The Mini Cooper wins the top prize, celebrated for its substantial 2024 refresh. Priced at £23k, it combines cutting-edge tech with a “less is more” design, retaining its charm and affordability. The petrol version is assembled in the UK, highlighting British engineering, while the electric Mini will follow suit in 2026, reinforcing its iconic status. Fun, stylish, and local, the Mini remains a standout choice for drivers.
Special awards include the VW Golf, earning the “Legend Award” for its enduring reliability and class, and the Aston Martin Vantage V8, which won the “Dream Car Award” for its stunning design, race-inspired performance, and luxurious interior. Affordable heroes like the Dacia Duster 4×4 impress with rugged capability and value, starting at just £149 per month. Dacia continues its winning streak, reinforcing its reputation for budget-friendly brilliance.
In the small car category, the Kia Picanto takes the crown for its practicality, affordability, and tech-rich features, even in its base model. Kia’s EV3, a small SUV, impresses families considering the shift to electric, with a spacious cabin and competitive pricing for a range of 375 miles. Similarly, the Skoda Kodiaq, dubbed the “Swiss Army knife” of family cars, wins for its versatility, offering options in powertrains, seating, and tech at a starting price of £36k.
Renault secures multiple honors with its electric-only Scenic for family comfort and impressive range, alongside the retro-inspired, budget-friendly Renault 5, set to make waves in the EV market. Renault’s resurgence is evident in its trio of wins, also securing the Manufacturer of the Year award. The Audi S3 earns Hot Hatch of the Year for its dynamic handling and powerful 333hp engine, delivering fun and speed in a compact package.
The Ford Transit Custom claims Van of the Year, showcasing advancements in cabin and cargo design, along with intelligent AWD, while Dacia continues to innovate with its upcoming Bigster, a larger, well-equipped SUV debuting in 2024. Meanwhile, Volkswagen expands its lineup with the Tayron, a new seven-seater SUV offering versatile powertrains.
On the high-performance end, the McLaren W1, priced at £2 million, sold out instantly. Boasting a hybrid V8 engine with 1,275hp and F1-inspired aerodynamics, it cements McLaren’s legacy in producing world-beating hypercars. Upcoming releases from brands like Hyundai, Citroën, and BYD hint at an exciting year for affordable electric vehicles, making 2024 a promising year for all types of car enthusiasts.
