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IT’S THAT time of year when I and my fellow World Car Awards judges get together in the US to drive many of the contenders for the various World Car titles, including the much-coveted Car of the Year crown. The World Car Awards are now in their 20th year, having started by declaring the first winner – the Audi A6 – back in 2005. A series of mostly German winners followed, punctuated by the occasional Japanese model before Jaguar got in on the scene with the F-Pace in 2017 and then the all-electric I-Pace two years later. However, three out of the last four winners have been Korean, with Hyundai beating Kia by two wins to one. That gives a good indication of how the balance of power has shifted…

ALONGSIDE Lucid and Kia, Subaru chose the LA Auto Show to reveal its latest car. The new Forester is expected to go on sale in the UK in 2024, priced from around £40,000. The familiar upright five-door shape has been retained, but with slightly more modern head and tail-lights, a more vertical grille and a wider stance than before. Underneath, there’s an all-wheel-drive set-up, with an upgraded X-mode function and 221mm of ground clearance. The big news, though, is the Forester’s first full-hybrid edition, also launching next year. In addition, Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki announced the brand’s plans for four new EVs by 2026, with another four by 2028. These will sit alongside the Solterra, the maker’s only current full EV. The new Forester’s chassis is said to be 10…

A HUGE £8.3bn of funding earmarked for the High Speed Rail 2 extension to Manchester has been re-allocated to local road repairs. Transport Secretary Mark Harper claims the move is “the biggest ever funding uplift for local road improvements”. The announcement has been welcomed by motoring organisations and the road repair industry, who say the cash will allow councils to plan effective maintenance that ends the scourge of potholes. Local authorities will get £150 million this year and next, with the rest being allocated to 2034. The government has pledged local councils will be able to identify local roads most in need of repair, and deliver “immediate improvements for communities”.…

DON’T take our word for the fact the Ceed is a great used family hatchback buy – you should listen to the car’s owners too. The Ceed landed a coveted top-10 finish in our 2023 Driver Power satisfaction survey, with drivers full of praise for the Korean model’s blend of practicality, reliability and value. Yet there’s more to this family-friendly Kia than the sensible stuff, because it’s also stylish, good to drive and packs an interior that looks smart and is dripping with tech. The Ceed has come a long way (and dropped the apostrophe from its name) since the original burst onto the scene in 2007. Now in its third generation, the handsome hatch (there’s also a ProCeed five-door coupé, a sensible Sportswagon estate and an SUV-inspired XCeed) has…

IT looks like the C3 Aircross has developed a taste for the winner’s champagne, because the distinctive French machine has now bagged a trio of Used Small SUV wins. Featuring eye-catching Gallic style, a family-friendly interior and incredible value for money, it’s not hard to see why the quirky Citroen’s appeal remains as strong as ever. For starters, it continues to prove you don’t have to dig too deep into the family finances to get your hands on a suitably sized car that’s as characterful as it is practical. The cheapest used examples now come in at under £8,000, yet most have low mileages, a full history and one careful owner. As with all the best family machines, the Aircross feels like it’s been designed from the inside out. For…

“The BMW’s agility and entertainment don’t come at the expense of comfort” NEW or used, the 3 Series remains the king of the corporate car park. Dripping in premium appeal, brilliant to drive and with decent practicality, this BMW has very few chinks in its armour. Plus, with the earliest examples of the F30 model costing as little as £3,000, the sports saloon has never been more affordable. At the heart of the BMW’s appeal is the way it drives. Its accurate steering, strong grip and engaging handling always encourage you to take the long way to and from the office. Yet that agility and entertainment don’t come at the expense of comfort and refinement; the 3 Series is equally adept at effortless motorway marathons. And if you regularly face…

PACKING style and substance, the eye-catching and brilliantly versatile Grand C4 Picasso is a true family car work of art. It’s been around a little while now, but the Citroen is still one of the best people carriers in the business. A facelift and namechange to Grand C4 Spacetourer in 2018 added extra kit and tech, but the superb blend of space, comfort and value remained. At the heart of the family-friendly French MPV’s appeal is its ingeniously packaged cabin. Not only is the third row of seats suitable for adults, access is easy and the large windows mean occupants won’t feel claustrophobic. Better still, the middle row features three individual chairs that can slide and recline for comfort, plus each has its own set of Isofix mounting points. You…

AT an eye-watering £49,995, you’d struggle to call the latest Civic Type R a steal. But on the plus side, the newcomer’s high price makes its predecessor look like a used car bargain. That’s particularly so because the current and previous versions have lots in common under the skin, which means you’re getting one of the hot hatch high-water marks of the last decade. As you’d expect, the Civic is savagely fast. Under its vented bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that pumps out a heady 316bhp and blasts the Type R from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds and onto a top speed that’s within a whisker of 170mph. Helping make the most of the performance is the six-speed manual gearbox, which has a deliciously quick and precise shift…

