Generally speaking, there are very few bad cars on the market today. With modern motors, you’re almost guaranteed something that’s safe, reliable, comfortable and easy to drive – especially if you compare it to cars from as recent as the early 2000s.
With all that being said, some cars still stand out above and beyond their peers as the best of the best, and we’ve named them here.
Estate Car of the Year – Skoda Superb Estate
Critics consider the Superb nothing more than a stretched VW Passat – and in the old days you wouldn’t be far wrong. The current model though is every bit its own car and in many ways is better than Volkswagen’s own equivalent – impressive stuff from a supposed ‘budget’ brand.
The big appeal for families is the cavernous interior, which contains a huge boot and more legroom than you’ll find in anything this side of a limousine. The latest VW Group technology and engines feature, while Skoda’s own ‘Simply Clever’ features are just the icing on the cake.
Saloon Car of the Year – BMW 5 Series
The 5 Series has always been considered one of the best executive cars to drive thanks to a perfectly-balanced rear-wheel drive chassis and a driver-focused cockpit. The latest iteration adds to this with incredible amounts of luxury and technology, pinched from the larger 7 Series limo.
Add in a range of powerful and remarkably efficient engines and the appeal of that BMW badge in the company car park, and the result is a compelling package that’s as much of a class-leader as it’s always been.
SUV of the Year – BMW X2
SUVs and crossovers have morphed from off-road runabouts to practical family transport, but now they’re moving into the fashionable area previously only occupied by convertible cars and small hatchbacks. The X2 is a brilliant example of an SUV that mixes style and substance in equal doses.
It’s styled like no BMW before it, with an ‘upside-down’ version of the firm’s famed kidney grilles. The inside is less revolutionary, but that’s a good thing – everything is brilliantly screwed together. Of course in this class, your own taste matters more but if you like the look of the X2, it’s a great small SUV.
Hatchback of the Year – Ford Fiesta
Our small car of the year is the Ford Fiesta. It would appear that the British public agrees with us – the Fiesta’s been virtually unchallenged at the top of the UK’s best-seller charts for several years and looks set to continue that trend.
With competitive pricing, a huge dealer network, a stylish frame and new premium interior, it’s attractive in the showroom. And that continues on the road too, as the Fiesta is just brilliant to drive.
Sports Car of the Year – Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar has a long history of making beautiful sports cars which are brilliant to drive. The latest F-Type is no exception – and it appeals to a wide swathe of the market. Those after maximum attack can specify the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, but those just attracted to the car’s looks can also choose a petrol-sipping four-cylinder.
Few cars will attract so many admiring glances as the F-Type, whether you choose it in drop-top Convertible or slinky Coupe form.
Convertible of the Year – BMW 2 Series Convertible
Basing a car on the popular and dynamic BMW 2 Series was never going to end badly, but the success of the 2 Series Convertible is remarkable. Most convertibles give something up on the driving front to their hard-roofed siblings, but with this one, you’d be hard-pressed to tell from behind the wheel.
One of the car’s best aspects is its looks – it’s gorgeous with the roof down and hardly much worse with it up. It’s also capable of being everything from an efficient diesel cruiser to a rip-snorting straight six sports car, depending on which engine box you tick.
