The WeLoveAnyCar.com National Car Awards are billed as Britain’s Biggest Car Survey, and are based on the reviews and feedback of thousands of real car owners across the UK.
The 2013 awards are therefore based on the decisions of 58,000 ‘judges’ who have put the cars through their paces in the real world and daily grind. We take a look at the winners.
Best Manufacturers
| Category | Winner | Highly Commended | Commended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Manufacturer | Skoda | Honda | Audi |
| Most Recommended | Skoda | Honda | Lexus |
| Great To Drive | Porsche | Subaru | Jaguar |
| Most Exciting To Drive | Porsche | Alfa Romeo | Subaru |
| Most Economical | smart | Skoda | Citroen |
| Most Comfortable | Lexus | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Most Reliable | Honda | Lexus | Subaru |
| Best Diesel | Skoda | MINI | Honda |
| Best Petrol | Lexus | Honda | smart |
| Best Hybrid | Toyota Prius | Lexus RX |
Best Models
| Category | Winner | Highly Commended | Commended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best City Car | Fiat Panda | smart Fortwo | Suzuki Alto |
| Best Convertible | Mazda MX-5 | Jaguar XK | Porsche Boxter |
| Best 4x4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | Lexus RX | Ford Kuga |
| Best Cabriolet Hard Top | Peugeot 207 CC | Volkswagen EOS | Renault Megane CC |
| Best Executive Cars | Lexus GS | Audi A5 | Audi A6 |
| Best Medium Cars | Volkswagen Jetta | SEAT Leon | Audi A3 |
| Best Mini MPV | SEAT Altea | Toyota Verso-S | Nissan Note |
| Best MPV | Volkswagen Touran | SEAT Alhambra | Ford Galaxy |
| Best Small Executive | BMW 3 Series | Audi A4 | Mercedes C-Class |
| Best Sports | Volkswagen Scirocco | Jaguar XK | Audi TT |
| Best Super Mini | Fiat 500 | Toyota Yaris | Honda Jazz |
| Best Large Car | Skoda Octavia | Honda Accord | Citroen C5 |
Best Overall Manufacturer, Most Recommended & Best Diesel Car: Skoda
Despite previously being a target of ridicule, the Skoda brand has risen like a phoenix from the flames to scoop three awards from WeLoveAnyCar. Customers have given Skoda the highest approval rating for reliability, comfort, economy and driving enjoyment. The brand will be pleased to add this award to their growing list of accolades including The 2013 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, conducted by What Car? and JD Power.
Great To Drive & Most Exciting To Drive: Porsche
Drivers voted Porsche their favourite in terms of driving experience, which isn’t particularly surprising and might explain why 70% of the Porsches ever made are still on the road today.
Most Economical: smart
Car owners have decided that smart tops the list in terms of fuel economy, probably thanks to its high MPG, light weight and low CO2 emissions.
Robert East, Manager, smart operations UK, commented: “This is a great result for smart and we’re particularly delighted to have become the first to win the prestigious new ‘Most Economical Manufacturer’ award. Competition in the urban car market has never been fiercer, but this result really shows just how much our owners love the smart brand.”
Most Comfortable & Best Petrol Car: Lexus
For comfort, Lexus has topped this poll. The Japanese car company has also been voted the best petrol car by the 36,000 car owners surveyed by WeLoveAnyCar.
Most Reliable: Honda
Honda has taken away the award for reliability, after car owners decided it was the most dependable car manufacturer.
Best Hybrid: Toyota Prius
The Toyota Hybrid family offers environmentally-friendly motoring at a reasonable price, so it’s no wonder that WeLoveAnyCar reviewers were impressed with the Toyota Prius and awarded it the best hybrid. Owners said: “An absolutely brilliant car, practical, spacious, cheap running cost… Over 120,000 miles covered, not a single problem.” Not too bad.
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What specific cars were voted favourites by car owners across the UK?
Best City Car: Fiat Panda
The lovely wee Fiat Panda has been voted the country’s favourite city car thanks to “no-nonsense practicality and friendly driving style.” Now available in three trim levels, the new Panda features Fiat’s TwinAir engine and can achieve 72.4 MPG. Spec includes parking sensors, climate control, Blue&Me, Start&Stop technology and improved cabin materials.
Best Convertible: Mazda MX-5
Although some parts of the country are bigger convertible users than others, fans of the Mazda MX-5 across the UK have reviewed it to be the best convertible for fun, affordability and an exciting driving experience.
Best 4x4: Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliable, tough and economical, the Volkswagen Tiguan has scooped the prize for best 4x4 thanks to its manageable size and versatility.
Best Cabriolet Hard Top: Peugeot 207 CC
The Peugeot 207 CC has helped make folding steel coupe-cabriolet roofs popular, and it is very popular with car owners: “Large enough for comfort and small enough to find a parking space… Very sporty, fun to drive and looks good.” It’s little surprise that this is the top selling CC model in the UK.
Best Executive Car: Lexus GS
Comments about this sleek executive car included: “Incredibly refined transmission and silky smooth engine” and “Gorgeous vehicle.” The Lexus GS is now available as a hybrid mode.
Best Medium Car: Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a great size– lots of space for luggage in the 510-litre boot and very decent legroom – and it offers a smooth and comfortable ride. It has been commended elsewhere as a terrific car for towing a caravan, so it could be a good choice for families and travellers.
Best Mini MPV: SEAT Altea
The SEAT Altea has been awarded the Best Mini MPV, but this little car doesn’t feel small. With lots of interior space and a huge boot, this is a very practical car that real car owners love.
Best MPV: Volkswagen Touran
Moving away from small but practical, the [Volkswagen Touran] offers lots of legroom, 7 seats, cruise control and Stop/Start functionality for fuel efficiency. Truly a multi-purpose vehicle, and ideal for families.
Best Small Executive: BMW 3 Series
Drivers love the BMW 3 Series and it’s easy to see why. From driving performance to stylish design, this car does have it all. Visit your local Harry Fairbairn BMW dealership to view our range of new and Approved Used BMW 3 series cars, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
Best Sports: Volkswagen Scirocco
Sporty, good-looking, and also affordable, the Volkswagen Scirocco was also named one of the Best Coupes of 2013 by WhatCar? Drivers clearly enjoy the quick acceleration (0-62mph in 8 seconds), sporty interior design and the driving experience they get from the turbocharged engine.
Best Super Mini: Fiat 500
With its tongue firmly in its cheek, the Fiat 500 has won its way into the hearts of many car owners, thanks to its fun and distinctive design and performance. WeLoveAnyCar says: “In owner reviews the word ‘love’ features prominently. “Funky and fun”, “The most fabulous little car around” and “I just love it. Puts a smile on my face after a rubbish day at work” are some of the comments.” A fuel-efficient car for city driving.
Best Large Car: Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia provides a lot of car for not a lot of money. The car provides space, comfort, safety and intelligent features, and has been made lighter to provide better driving dynamics. There are also some fantastic incentives to purchase a new Skoda (who also scooped Best Overall Manufacturer, Most Recommended & Best Diesel Car in the awards).
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