BusinessCar awards its car of the year title to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

BusinessCar Magazine’s 2015 Car of the Year is the Mercedes-Benz C-class.

The fleet publication’s awards carry particular weight because they are the only accolades in the industry to be decided entirely by the readership of BusinessCar magazine and BusinessCar.co.uk, and the C-class took the top spot ahead of Peugeot’s impressive new 308.

BMW continued to show its strength in the fleet market by taking two headline awards, including Manufacturer of the Year for the fifth year running and Green Model of the Year with its pioneering i3 electric supermini.

Leasing company Alphabet took the remaining headline award as Service Supplier of the Year.

“The new C-class has propelled Mercedes-Benz into the middle of the fiercely competitive premium upper medium saloon marketplace and massive improvements over the previous model have meant the company has picked up its first ever Business Car of the Year prize,” said Paul Barker, BusinessCar editor.

“The C-class currently offers the most efficient diesel in the sector and there’s also a 94g/km hybrid, plus the 48g/km plug-in coming in April 2015.

“But there’s more to the C-class than just efficiency gains. The classier and more sporty looks combine with a serious focus on whole life costs to propel the new model into fleet heartland territory.”

Barker continued: “BMW’s popularity with the fleet industry is clearly demonstrated with its win as Manufacturer of the Year and this is backed up by four car category wins overall.  It highlights BMW as a brand getting it right for fleet across its range, with cars that are appealing, good to drive and great value to run.

“The corporate market is extremely competitive with some incredible products available to help businesses carry out their work. Winners at this year’s awards should be proud that BusinessCar’s readers have picked them out as the best in the industry.”

Other notable winners include The AA, which picked up three awards in the important Accident Management, Risk Management and Vehicle Recovery categories. Volkswagen also picked up multiple awards with wins in the mainstream lower medium, mini-MPV and mainstream 4x4 categories for its Golf, Touran and Tiguan respectively, while Ford, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Kwik-Fit and BCA were also among the winners.

BusinessCar Awards Ford's Fiesta & S-Max two awards, Best MPV & Best Supermini 2015.

Two popular Ford models have been honoured in this year’s BusinessCar Awards – for the eighth consecutive year for the S-MAX.

The stylish and sporty Ford S-MAX tightened its grip on the award for Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle – held since 2008.  Ford Fiesta, the UK’s top-selling car, took BusinessCar’s Supermini of the Year prize.

The only awards decided by fleet managers themselves, the BusinessCar honours are highly prized within the industry and underline Ford’s popularity among fleets.

Ford S-MAX – due to be renewed this Summer – has enjoyed a remarkable run of success both in the annual BusinessCar Awards and combined fleet and retail market, reaching over 82,000 UK registrations since its 2006 debut.

Paul Barker, BusinessCar editor, said:  “Ford’s S-MAX has been a class apart since launch, bringing people-carrying practicality without boxy people-carrying looks. Though this generation is soon to be replaced by an even classier new model, it is going out with a bang and still looks great compared to rivals.”

The Ford Fiesta earned its Best Supermini honour because it is “high on quality as well as quantity”.  Paul Barker added:  “Driving enjoyment, efficiency, good running costs and clever technology all combine to make it a popular choice. Our readers – the people choosing these models for their business – have picked the Fiesta as their favourite mainstream supermini, and that’s testament to the car’s all-round ability.”

Incoming new Ford of Britain fleet director Nick Themistocleous, said:  “The seven-seat coupé that is the Ford S-MAX deserves its superb run of success in the BusinessCar Awards and its 2015 replacement will enjoy an equally positive response from readers.  Ford Fiesta adds another significant accolade to its vast collection of honours.”

Mercedes C-Class C300 BlueTEC Hybrid named SME Car Of The Year Award for Best Company Car for Tax

• C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid awarded Best SME Company Car for Tax
• The Awards celebrate the best company cars in the market
• Over 14,000 examples of the new C-Class Saloon and Estate have been registered since June

The 2015 SME Company Car of the Year Award for Best Company Car for Tax has been awarded to the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – praised by the judges for its low running costs and tax-efficiency. 

In announcing the C-Class Award, Ralph Morton, Editorial Director at Business Car Manager, commented: “The new Mercedes-Benz compact executive models don’t come along very often and the new car’s sleek styling and sport drive are sure to lure company car drivers away from rivals. If the look and the way the car drives doesn’t tempt you, then the low running cost of our Best SME Company Car for Tax will. 

The C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which as its name suggests is a diesel-electric hybrid, can return up to 78.4 mpg and it has CO₂emissions of 94 g/km, putting the car in just the 11 per cent company car tax band. For company car drives, this really is a fantastically tax-efficient way to drive an executive car.”

