new model is also available with Subaru’s latest 2.0-litre petrol and diesel Boxer engines, with all versions featuring Subaru’s trademark symmetrical All-wheel drive as standard.

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK, commented:  “We are delighted with this recognition. The Forester has always been popular with owners who need a car that is highly accomplished off-road but also entertaining on it, and the decision by 4x4 Magazine’s expert judges is testament to the car’s varied abilities. Customers should also take comfort from our enviable reputation for reliability and durability, five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and rock-solid safety credentials.”

To find out more about the Subaru Forester, visit www.subaru.co.uk, or read the full 4x4 Magazine report.

The 2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT has been named “SUV of the Year” by Esquire magazine

The 2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT has been named “SUV of the Year” by Esquire magazine in this year’s Esquire Car Awards.

Vehicles considered for the 2013 Esquire Car Awards were required to be all-new, appealing to Esquire readers, stylish, a good value and most importantly, a vehicle you want to drive.

“The one sonic experience of the year that I will not forget is engaging the ignition on the [Grand Cherokee] SRT,” said David Granger, Esquire magazine editor-in-chief. “This is the sweetest-sounding most reasonably priced engine note of our time.”

Esquire editors drove numerous vehicles to make the selections for the 2013 Esquire Car Awards, which appear in the magazine’s November issue on newsstands now.

“The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT combines impressive performance and luxury wrapped in a muscular and stylish exterior,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “Winning Esquire’s ‘SUV of the Year’ award continues to help set us apart from esteemed competitors by appealing to the passionate, performance-enthusiast consumers with its unique blend of value, technology, power and character.”

Starting with the performance-oriented and functional designs from Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT model builds on that success with new technologies and exterior and interior styling cues that convey an even higher level of opulence and power.

Enhancements for the 2014 model year include an all-new, fully electronic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers improved fuel economy, significantly improved towing capacity, hardware and software revisions that further heighten Grand Cherokee SRT’s fun-to-drive factor during a daily commute or for more spirited driving on the race track.

The new transmission is mated to the proven and powerful 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology delivering 470 horsepower (351 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. (630 N•m) of torque at 4,300 rpm and helps deliver greatly enhanced towing performance of 7,200 pounds – a 44-percent improvement over the 5,000-lb. towing capacity from the previous model.

Outside, the new 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT sports styling that is even more aggressive than the previous model. Design enhancements for 2014 include a new signature LED character lamp treatment, a brawnier grille, a new, one-touch liftgate and a new rear spoiler.

Inside, Grand Cherokee SRT customers are treated to a new 8.4-inch touchscreen that displays a wealth of SRT-exclusive Performance Pages data. A new launch control button is situated behind the new T-handle shifter on the center console, and a redesigned SRT-exclusive three-spoke, heated steering wheel with more ergonomically efficient paddle shifters, features a host of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls.

About SRT
The Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring powertrains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance roots.

The 2014 SRT lineup features five vehicles that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. The Chrysler 300 SRT, Dodge Challenger SRT, Dodge Charger SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT join the flagship SRT Viper, which made its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market in 2013.