THIS is the Hyundai Ioniq’s second gong on the trot in our Used Electric Car category. There have been numerous new zero-emissions arrivals on second-hand forecourts over the past 12 months, but none has managed to topple the Ioniq Electric, thanks to a variety of strengths. For starters, few electric cars cost as little to buy. With the used market still wary of EVs, values of the Ioniq have slumped to the point that you can pick up tidy early cars for around £9,000. And while this amount will limit you to the smaller, 28kWh battery, you’ll still get a claimed range of 174 miles. Spend couple of grand more and you’ll get the updated 38kWh model, which adds an extra 20 miles between top-ups and features faster charging that…

TIMES are changing. Until recently, Jeep traded on the ability of its cars to reach parts others couldn’t, but under the umbrella of the Stellantis group, it’s on a mission to break new ground and boost the brand’s market share. One of the first cars to arrive as part of Jeep’s range expansion is the Avenger small electric SUV. Although it’s new, it uses plenty of traditional Jeep styling cues, but the latest electric running gear means it has a battery range that could make it an appealing choice in the class. One car that isn’t quite so competitive for range, but certainly matches the newcomer for style, is the Mazda MX-30. The Japanese model offers something different in the small SUV class, and while the rotary-equipped range extender is…

Jeep Avenger UConnect | Key features: Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto THE Avenger features a new version of Jeep’s UConnect software that comes with a 10.25-inch widescreen, although no version of the Avenger is equipped with sat-nav as standard – it’s a £500 option on this top-spec Summit. However, you do get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range. The system uses a grid of large shortcut buttons to navigate to different settings, although a home button on the touchscreen itself would be preferable to the separate switch located between the air vents. There’s voice control, while online connectivity allows you to remotely monitor the car when charging. A full-colour TFT display is fitted instead of dials, and this has clear information about range, economy and other essential…

PETROL-powered versions of the new Jeep Avenger are heading for UK shores, with a limited number of models arriving in December, followed by a mild-hybrid version in spring next year. Just 500 examples of the pure-petrol Avenger will be coming to the UK this year, featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. The motor produces 99bhp and 205Nm of torque, can return around 42mpg and will be paired with a manual gearbox. The petrol Avenger will come in Altitude Plus trim, equipped with 18-inch rims, heated seats, sat-nav, a JBL sound system, velour mats and blind-spot monitoring. It’s expected to start from around £27,500, around £8k less than the Avenger EV. The Avenger e-Hybrid combines the petrol model’s 1.2-litre PureTech engine with a 28bhp electric motor and six-speed automatic gearbox. The car…

AS the cost of living crisis continues to bite, consumers are keener than ever to get more for less – and when it comes to cars, few offer as much metal for your money as the Insignia. For the third year on the bounce the versatile Vauxhall has scooped the Used Family Car silverware, its exceptional value for money making it the number one choice for families looking to make their cash go further. With its traditional hatchback shape, the Insignia lacks the fashionable appeal of pricier SUVs, but the Vauxhall’s sleek body hides a cavernous interior that rivals upmarket models from the class above for space and premium appeal. And of course, if you need even more room, then there’s always the vast Sports Tourer, which is also available…

THE tough and versatile Duster is brilliant value as a new-car purchase, but it makes even more sense as a second-hand buy. Not only does it massively undercut mainstream rivals on price, it also beats them for space, kit and running costs. Add in a composed drive, strong comfort and a decent dose of off-road ability, and it’s no surprise to find it taking the spoils here. While the original Duster was a bit rough around the edges, this second-generation version is much more grown-up and sophisticated. This is most obvious on the road, where its accurate steering and good grip deliver decent driving dynamics. And while the soft suspension results in some body roll in corners, the trade-off is a plush ride over bumps. Go for the four-wheel-drive version…

FEW things are certain in the used car market, but the Volvo S90 proving to be a top second-hand saloon car buy is one of them. For the fourth year in a row, the sophisticated Swedish machine carries off our Best Used Executive Car trophy. And it’s not hard to see why, with its blend of style, safety, comfort and exceptional value making it ideal for captains of industry with an eye on the bottom line. Just how much car do you get for your cash with the S90? Well, we found a 66-plate Momentum D4 with just 45,000 miles on its odometer and a fully stamped service history for £16,250. Search out a BMW 520d of a similar age, mileage and service record and you can expect to pay…

“Find an example with adaptive dampers for the best ride quality” IT’S often said that fashion fades but style is forever, and that’s certainly the case with the eye-catching Audi A5. For the third year on the trot the handsome German machine has scooped the prize for our Best Used Coupé, its blend of kerb appeal, a classy cabin and composed driving dynamics proving too much for the competition. While it’s not as attention-grabbing as some, the A5’s perfect proportions and neat detailing mean it never fails to attract appreciative glances, while S line models add a subtle dose of sporty visual aggression. Just as slickly designed is the interior, which oozes premium appeal thanks to its top-notch quality and extensive use of high-grade materials. It also benefits from the…

IF there’s one thing more certain than death and taxes, then it’s a 911 scooping another award. With pace, poise and practicality, its a near-perfect used buy, and it takes our Sports Car crown for a second time. The 911 celebrated its 60th birthday this year, but careful evolution has kept the Porsche at the top of its game – and this 991 version is one of the best yet. It retains the car’s classic looks and layout, but adds a big dose of power, refinement, efficiency and tech. It offers even more choice than ever, too, with everything from an entry-level Carrera through to the near-200mph Turbo S. There are also the raw, race-inspired GT3 versions, although these collector’s items attract telephone-number price tags. Pick of the bunch are…

THERE are many used car bargains that make an excellent case for scooping our overall prize, but among the vast range of talent, one car stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Dacia Duster is a bargain even when it’s brand new, and things only get more tempting on the used market. Key to its desirability is its simplicity. It ditches many of the pretences of other compact SUVs to focus on the things that really matter the most: practicality, comfort and dependability. The cabin isn’t going to blow anyone away with its style or finish, but at a time when many rivals splash shiny black plastics and fake carbon fibre inside to give a thin veneer of a premium product, there’s an honesty about the Duster that’s hard not…

Mazda MX-30 THE MX-30 goes its own way within the Mazda line-up in terms of design. It’s more of a crossover in its appearance, with a low-profile roof added to a relatively conventional lower section – save for those rear-hinged back doors. The crossover look is further accentuated by the long bonnet, a design feature that makes up a lot of the car’s length. This lengthy nose is the reason why there’s only a similar amount of space to the Avenger on board. VS Jeep Avenger IT’S probably best to think of the Avenger as a jacked-up supermini rather than an SUV. Then its relative lack of space doesn’t seem as much of a shock. However, compared with the MX-30, it’s well packaged. The seven-bar grille and squared-off wheelarches are…

HOW OUR GUIDE WORKS PERFORMANCE: This is the manufacturer’s claimed acceleration time for a car, and is measured from 0-60mph or 0-62mph (0-100km/h), in seconds. ECONOMY/EMISSIONS/RANGE: Combined WLTP economy in miles per gallon, emissions in grams per kilometre of CO2 and maximum claimed range for EVs. Figures are achieved in the latest WLTP tests, but will vary according to equipment and are unlikely to be representative of everyday efficiency. INSURANCE: Group rating as quoted by the Association of British Insurers. WARRANTY: Next to each manufacturer’s name is the basic warranty period in months and miles for the mechanicals, corrosion and paintwork. EVs and hybrids will have dedicated battery cover. LIST PRICE: This is the on-the-road figure and includes VAT, delivery to dealer, the first 12 months’ of emissions-based road tax,…

KIA has officially pulled the wraps off its facelifted Sorento SUV in LA, after previewing the changes online in July. Inside, there’s been a major tech upgrade. A panoramic curved display with twin 12.3-inch screens features Kia’s latest OS, which promises more features and faster reactions. The three-row, seven-seat cabin layout remains the same as before. The external tweaks are limited to a more modern light treatment inspired by the EV9, plus a larger, bolder grille and reprofiled bumpers with a new skid plate. There’s a similar set of changes at the rear. Expect the hybrid engine line-up to continue in the new model, with a 226bhp 1.6-litre HEV and a 261bhp PHEV. Four-wheel drive features on all cars, but it’s likely that the diesel will be dropped. The new…

FORD pulled the plug on the Fiesta earlier this year, ending more than four decades of new-car sales success. However, the demise of the Blue Oval’s baby from showrooms does little to dent its appeal as a second-hand supermini star. Combining sparkling driving dynamics with family-friendly versatility and penny-pinching running costs, the Ford is a cracker. As ever, the Fiesta remains a top choice for keen drivers, its quick steering and agile handling making it huge fun on a twisty back road. Light controls and compact dimensions also make it a confidence-inspiring choice when squeezing into a tight parking space. Factor in a cushioned ride and strong long-haul refinement, and the Ford has all the bases covered. Pick of the engine line-up is the gutsy and efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol,…