Sally Dennis, Head of Fleet, Mercedes-Benz UK, added: “We’re delighted that the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid has been awarded Best SME Company Car for Tax. It demonstrates our focus on offering low-emission, efficient vehicles to our Fleet customers as we continue to expand our Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric range.”

The C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – available as a Saloon and Estate is priced from £35,045 OTR and £38,240 OTR, respectively. Its four-cylinder diesel engine and compact electric motor generates an output of 204 + 27 hp to allow it to combine performance and efficiency.

The C-Class range is set to expand with the C 350 Plug-In Hybrid.

Following on from the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid, the C 350 Plug-in Hybrid is also available as an Estate and is capable of covering a range of 19 miles in all-electric mode. It returns 134.5 mpg and emits just 48 g/km CO₂-- despite a power output of 279 hp. It’s due to arrive in the UK from April 2015.

The high-class interior of the C-Class – launched in the UK in June 2014 – is styled on the S-Class and includes high-quality, high-grade materials and trim elements, and an innovative touchpad enabling intuitive operation of all head-unit functions using finger gestures.  

The new C-Class continues to grow in the UK with over 14,000 examples registered in 2014.

USA - Playboy Mag announces Alfa Romeo 4C its Car of the Year for Sports & Convertible cars

With its race-inspired  performance and  advanced technologies wrapped by seductive curves that can only be handcrafted in Italy,  Playboy  magazine  named  the  all-new  Alfa  Romeo  4C “2015 Car of the Year – Sports Cars and Convertibles.” 

The annual award From Playboy represents a hand-picked list of their favorite vehicles in 2015.

“The gorgeous Italian exchange student you loved in high school isn’t coming back, but the stunning Alfa Romeo 4C is now here after years of being away,” said William K. Gock – Automotive Writer, Playboy. “This lightweight carbon-fiber-framed pistol uses flowing body curves, highly stylized alloy wheels and a monstrous engine roar to announce Alfa’s grand return. Behind the wheel it’s obvious the 4C is a machine built for high-speed cornering, not casual trips to the corner store, which is more than enough to earn our esteem.”

As part of the “2015 Car of the Year” selection process, William K. Gock spent time test-driving countless cars for Playboy and worked with the publication’s editors on the final list of winners.

“Playboy’s best sports car award speaks to the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C’s seductive styling, race-inspired performance and how hot it is in the marketplace,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. “With its sexy, head-turning mid-engine Italian design, each 4C represents more than 100-years of Alfa Romeo racing knowhow and Formula 1 inspired technologies – a combination we’re excited to offer North American enthusiasts and at a fraction of the price of other carbon fiber chassis supercars.”

New Mazda2 goes on nationwide dealer tour, in advance of first orders being taken.

• Exclusive customer event set to give first look at stylish new supermini
• All-new Mazda2 will visit 119 dealerships across the UK
• New model combines elegant design, with efficient engines
• Oculus Rift technology promises to enhance customer experience

From the 17^th January two pre-production models of the all-new Mazda2 will visit 119 Mazda dealers across the country, covering more than 6,000 miles in a total of six weeks.

The fourth generation supermini has already been revered in the press for its good looks, sharp handling and fuel efficient engines, and now prospective customers will be among the first in the country to experience the car for themselves.

As well as getting up close and personal with the all-new Mazda2, the exclusive invite-only events will also give attendees the opportunity to try Oculus Rift virtual reality technology, allowing them to experience the all-new Mazda2 in the virtual world. 

“This convention-defying dealer tour is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing customers to really get a feel for the all-new Mazda2 and take advantage of the Oculus Rift headsets to virtually experience what the car would look like in different colours and trims,” commented Jeremy Thomson, UK Managing Director of Mazda.

“The Mazda2 is our best-selling model in the UK and its successor marks an important milestone for the brand. It has already won the coverted Japanese Car of the Year title, which goes to prove we’ve taken the right direction with our focus on design, driving fun and our innovative SKYACTIV technology.”

As well as featuring the striking ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ body styling, the brand has also optimised its range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV powertrains for the all-new Mazda2. Including a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol available in three power outputs and with new five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, there’s also a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox, which returns incredible fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km – putting it among the cleanest cars in its class.

Building on the strengths of its current B-segment model as well as its highly successful new-generation model line-up, the all-new Mazda2 raises the bar in design, performance, handling, equipment, comfort and safety.

Mazda has recently announced pricing and specification of the all-new Mazda2 ahead of it going on sale on the 20^th March. With prices starting from £11,995 up to £17,395, the 16-strong model range will be available in five generous trim levels – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Packed with high levels of standard equipment, the stylish supermini provides the perfect compromise of premium quality, efficiency and good looks.

