The finalists for UK Car of the Year 2024 have been announced - with seven category winners now competing for the main prize.
The prestigious UK Car of the Year (UKCOTY) awards have been running for 10 years, and are decided upon by 30 motoring journalists based all over the UK.
This year’s overall winner will be announced on 8 March 2024.
And we now know the winners from the individual classes that will ultimately duke it out for that main gong:
- Small Car – Renault Clio
- Family Car – Hyundai IONIQ 6
- Small Crossover – Volvo EX30
- Medium Crossover – Fisker Ocean
- Large Crossover – Kia EV9
- Executive Car – BMW i5
- Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R
As you can see from the above, electric vehicles (EVs) lead the way, with five out of the seven category winners being powered by batteries.
It’s also a significant win for the Renault Clio, which was heavily updated and facelifted in 2023 and which is the most affordable vehicle to lease from that list.
You can lease a Renault Clio with Select Car Leasing from just £174 per month*.
The UKCOTY judges loved the Clio for its combination of ‘style, value, comfort and practicality’, while the option of a frugal hybrid drivetrain adds to the appeal.
Mark Nichol, Senior Production Editor at Auto Trader, said of the Clio: “Just a brilliant small car all-round. Big car refinement and quality, plenty of space, loads of fun to drive and cheap to both buy and run. Looks great too.”
Guillaume Sicard, Country Head UK & Managing Director Renault Brand UK, added: “Clio has been a favourite with UK car buyers for over three decades and this award proves that it is still number one in the small car sector. The introduction of a highly efficient hybrid drivetrain perfectly illustrates how the Clio has evolved to meet customers’ requirements and retain its best-in-class status.”
New manufacturer on the block Fisker won its very first UK Car of the Year Award with the electric Ocean SUV, which topped the Medium Crossover class. You can lease a Fisker Ocean with Select from £475 per month*.
It’s also a significant win for the Honda Civic Type R in the ultra-competitive ‘Performance Car’ category. Leasing prices for the Type R begin at £590 per month*.
UKCOTY judge Tom Sharpe commented: “The most powerful Civic Type R is also the fastest, but not at the expense of fun and drivability. The excellent snickety gearbox is an absolute joy and the tractability of the two-litre turbocharged engine addictive. What a car!”
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition from the UK Car of the Year Awards. The Honda Civic Type R represents the pinnacle of performance engineering at Honda Automobiles, combining a thrilling driving experience with everyday usability."
Last year’s UKCOTY overall winner was the wallet-friendly MG4 EV. The year before that, in 2022, it was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (below) that triumphed.
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*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 04/03/24.
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