Archive for August, 2010

The Ford S-MAX has been crowned the best MPV for the third consecuitive time at the recent Auto Express New Car Awards.

The Ford S-MAX was launched to great applause in 2006 and its enhancements this year have rejuvenated the model with an exciting new interior and exterior. Further improvements have come in the shape of new, highly efficient engines and a host of safety and technology features.

Auto Express editor-in-chief David Johns said: “With its eye-catching interior, razor-sharp chassis and adaptable seven-seat cabin, the people carrier benefitted from a thorough overhaul this year.

“A powerful new line-up of EcoBoost petrol engines and revised diesels, as well as an increase in cabin quality, has helped keep the Ford ahead of the game.”

Jon Gunn-Smith, Ford large car product manager, said: “Ford S-MAX’s hat-track of wins at the Auto Express New Car Awards is testimony to a car which has redefined the Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment. Almost 45,000 UK motorists agree with Auto Express and have bought one for themselves.

“They appreciate not only the looks and functionality of a Ford S-MAX, but also its driving quality. This has been strengthened by the latest model, which includes a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel engine returning almost 50mpg and 203PS 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.”

The Ford Fiesta, last year’s Auto Express Car of the Year, continued its dominance of the small car segment by being named best supermini of 2010.

“Bold looks, a striking cabin and hugely entertaining driving dynamics see the blue oval baby retain its crown. The eye-catching styling still turns heads, while the fun and functional cabin delivers decent space for people and luggage,” said Auto Express of the top selling Ford Fiesta.



Unveiled earlier this year, the magnificent new, five-door executive coupe – the Audi A7 Sportback is now available for ordering. From today you can secure your brand new Audi A7 Sportback – a car that subtley merges the saloon car versatility with hatchback practicality in an elegant premium coupe silhouette.

The A7 will be available with a choice of four imposing engines (two petrol and two diesel), and will contain ground breaking technological features like head-up display – a feature that will project important information direct onto the windscreen.

Unlike many of the its competition models, the A7 Sportback comes with a high level of standard specification. The A7 comes as standard with leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric tailgate, front and rear parking sensors and MMI navigation.

The brand new Audi A7 will be launched across all Mon Motors Group Audi dealerships on Saturday 8^th January 2011.

Awards for The ‘Best Compact Family Car’ award went to Golf and the ‘Best Hot Hatch’ award went to Golf GTI at the recent Auto Express New Car Awards. Both accolades clearly demonstrating that the Golf is recognised as the best car it its class, in what are two very competitive categories.

The awards are judged by the immensely experienced editorial team at Auto Express and recognise the best cars on sale today in the UK. Both new and existing models are eligible, with the top performers in each category being selected for an award.

The Auto Express editor in chief, David Johns commented that: “With its classy looks, high-quality cabin and executive car refinement, the Volkswagen still sets the standard,” and added: “Better still, it’s great to drive, excellent value and has a brilliant range of engines – including innovative turbocharged TSI petrol units.” This is the second year in row that the Golf claimed the ‘Best Compact Family Car’ title.

It has been 33 years since Volkswagen launched the first Golf GTI and despite the fierce competition in the marketplace, these latest accolades highlight that the Golf remains the benchmark in its class. Johns said: “There are rivals that are faster and more eye-catching, but few can match the Golf’s all-round ability and appeal,” and added: “Its smooth 2.0-litre engine delivers perfectly judged performance, while its composed chassis mixes comfort and composure in equal measure. Plus, it comes in three- and five-door bodystyles, and with manual and twin-clutch DSG transmissions.”

Director of Volkswagen UK, Chris Craft was delighted with the awards saying: “A huge amount of work both in Germany and here in the UK goes into ensuring we offer the best possible mix of affordability, quality, safety and comfort. Since last year’s Auto Express awards we’ve added the Match model to the Golf range. Match brings new levels of standard equipment and technology to the line-up to ensure that Golf continues to represent incredible value for money in what is a hugely competitive marketplace.”

Škoda are still celebrating from a night to remember at the Auto Express New Car Awards, after the brand took home an unprecedented five awards.

Škoda won Best Crossover Car for Yeti, Best Family Car for Superb and Best Estate Car for Superb Estate. Most impressively, the Yeti drove off with the overall title of Car of the Year 2010. The brand also picked up the Driver Power Award for reliability and outstanding customer service.

The Auto Express judges commented on the Yeti, saying that: “In a year that has seen the arrival of some truly special cars, the Škoda is a worthy winner of our overall crown.” The judges went on to discuss the outstanding engine line ups, high levels of specification, reliability and value for money offered by the Yeti and all other Skoda model winners on the night.

Škoda UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: “This is a fantastic honour! We’re delighted that Auto Express thinks as highly of the Yeti as we do. It’s a fantastic car and is selling well, ahead of even our optimistic forecasts. It provides, as Auto Express said, stylish looks and great value with a huge helping of fun.”

“The awards for Škoda Superb Hatch and Estate, and the Driver Power award are also fantastic. Driver Power is especially rewarding, as it recognises the work that our retailers do to provide outstanding customer service to Škoda owners across the UK.

“Škoda is having a great year, with record sales and the largest order bank in our history. We believe the reasons for that are simple and are reflected in what Auto Express recognised with these awards – great products built with excellent engineering and a retailer network that takes outstanding care of our customers.”

The Audi A7 featured heavily in the latest edition of Autocar with a complimentary review and some stunning images of Audi’s latest model that is scheduled for a January launch in the UK.

Autocar’s cover strap line sets the tone for their review of the Audi A7: “New Audi A7 – Watch out Merc and Jag, this one’s going to hurt”. The Audi A7 will sit between the A6 and A8 in their product range as a model that combines the sleek lines of a coupe with the practicality of five doors.

This article appeared in the 28 July edition of Autocar.