Thanks to innovative technology, Oculus Rift, customers will be able to experience a 360^o view of the interior.

Determined to offer its customers unbeatable deals, from 1 January Mazda will offer its all-new city car with a combination of zero deposit and 5.9% APR when purchased with a Mazda PCP finance package, or 0% APR Conditional Sale with a minimum 50% deposit. Buyers of the Sport Launch Edition can also benefit from a £750 Mazda deposit contribution, whilst all other derivations will be offered £500.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Double delight for Nissan with Qashqai and Pulsar winning awards.

• Nissan Qashqai retains crown as What Car?’s Best Small SUV
  • British-built Qashqai praised for blend of comfort, refinement and practicality
  • New n-tec+ trim is the judges’ pick with class-leading levels of refinement, generous standard equipment and overall practicality
• Newly launched Pulsar hatchback chosen as a Best Buy Family car under £16,000 for 1.2 DIG-T 115 Visia
  • Newcomer praised for “incredible value” offering customers the “complete package”
  • Entry-level model gets air-conditioning, electric windows, Bluetooth and six airbags

It was a successful night for Nissan at the annual What Car? Awards in London as the brand scooped an overall category win along with a Best Buy Family Car accolade.

For the second year running, Nissan’s pioneering Qashqai crossover won the title of Best Small SUV while the all-new Pulsar hatchback was chosen as a Best Buy Family car under £16,000 in the hugely competitive Family Car category.

Designed, engineered and built in Britain, the Qashqai continues to deliver an unrivalled package of technology, safety, practicality and efficiency

James Wright, Managing Director, Nissan Motor GB, said: “After winning Qashqai’s category and the outrightCar of the Year crown last year, we are extremely delighted with this year’s category win – especially considering the strong competition in this fast-growing segment.

“Like the Qashqai, the new Pulsar majors on technical innovations, safety and practicality – boasting the largest rear legroom of any C-segment hatchback available in the UK. It adds yet another dimension to Nissan’s diverse product line-up and ensures the brand offers a product to suit every customer’s needs.”

Jim Holder, Editor of What Car? said: “The Qashqai was chosen on the strength of its overall offering in terms of practicality, refinement and standard equipment. As impressive at the new Citroen and Range Rover are, neither really come close to dethroning the Qashqai as our top Small SUV.

“The Pulsar meanwhile delivers incredible value with the entry grade Visia. It’s hard to think of any other model in this price bracket that offers such a complete package.”

As standard, the Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T 115 Visia costs £15,995 OTR and benefits from air-conditioning, Bluetooth, electric windows, 16-inch alloys as well as safety equipment such as six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and electronic stability control.

Testament to the Qashqai’s popularity, Nissan produced the two millionth Qashqai at its Sunderland factory in November last year – making it the fastest car model to reach this milestone in the history of the UK car industry.

What Car?’s favourite Qashqai is the recently introduced n-tec+ model, which replaced the Acenta Premium grade. With n-tec+, owners get and even greater level of value thanks to a multitude of safety and comfort features including Around View Monitor (AVM), Forward Emergency Brake (FEB), and additional equipment including roofrails and a Panoramic roof with prices starting at £22,250 OTR (or £21,700 OTR for n-tec).

WHAT CAR AWARDS - THREE Wins, TWO best buys ONE Company, that will be AUDI.

Triple triumph for Audi at the high-profile What Car? Awards ceremony 

• Audi TT named Coupé of the Year in the 2015 What Car? Awards
• Plug-in hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron wins Electric Car of the Year
• For the second consecutive year, the A3 Cabriolet secures the Convertible Car category
• Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI ultra SE Executive and the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE also commended as 'best buys' in their respective categories

Reaffirming its status as an enduring What Car? favourite, the Audi TT in its recently launched, all-new form, has once again been crowned Coupé of the Year in the respected magazine’s annual awards. 

Equally importantly, two new variations on the theme of the A3, itself a winner of the overall Car of the Year Award in 2013, have also secured important category victories – the A3 Cabriolet dominates its class for a second successive year, and on its debut entry the new A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid proves its mettle by taking on and beating critically acclaimed EV contenders to the title of Electric Car of the Year.  

In its explanatory account covering the winning Audi models, the experienced judges on the What Car? editorial team dub the A3 Sportback e-tron a 'no-brainer for business users', refer to the A3 Cabriolet as 'one of the best open-tops for driving thrills' and describe the TT as a 'fabulous ownership proposition', featuring 'one of the finest cabins of any car'.

The 2015 Coupe of the Year – specifically the TT 2.0 TFSI Sport - is the latest in a long line of Audi TTs favoured as What Car? winners, dating back to the revolutionary first generation car, which wowed the judges back in 2001. The TT has been nominated in every one of the past eight years, and has won the category outright in all but one.

