WHAT CAR AWARDS - Porsche's Boxster makes it three in a row for Sports Car Of The Year.

Recognition by top-selling magazine underlines sports car credentials of iconic marque

The Porsche Boxster has once again been presented with the overall Sports Car of the Year accolade by What Car? This is the third time in a row that the mid-engined roadster from Stuttgart has triumphed at the ceremony, which was held last night in London.

The annual awards not only serve as the unofficial start to the new motoring year, but a category win has become regarded as one of the most sought-after in the industry. What Car? is the UK’s leading monthly consumer motoring title, and its editorial opinion is backed up by the vast knowledge and experience of its team of journalists.

Commenting on the victory of the Boxster in the Sports Car category, What Car? said; “It would be easy to dismiss the Boxster as a poor man’s 911. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Although its modest 265 hp is no better than the power of some hot hatches, the entry-level Boxster feels fast enough to thrill without being intimidating. This, matched with the fingertip-responsive handling, makes it perfect for UK roads. It’s a car that makes you want to get up early and seek out a quiet road, just as it is laid back and easy to drive on that wet, wintry commute.”

The value-for-money appeal of the Porsche also caught the attention of the editorial team. “The Boxster gets key niceties, such as a colour touch-screen and part-electric seat adjustment, so all you really need to add is satellite navigation and digital radio, and the rasping optional sports exhaust. Given the modest list price, even with these extras the Boxster is still great value. You don’t even need the automatic PDK gearbox; the slick-shifting manual is easy to use and adds a hands-on, physical element to the already great driving experience.”

Porsche Cars GB Managing Director, Chris Craft, collected the award for the Boxster from Jim Holder, Editor of What Car?

“The crux of the Boxster’s appeal is not just that it is reasonably priced, but that it can still thrill, and – even in the 2.7-litre model – feel every bit as prestigious as you’d want a Porsche to feel,” said Jim. “This sporting soft-top can be rambunctious fun, just as it can be a delight to live with, and that’s a winning combination in our books.”

The mid-engined, two-seater is priced from £38,810, and is available in three series: Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS.

“For the Boxster to receive this recognition from What Car? for the third year in a row is a real credit to our engineers at Weissach,” commented Chris Craft, Porsche Cars GB Managing Director. “It also underlines what our customers tell us; that in true roadster spirit, the Boxster immerses you completely in the driving experience.”

First launched in 1963, the Porsche 911 coupé immediately set a new benchmark and quickly won the hearts of car and motor sport enthusiasts around the world. Today, the latest ‘Type 991’ model, the seventh 911 generation, continues to set standards, its evocative rear-mounted, flat-six engine offering scintillating driving dynamics as well as impressive performance and efficiency.

In recognising the 911 Carrera as the ‘Best Buy’ in the Sports Car category between £50,000 - £100,000, What Car? Editor, Jim Holder, commented; “If the subject of sports cars comes up, you’re almost certainly going to be talking about the 911.”

The road test team found real inspiration in the charismatic flat-six engine beating at the heart of the 911: “Revving the 3.4-litre motor through the gradually building mid-range and on to the wailing, raucous upper regions of 7,000 rpm is an addiction. Push hard and the 911 reveals a hitherto-hidden edge that’s further enhanced by the grippy chassis and meaty steering. 

You don’t need to go for a really brawny version – the basic Carrera, with optional seven speed PDK automatic gearbox, delivers the perfect blend of sweaty-palmed adrenaline rush when you want it, and easy-going daily driver the rest of the time. Add the adaptive suspension and sports exhaust, and you’ve got the best 911 going, at a reasonable price.”

The 911 Carrera is priced from £73,509, and the range encompasses Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa models. Last year, the 430 hp GTS models (priced from £91,908) joined the line-up, opening a new chapter in the continuing evolution of the 911 range, which is topped by the race-car inspired GT3 (£100,540) and legendary 911 Turbo S (£142,120).

WHATCAR AWARDS - Dacia wins best small car under £12k for third successive year.

• Dacia Sandero wins ‘Best Small Car under £12,000’
• Dacia supermini awarded for third consecutive year
• Sandero continues to grow in the UK with over 14,000 sold in 2014

Dacia has picked up the title of What Car? 2015 ‘Best Small Car for less than £12,000’ with its Sandero 1.2 Ambiance hatchback for the third successive year.

After initially picking up the accolade in 2013 following the brand’s entrance into the UK car market, and confidently retaining it last year, the stylish, practical and affordable supermini has taken the honours once more to truly reaffirm its popularity alongside the rest of Dacia’s ‘shockingly affordable’ range.

Commenting on the decision to give the award to the Sandero, Jim Holder, Editor, What Car? said: “There are cheap cars and then there’s the Dacia Sandero. What really helps the Sandero’s case, and boosts its value for money, is its huge interior space. There are few cars in this class that offer this much room for passengers and luggage.”

“It’s quick enough to feel comfortable in and out of town, and our True MPG tests have revealed it’s possible to get within a stone’s throw of its official fuel economy. Consider the fact that the Sandero comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty and the deal looks even better.”

Commenting on the result, Andy Heiron, Dacia UK Brand Manager said: “We’re delighted that the judges at What Car? have recognised the Sandero’s qualities for the third year in a row – especially given that starting from a ‘shockingly affordable’ £5,995 you can get one from just half the amount of the category it competes in.”

The Dacia Sandero is a five-door hatchback, available in three trim levels with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel engine. Pricing starts from £5,995, making it the lowest priced new car on sale in the UK today. The specific Ambience version chosen by What Car? comes with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows and an ECO driving mode, improving efficiency and fuel consumption figures.

Dacia continued its prodigious rise in the UK with another strong year of sales, with 23,862 new Dacia owners during 2014, up 39.2 per cent compared to 2013.