The Winners at the Auto Express Awards 2019

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This year’s Auto Express Awards has brought with it some surprises, as well as some cars retaining their titles from last year. Take a look below to explore some of the winners of the renowned ceremony.


Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R retains Best Hot Hatch

The Honda Civic Type R has retained the Auto Express award for Best Hot Hatch in 2019. Continued domination of this highly competitive award category for three years proves that the Civic Type R delivers the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch arena.

A 5-star review and Best Hot Hatch award from the expert judging panel at Auto Express, despite the high standard of competition, is a clear indication that the fifth-generation Civic Type R boasts performance credentials worthy of the iconic Type R badge.

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief, Auto Express said: "Despite many new contenders emerging onto the scene to challenge the Honda Civic Type R for its crown, none has managed to topple this Japanese giant of the performance world."


ŠKODA Scala

Škoda scoops hat-trick of Auto Express Awards

Škoda has continued its remarkable winning streak at the Auto Express New Car Awards by taking comfortable victories in no fewer than three key categories.

The all-new Scala kicked off proceedings with a headline-grabbing win in the fiercely competitive Compact Family Car of the Year category. The sector accounts for a considerable percentage of new car sales in the UK, and the new Scala is set to redefine standards for practicality, comfort and value.

Announcing the winner, Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express said: “The Scala is ultra-fresh on the market, with right-hand-drive cars having just hit the UK; and when it comes to a balance of space, usability and budget, it’s the new king of the compact car class."

The Octavia continued its incredible run of awards success by driving off with the Estate Car of the Year title for the fourth year in a row. Once again, the panel were wowed by the Octavia’s broad range, unbeatable usability and smooth driving experience.

Another Škoda recording a repeat win was the Karoq, which was named Mid-Size SUV of the Year for a second year in a row. Despite fierce competition in what is one of the busiest and most dynamic sectors of the new car market, the Karoq maintained its advantage over its rivals. Explaining the Karoq’s unbeatable qualities, Steve Fowler said: “What sealed the deal for our judges was the fact that the Karoq is an amazing all-rounder, excelling in all the key areas: it has a high-quality cabin, lots of space, excellent refinement, and plenty of smart tech."


Mercedes-Benz S Class

Mercedes-Benz celebrates double win

Mercedes-Benz has won two awards at the 2019 Auto Express awards. The S-Class was named the ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ for the 6th consecutive year, while the E 300 de was named the ‘Premium Hybrid Car of the Year’.

The S-Class was praised for its innovative technology, excellent ride quality and interior comfort, while the E 300 de was recognised thanks to its hybrid technology, low running costs and comfortable interior.

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief, Auto Express, said: “It’s status quo in the luxury car sector. Despite facelifts for some of its rivals, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is still the king of its class. Its case has only been strengthened by the addition of petrol-electric hybrid propulsion, but the diesels are still great and fit the character of the car wonderfully well. This is a great car to drive, but it’s even better to be driven in, with the option of business-class reclining seats that massage and cosset, ensuring that passengers arrive at their destinations fully refreshed.


Range Rover Evoque

Jaguar Land Rover lands quadruple victory

Jaguar Land Rover has won four categories at the Auto Express Awards 2019, including two victories for the all-new Range Rover Evoque.

Introduced only this year, the all-new Range Rover Evoque has already been named GQ’s Compact SUV of the Year. Now, the Evoque can add another two major titles to its roster, following this year’s Auto Express Awards. The expert team of journalists named the Evoque their ‘Small Premium SUV of the Year’, and highlighted ClearSight Ground View in their Technology Award. The realisation of Land Rover’s 2014 ‘invisible bonnet’ concept, ClearSight Ground View uses cameras to project a 180-degree view of what’s ahead of the occupants, including underneath the car’s bonnet.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: “The new Range Rover Evoque has plenty of substance to back up its style. Its exterior might not be a revolutionary change, but the interior has been overhauled and it’s now the most interesting, high-quality, luxurious and tech-filled car in its class."

The Auto Express team also named the Discovery as its ‘Large SUV of the Year’ 2019. Having been crowned overall Auto Express ‘Car of the Year’ in 2017, and ‘Large SUV of the Year’ in 2018, the latest Discovery has won an Auto Express Award every year since it was introduced.

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, said: “These latest Auto Express Awards really speak to the depth and talent of the Jaguar Land Rover team and model line-up. With two awards for Evoque – introduced this year – and another for Discovery – introduced in 2016 – it’s a clear indication that not only are our products class-leading, but they remain class-leading throughout their lives.”


SEAT Tarraco

SEAT Tarraco wins Best Large SUV

Just three months after launching in the UK, the SEAT Tarraco has won Best Large SUV at the 2019 Auto Express Awards.

The Tarraco – an all-new model for the SEAT brand – was praised by the weekly publication’s panel of judges for its versatility, boot space and reasonable price tag.

Of the decision to award the Tarraco Best Large SUV, Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief at Auto Express, said: “The Tarraco is the first large, seven-seat SUV from SEAT, and it’s a remarkable first effort. It features a high-quality, upmarket interior that’s also versatile and practical. The cabin is neatly designed and easy to live with, while the long list of equipment includes an excellent infotainment system that responds quickly and has solid smartphone connectivity."

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