Latest news with #NewCarAwards
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motoring expert says this 'impressive' used car blows all competition away
A used car expert has commented on a used car that won awards when new, but is now a popular model on the second hand vehicle market A used car expert has highlighted how impressive one popular small car, claiming that few rivals can match the vehicle. Motoring enthusiasts are often giving tips for people looking for new vehicles on what to aim for. Just recently, an expert claimed one used car is "the most reliable" in the world. But now another car has come to the fore – the Mini Cooper. The vehicle was reinvigorated as a brand and motor vehicle when it was revived by BMW in the early-2000s. Since the car was brought back to life, now as the MINI, it has become a hit among millions of drivers around the world. As a result, it has become a fan favourite on the used car market for it's smart handling and reliability. Discussing the car, Auto Express ' Richard Dredge praised the Anglo-German model. He said: 'In 2016 the MINI was crowned Best Premium Small Car at our New Car Awards for the third time in a row. It was our overall Car of the Year in 2014. Then and now, the MINI is up against some stiff competition, but we reckon that none of its rivals can match the ever-popular model's cheeky looks, efficient engines, engaging dynamics and low running costs.' On which version of the MINI people should buy, Richard said it all depended on what option packs you were after and whether one would be happy with a manual or automatic gearbox, but recommended the Cooper. He explained: 'Air-con had to be specified at the time of ordering as a no-cost option on the One/One D and Cooper/Cooper D models, so check it's fitted. The One is spartan, so we'd go for at least a Cooper. 'Pin down what options or option packs are included on any potential purchase; the list is extensive. The Pepper and Chili packs bring different features depending on the trim level.' He also noted it was "impressive" how high the MINI MK3 ranked in AutoExpress' survey among owners. Whilst the MINI as a brand may be strong in the UK, there is uncertainty over the future of its Oxford plant. Earlier this year, in February, it was announced that parent-company BMW had announced a decision to delay the reintroduction of electric car production at the facility. In a statement, they said: 'Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world. "However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford. 'We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. "As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans."
Auto Express
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Get ready for the Auto Express New Car Awards 2025
It's that time of year again. The Auto Express New Car Awards are almost upon us. If you want to know all about the very best cars to buy in the UK today, there's no better way to do it. On the evening of Tuesday July 1 2025, we'll be recognising the best new cars from every sector of the market. Every award winner will be announced right here and on our social media channels. The Auto Express New Car Awards will reveal the winning cars and vans across 26 categories covering the entire market. These stand-out models will then go forward to compete for the big one - the 2025 Auto Express Car of the Year award. Advertisement - Article continues below Our expert reviewers have spent another twelve months testing every new car on sale in the UK on roads across the country and around the world. We've racked up the miles compiling the most detailed in-depth car reviews and head-to-head group tests that you'll find anywhere, amassing the in-depth knowledge needed to definitively judge the top models in every class. The 2025 New Car Awards categories cover the whole passenger car market, and the light commercial vehicle sector, too. We'll be recognising the leading lights from the full range of market sectors from Supermini of the Year and Estate Car of the Year to Large SUV of the Year and from Performance Car of the Year to Electric Van of the Year. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below If you're a car buyer shopping in these classes or any of the others, these are the models that should be on your shortlist. And Auto Express can now help you take the next step, too. Our Find a Car service offers new cars for sale at great discounts over list price. You spec your ideal car and we'll get you offers from local franchised dealers eager to supply it. There are new cars available from stock, used cars and leasing deals, too. It's a great, hassle-free way to buy a car and we can even sell your old car, too. Advertisement - Article continues below Each car and van on sale is judged according to the way owners use it and need it to perform. It's then evaluated against its key rivals. Only the very best options in each sector make the grade. You can be confident that any model carrying an Auto Express New Car Awards title is the very best of its type on sale today. Each award category also has two 'Highly Commended' cars that we think are a cut above the rest and well worth consideration from car shoppers. Some cars may retain their New Car Awards titles from last year but the speed of progress in the car world means we'll certainly have a bumper crop of brand-new winners that were launched in the 12 months since the 2024 New Car Awards were handed out. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below At the end of the ceremony on Tuesday evening, we'll crown the 2025 Auto Express Car of the Year to take over from the Citroen e-C3, our 2024 winner. Take a look at the categories below… City Car of the Year Luxury Car of the Year Supermini of the Year Hot Hatch of the Year Family Car of the Year Coupe of the Year Estate Car of the Year Convertible of the Year Small Company Car of the Year Performance Car of the Year Mid-size Company Car of the Year Affordable Electric Car of the Year Large Company Car of the Year Premium Electric Car of the Year Small SUV of the Year Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year Mid-size SUV of the Year Premium Hybrid Car of the Year Large SUV of the Year Pick-up of the Year Small Premium SUV of the Year Small Van of the Year Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year Mid-size Van of the Year Large Premium SUV of the Year Large Van of the Year Electric Van of the Year We'll publish details of all the winners right here on the website and on our social media channels as they're announced on July 2nd so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can see all the New Car Award winners from previous years here… For the full New Car Awards experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2025 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which will be available in shops from July 3rd. You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can also subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well. Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2025 and beyond, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media... Find a car with the experts New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time' BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact …
