2022 What Car? Car of the Year Award Highlights
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The What Car? Car of the Year Awards is one of the most prestigious car awards in the country.
This year’s awards were announced last week and in this article we’ll take a look at some of the highlights. If at any point you like what you see, then click the links to see our leasing options on these award-winning cars.
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Car of the Year, Family Car of the Year, Small Car of the Year, Hot Hatch of the Year, Small SUV of the Year, Family SUV of the Year, PHEV of the Year, Small Electric Car of the Year, Large Electric Car of the Year, Executive Car of the Year, Estate Car of the Year, Pick-up of the Year, MPV of the Year, Large SUV of the Year, Luxury Car of the Year, Luxury SUV of the Year, Electric SUV of the Year, Coupe of the Year, Sports SUV of the Year, Convertible of the Year
Car of the Year: Kia EV6
What Car’s Car of the Year is none other than the Kia EV6. This innovative EV was deemed to have pushed forward the ever-growing electric car market further than any other release last year.
EV sales are on the rise and the EV6 is a perfect blend of all the things you’d want from a new electric model.
It’s quick, has a huge range, offers lots of interior space due to its bespoke underpinnings and has an array of exciting tech features. Kia has managed to display all of this at a competitive price too.
Family Car of the Year: Seat Leon 1.5 TSI 130 Evo FR
The Seat Leon proves to be one of the best all-round family hatchbacks, with plenty of legroom and smart fuel-saving technology.
Small Car of the Year: Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR
The Honda Jazz might look like a small car but with clever interior spacing and comfortable seating, it feels anything but and dwarfs rivals in its category.
Hot Hatch of the Year: Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 S Plus
The Mercedes-AMG A45 has the ability to make any trip out in the car a fun experience. Its 0-62mph of 3.9 seconds is very quick and is enough to leave its competitors behind in the dust.
Small SUV of the Year: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 155 ST-Line
The Ford Puma has now won this category 3 years running. Its sleek, compact body doesn’t come at the expense of lacking interior space due to a boot with large underfloor storage space. It offers a fun and nimble driving experience too.
Family SUV of the Year: Volvo XC40 Recharge T4 Plus (Dark Theme)
Not only does the Volvo XC40 have the ability to offer a comfortable interior space for families, but it also provides a smooth drive and quick 0-62mph times of 8.5 seconds (7.5 seconds under What Car? testing).
Plug-in Hybrid of the Year: Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport
The Lexus NX offers the best electric/petrol blend according to the awards. It has an electric range of 42.2 miles, which is enough for most commuters, and provides a smooth, quiet drive – even on its petrol engine.
Small Electric Car of the Year: Cupra Born 58kWh V2
The Cupra Born is essentially a sportier version of the popular ID.3. This means that on top of some impressive specifications, the Born is able to provide family levels of practicality.
Large Electric Car of the Year: Tesla Model 3 Long Range
The Tesla Model 3 (measuring 4.5 metres in length) is an EV that helped to change the game with its many innovative features and ginormous electric range. The Long Range model allows you to travel 360 miles on a single charge and provides a 0-62mph of 4.2 seconds.
Executive Car of the Year: BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport (Pro Package)
The BMW 3 Series has been one of the finest executive cars for years and excels in pretty much every area. The 330e works with an efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric battery that offers 35 miles between charges.
Estate Car of the Year: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE L
The Skoda Superb is Superb by name and Superb by nature. Its carrying capacity is unrivalled and has excellent passenger space to match.
Pick-up of the Year: Ford Ranger 2.0 Ecoblue 213 Wildtrak Auto
The impressive Ford Ranger can carry payloads weighing more than a tonne on its superior suspension. It handles surprisingly well too when compared to other vehicles in its category.
MPV of the Year: Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI 150 SE
The Volkswagen Touran is a large seven-seater with a quiet and comfortable ride. Its high-quality interior features several power points for charging up devices on long journeys.
Large SUV of the Year: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium
The seven-seat Santa Fe now comes with refined hybrid power and huge 17-inch wheels. It can drive very capably on motorways and has a responsive drive even with lots of passengers and luggage on board.
Luxury Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series 530e M Sport (Pro Package)
BMW continue to dominate the luxury car segment with their 5 Series. Its classy interior is beautifully constructed and its hybrid option means that you can make short journeys whilst emitting no emissions at all.
Luxury SUV of the Year: BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport
The third BMW to get an award is the X5. This stylish SUV is a beast on the road that can reach 62mph in just 5.6 seconds. Its interior is one of the most comfortable you’ll find on the market with premium materials and the latest tech features.
Electric SUV of the Year: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line
The Kia EV6 wins best car of the year and best electric SUV of the year too. This is the first year that the category has been introduced.
Coupe of the Year: BMW 4 Series Coupé 420i M Sport (Pro Package)
BMW’s 4 Series Coupe shares many similarities to the Executive Car of the Year’s 3 Series. The difference is that the 4 Series has removed the rear doors in favours of a stylish, sloping roof. Anything lost in practicality is made up for in aesthetic appeal.
Sports SUV of the Year: Ford Puma ST 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack
This is the second award that the Ford Puma has picked up. The ST manages to provide an impressive four-wheel-drive that will excite any motorist. The Puma’s lightweight body means that it can drive in ways that its rivals cannot.
Convertible of the Year: BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport (Pro Package)
The BMW 4 Series gets another award, this time in its convertible form. It offers more practicality than other convertibles like the Audi A5 Cabriolet, whilst also providing an exciting driving experience.
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