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.

Citroen's C4 Picasso & Grand Picasso & the C4 Cactus have both won awards at the DieselCar Magazine awards.

Citroën has won two top accolades in DieselCar Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ 2016. Announced today, DieselCar  Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ is a comprehensive list of the best 50 cars currently on sale in the UK. Citroën C4 Cactus has been named ‘Best Compact Crossover’ and the Citroën C4 Picasso & Grand C4 Picasso are jointly awarded the ‘Best Medium MPV’ title.

Citroën has been recognised in DieselCar Magazine’s list of the ‘Top 50’ cars on sale in the UK. The ultra-stylish Citroën C4 Cactus – last year’s overall winner – achieved sixth place, one place ahead of Nissan’s Qashqai, and took the ‘Best Compact Crossover’ title.

The highly-acclaimed C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso took 16^th place overall and have been voted joint winners in the ‘Best Medium MPV' category. This latest prize follows the Grand C4 Picasso’s successive wins as DieselCar Magazine’s ‘Best MPV’ in 2015 and 2014.

Commenting on the C4 Cactus award, Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of DieselCar Magazine, said; “The back to basics C4 Cactus strips out everything unnecessary in a car, amplifying the personality, and bringing the French firm back to its quirkier and more distinctive roots.”

Reflecting on the ‘Best Compact MPV’ award, Robertson added; ‘If ever there was a car synonymous with the family car market, then the Citroën C4 Picasso is it. Quite simply, medium-sized MPVs don’t come any better than this.”

Bek Hassan, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, said; “It’s fantastic that C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso have all been honoured by DieselCar Magazine again this year. It’s always a brilliant achievement to win the best-in-class accolades and this speaks volumes about the creative talent we have working for the brand in our design and engineering teams.”

Citroën C4 Cactus boasts a bold personality with striking features like stylish, yet practical roof bars and the Airbump^® panels that protect the car from small everyday dents and scrapes.

C4 Picasso is a stylish five-seat MPV, while the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso offers even more space and practicality. The C4 Picasso range offers a choice of features including a large panoramic glass sunroof and unique front and rear light signatures that provide a distinctive personality for each model.

News of these latest DieselCar Magazine awards comes only days after the Citroën brand announced the introduction of New Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, which will go on sale in the UK on 1 September 2016, with order books opening in June. As a result, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso will offer even more style, technology, desirability and comfort in the future.

USA - Honda celebrates a brace of wins at the 6th Annual Hispanic Motor Press Awards.

 6^th Annual Hispanic Motor Press Awards® select best vehicles for Hispanic families

Honda claimed two Hispanic Motor Press Awards® with the all-new 2016 Honda Civic named ‘Best Compact Sedan” and the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot named “Best SUV.” The awards honor the best all-new or heavily refreshed vehicles for Hispanic families in 2016.

“The all-new Civic and Pilot were designed to define their segments with striking styling, industry-leading safety ratings and advanced technology unmatched by competitors,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

“Receiving these awards from the Hispanic Motor Press for Civic and Pilot validates the efforts of the many Honda associates throughout North America who developed and built these two great new vehicles.”The all-new 2016 Honda Civic has been redesigned from the ground up to be the sportiest in brand history. The 10^th-generation Civic includes dynamic styling, two all-new powertrains, including a Civic-first turbocharged engine, a 178-horsepower 1.5-liter direct injected turbo, and a bevy of consumer and safety tech, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, along with the available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

The 2016 Honda Pilot puts families first with seating for seven or eight occupants, a powerful, efficient direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine, as well as an available 9-speed automatic transmission and advanced new Intelligent Traction Management system. The Pilot also offers all of the features families want and need, ranging from available Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, to Blu-Ray DVD rear seat entertainment.

“The 2016 Civic is a bit longer, with a roomier interior and a high level of connectivity, with a smooth power plant. These enhancements make this new platform a real winner for the Hispanic consumer,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, Jury Director, Hispanic Motor Press. “The new Pilot has grown into a practical and efficient family vehicle. With the AWD option, three-row seating, safety features and a premium feel, it stood out among the other options tested by the jurors. It’s a very good all-around package for the larger Hispanic family."

HONEST JOHN AWARDS - Hyundai accepts a brace of awards one from either end of its range.

• Hyundai wins two awards at 2015 Honest John Awards
• i10 triumphs in ‘Most Popular City Car’ category, thanks to its styling, and value for money
• Santa Fe stands out for HonestJohn.co.uk users thanks to its generous level of standard equipment, and ‘excellent interior quality’

Hyundai Motor UK has added two new awards to its trophy cabinet after last night’s Honest John Awards. The brand’s best-selling i10 was crowned ‘Most Popular City Car’ by HonestJohn.co.uk users, while Santa Fe excelled in the ‘Most Popular SUV’ category.

On the i10’s success, Dan Harrison, Editor, HonestJohn.co.uk, commented: “The Hyundai i10 has retained the top small hatch spot for 2015, winning the ‘Most Popular City Car’ for the second consecutive year. 

It isn’t difficult to understand the i10’s outstanding popularity; it is a stylish city car, that’s fun to drive, well-made and excellent value for money. What’s more, for added peace of mind, it’s backed up by Hyundai’s dependable five-year warranty.

“Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an outstanding SUV, with excellent interior quality and sleek exterior styling. With so much on offer, it’s little surprise to see the Santa Fe become the most popular SUV with the readers of HonestJohn.co.uk,” continues Harrison.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, commented on the company’s latest accolades: “We’re extremely proud that our brand is continuing to win so many prestigious awards, including our recent wins from HonestJohn.co.uk. 

This recognition confirms our belief that our vehicles are among the best in the market for providing customers with high-quality, value for money and style.”

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the Honest John Awards don’t follow the traditional awards format – instead, the winners are chosen by the best experts of all: the website users. The awards recognise and reward the cars that HonestJohn.co.uk users search for most on the site. 

The reviews which create the most interest among HonestJohn.co.uk users are the winners.

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.”

Discovery wins TWO awards in the recently announced Caravan Club Tow Car Awards ceremony.

• Discovery HSE Luxury model claims a brace of class wins in The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards

Land Rover Discovery is celebrating its second tow car honour within three months thanks to recognition in The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards. The club’s judging panel voted the Discovery HSE Luxury the top model in two hard-fought classes – for all-wheel-drive vehicles over 1800kg and for vehicles priced in excess of £40,000.

In June, Land Rover Discovery claimed its fifth consecutive victory and seventh class win in eight years in the Tow Car Awards, a record unmatched by any rival.

At the Caravan Club’s London awards ceremony, the judges’ citation reported: “Towing is effortless with Land Rover Discovery. The V6 3-litre TD engine, mated to an impressive eight-speed auto gearbox, propels you up, down and round at speeds that a large outfit such as this would initially appear incapable of reaching. Greenhouse-sized windows give excellent rear visibility too.”

The Caravan Club tested 39 cars for this year’s competition, with five expert drivers assessing each car’s towing abilities including acceleration, braking and coping with hill starts. Two judges assessed the vehicles’ usability, and two further experts performed acceleration tests.

Land Rover Discovery boasts several intelligent technologies which help to enhance the towing experience. Trailer Stability Assist detects the presence of a trailer and, above 37mph, it monitors the behaviour of the trailer and uses selective braking of the appropriate wheels to help correct any problems. Towing Assist, a next-generation reversing aid, is also included with the optional Surround Camera System. The Towing Assist technology predicts the trajectory of both vehicle and trailer, guiding when coupling a trailer and providing a predicted path for the vehicle when reversing by superimposing coloured lines over the image on the touch-screen.