Explaining the decision to continue the TT’s amazing run of success for yet another year, What Car? Editor Jim Holder said: "The new TT follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, winning our Coupé of the Year Award at the first time of asking. It does so by a big margin, because while there are plenty of sleek and slinky-looking offerings in this market, they all demand some form of compromise from you – either in the way they drive, how easy they are to live with or how much they cost to buy and run. All except the TT. In fact, it’s so good, we wouldn’t bet against it winning this award for years to come."

UK deliveries of the new TT are already in progress, and in addition to the 230 PS 2.0 TFSI, the new ' ultra' model also makes its debut. Its 2.0 TDI engine produces 184 PS and 380Nm of torque, and a combined MPG figure of 67.3 is possible in line with CO2 emissions of just 110g/km. Prices for the TT range start from £29,770 OTR in Sport specification, rising to £40,270 OTR for the formidable 310PS TTS Coupé.

A3 range maintains its winning streak

Singling out the 150 PS 1.4 TFSI version of the A3 Cabriolet Sport with fuel-saving Cylinder-on Demand technology as its specific winner, the What Car? team praises its thriftiness and its "precise steering, performance and hushed refinement". 

An interior that "exudes class" with "cabin quality you’d expect on soft-tops twice the price" is also complimented, and in summary the A3 is lauded as "still the best open-top you can buy." Prices start at £26,085 OTR for SE models - comprehensive Sport and S line specifications complete the line-up.

Sharing the limelight with its premium compact counterpart, the A3 Sportback e-tron"mixes the many merits of the A3 with even more incentive for company car buyers to make electric driving more accessible" according to the judging panel. 

Both are available to order in the UK now, and first customer deliveries of the A3 Sportback e-tron are due this month. Priced from £29,950, the first series plug-in hybrid in the Audi range offers the potential for up to 176mpg on a full charge can travel for up to 31 miles using electric propulsion alone before the 1.4 TFSI petrol engine intervenes. Overall, a range of over 580 miles is attainable on a full charge and a tank of fuel.

Audi 'Best Buys'

In addition to the outright accolades, two more Audi models received price point plaudits – in the 'more than £35,000 category', the new A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI ultra SE Executive earned a commendation in the Executive Car class and in the Family Car sector the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE was rated as the pick of the bunch in the more than £20,000 bracket.

Commenting on the outstanding result for Audi UK, Director Andre Konsbruck said: “I am absolutely delighted not only with the quantity of wins Audi has secured in the eyes of What Car? this year, but also in the quality of those wins. 

The all-new TT and A3 Cabriolet are of course prime examples of state-of-the-art Vorsprung durch Technik, with all the emphasis on definitive design and build and advanced technology that this entails, but it’s the recognition for the new A3 e-tron in the face of such heralded competition which is the crowning achievement for me. It emphasises for me that wrapping the future in a familiar package that demands no compromises is the right way to travel at this stage."

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Suzuki makes four in a row with a best buy for the Suzuki Swift Supermini.

• Best buy hot hatch for less than £15,000 for the fourth consecutive year

Suzuki celebrated some great news at the 2015 What Car? Magazine awards as the Swift Sport has been awarded a ‘Best Buy’ accolade for the fourth year in a row. The performance flagship of the Swift range was comprehensively judged by the editorial team against some strong competition, and the final vote resulted in it yet again receiving the ‘Best Buy Hot hatch for less than £15,000’.

With a high standard specification that includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, USB connection and auto air conditioning, Swift Sport still remains considerably cheaper than £15,000 at £13,999 for three door and £14,499 for the five door model.

Swift Sport is available in a choice of four standard metallic paint finishes and is also  equipped with seven airbags, cruise control, High Intensity Discharge headlamps, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition to satellite navigation and DAB radio, the Sport also has voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming compatible with ipod/ iphone.

Jim Holder, What Car? Editor comments: “Even before you take into account the fact that you can get a Swift Sport for less than £14,000, it epitomises what a hot hatch should really be about.

"It has a 1.6-litre engine that absolutely loves to be revved to within an inch of its life as it produces its 134bhp and 118lb ft of torque. Those are fairly small numbers, but then the Swift is a fairly small car that doesn’t weigh much, so it can scamper along the road at a decent lick.

"It changes direction as quickly as a Scalextric car when you want it to and grips strongly when you need it to. Granted, there’s a firm edge to the ride, but it isn’t unbearable and rather suits the character of the car.”

The engine’s high output is combined with excellent fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the EC Combined Cycle; CO₂ emissions are 147g/km and a bespoke exhaust system yields a sporty note and the Sport is fitted with a six speed manual transmission as standard.