“Post-2017 facelift Octavias benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto” IT’S a good thing the Octavia has a big boot, because it needs all the space it can to carry off its haul of used car awards. Yes, for the second year in a row, the vast and versatile Skoda has scooped our Used Estate Car of the Year trophy, and it’s easy to see why. As you’d expect, the Czech machine’s load-lugging credentials are impeccable, with a huge 610 litres of carrying capacity. Use the handy levers to lower the rear seats and the available space increases to a van-like 1,740 litres. What’s more, there are plenty of handy features, including load dividers, a shopping basket and numerous heavy duty hooks. The boot is also nice and square, while…

KIA is now a genuine premium player, and the fourth-generation Sorento is the car that cemented its place near the top of the upmarket pecking order. Featuring bold looks, a classy seven-seat interior and plenty of cutting-edge tech, the Korean SUV is a top used choice for growing families. Throw in a reassuring second place in our 2023 Driver Power poll and the imposing off-roader’s victory in this category is assured. Like all the latest Kia models, the Sorento stands out from the crowd with its angular lines, muscular stance and distinctive LED light treatment. Yet it’s the car’s slick and sophisticated interior that really wins plaudits. Not only does it ooze luxurious appeal, it’s also packed with standard equipment. Even the entry-level 2 models get heated seats, climate control…

HERE’S proof that you really can enjoy a champagne lifestyle for beer money. Mixing million-dollar coupé looks and a beautifully crafted interior with incredibly tempting prices, the 8 Series Gran Coupé allows you to experience how the other half live, for half the price. Like many upmarket saloon cars, the BMW suffers from crippling depreciation when new, which is bad news for the original owner, but great for used buyers. For example, you can bag a main-dealer-approved used 2020 840i with just 47,000 miles on the clock and a complete history for a whisker over £35,000, which is well under half what it cost new three years ago. As with all BMWs, the 8 Series is rewarding to drive, with great steering, sharp handling and the choice of turbocharged straight-six…

NOT satisfied with securing a staggering six back-to-back wins in our New Car Awards, the MINI Convertible has now bagged its first silverware here. It was only a matter of time before the new-car appeal would filter onto the second-hand market, and the dinky drop-top is perfect for sun seekers on a budget. For starters, few open-top contenders make it so easy to experience wind-in-the-hair thrills; its powered fabric hood opens you up to the elements in just 18 seconds. Better still, given the fickle British weather, the insulated roof can be raised just as quickly to create a cabin that’s almost as snug and refined as the standard hatchback’s. This impression is enhanced by the fact you get the same classy and well equipped cabin that blends the brand’s…

“Direct steering and balanced handling make the 330e perfect for keen drivers” MATCHING electric vehicle eco-friendliness and efficiency with sports saloon performance and poise, the BMW 330e is the second-hand hybrid that does it all. It’s brilliant to drive and beautifully built, and the plug-in tech adds smooth and silent EV running without any range anxiety. Factor in upmarket kerb appeal, a first-class cabin and intuitive tech, and the 330e is head and shoulders above the competition. At the heart of its appeal is the brilliantly engineered petrol-electric drivetrain. With an all-electric range of about 25 miles from a modest 7.6kWh battery, the BMW can’t travel as far as modern PHEVs, but it should be enough for most daily duties. What’s more, the cells can be replenished in around three…

THE medium-sized van class is the bread and butter of the UK’s commercial vehicle sector. Whether they’re used in vast numbers by delivery companies or are kitted out for sole traders, medium-sized vans get the job done. There’s lots of space for cargo or kit, while their dimensions mean they’re user friendly everywhere from the motorway to narrow city streets. Our winner of the Best Used Van title is part of a wave of vans that deliver car-like characteristics and safety kit, while also proving adept at dealing with the rough and tumble of work life. The Toyota Proace is the product of a joint collaboration between the Japanese company and what used to be PSA Peugeot Citroen, now Stellantis. The Proace uses the same bodyshell and running gear as…

1 DRIVING MAZDA shows some of MX-5’s DNA on the road, but the ride is firm. Avenger has a good mix of comfort and handling. 2 DOORS AVENGER has rear handles hidden in the C-pillars, but these are still easier to use than MX-30’s half doors. 3 POWERTRAINS BOTH models are front-wheel drive, but while Avenger has more power, MX-30 has a slight torque advantage. Both have similar 0-62mph times. 4 TECH LARGE touchscreen in the Jeep is easy to use, but Mazda’s clickwheel on the centre console makes controlling the screen on the move a breeze.…

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