What Car? Has released their used car of the year winners in 2023. Let’s find out more..
Used Hatchback of the Year
Winner: Honda Jazz (2020-present)
The Honda Jazz is a versatile and practical subcompact car that offers a lot to drivers. With its refreshed design and improved features, it’s an ideal choice for both city dwellers and those in need of a reliable and efficient vehicle.
One of the Jazz’s standout qualities is its clever interior design. The “Magic Seats” system allows for flexible seating arrangements, making it easy to adapt the cabin to your specific requirements, whether you’re carrying passengers or cargo. The amount of space this compact car offers is truly impressive.
Under the hood, you’ll find a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers ample power for everyday driving. The hybrid variant takes fuel efficiency to the next level, making it a more environmentally friendly option. The Jazz provides a comfortable ride and handles well, making it a great choice for city commutes.
This Honda model also comes with modern tech features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Although it may not be the sportiest car in its class, the Honda Jazz excels in terms of practicality, comfort, and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a dependable and well-rounded subcompact car.
Used Executive Car of the Year
Winner: BMW 3 Series (2019-present)
The BMW 3 Series exemplifies the essence of the “Ultimate Driving Machine” philosophy. This renowned luxury sedan has consistently set industry standards, and the model upholds this legacy with its latest improvements.
In terms of design, the 3 Series boasts a sleek and athletic appearance, featuring BMW’s iconic kidney grille and sharp lines. Inside, it radiates opulence with premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Performance is a highlight of the 3 Series. It offers a variety of robust engines, including turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder options. The vehicle’s handling is precise, ensuring an exhilarating drive on both highways and winding roads.
When it comes to technology, the 3 Series is well-equipped with advanced features. The iDrive infotainment system seamlessly integrates with smartphone apps. Safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking provide an extra layer of protection.
Balancing performance and luxury with practicality, the BMW 3 Series offers a comfortable rear seat and a spacious trunk. The 3 Series continues to be an excellent choice in the luxury compact sedan category, emphasizing the ideal fusion of performance, sophistication, and everyday convenience.
Used Estate Car of the Year
Winner: Volkswagen Passat Estate (2015-present)
The Volkswagen Passat Estate is a well-rounded and family-friendly car that excels in multiple aspects. This midsize estate vehicle offers a harmonious blend of style, space, and practicality.
In terms of design, the Passat Estate presents a timeless and clean appearance. Its roomy interior is crafted from high-quality materials, emphasizing Volkswagen’s dedication to comfort and durability. The cabin is generously spacious, providing ample legroom and cargo capacity, catering to families or those with high storage needs.
The driving experience in the Passat Estate is characterized by a smooth and comfortable ride. It offers a selection of engines, including efficient diesel options and more powerful petrol variants. The vehicle’s handling is well-balanced, ensuring a composed and stable performance on various road conditions.
Notably, the Passat Estate boasts advanced safety technology, featuring systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These elements enhance both driver confidence and passenger safety.
In summary, the Volkswagen Passat Estate is a practical and versatile choice in the estate car category. It combines a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a strong focus on safety, making it an appealing option for those in search of a midsize estate vehicle suitable for family adventures and everyday driving.
Used SUV of the Year
Winner: Ford Puma (2019-present)
The Ford Puma is a game-changer in the subcompact SUV category, offering a unique combination of style, functionality, and performance. This addition to Ford’s lineup seamlessly blends the agility of a small car with the versatility of an SUV, making it an appealing choice for urban and suburban drivers.
From a design perspective, the Puma makes a striking impression with its contemporary and bold exterior, highlighted by distinct sculpted lines and Ford’s iconic grille. Inside, the cabin provides comfort and practicality, featuring an intuitive infotainment system. Notably, it introduces the innovative “MegaBox” in the rear, a spacious and adaptable storage area perfect for active lifestyles.
The Puma offers a variety of efficient and lively engines, including Ford’s EcoBoost technology, ensuring agile performance suitable for city driving and highway cruising.
In terms of safety and technology, the Puma is well-prepared, equipped with a suite of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, elevating both safety and convenience.
The Ford Puma’s harmonious blend of style, functionality, and technology solidifies its position as a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment. Its adaptability and engaging driving dynamics make it a compelling choice for those in search of a compact crossover with a touch of excitement.
Used Seven-Seater of the Year
Winner: Peugeot 5008 (2017-present)
The Peugeot 5008, a 7-seater SUV, stands as a noteworthy entry in the family car category, offering an enticing fusion of style, utility, and adaptability. It represents a substantial departure from its forerunner, transitioning from an MPV to a contemporary SUV design.
Visually, the 5008 catches the eye with its bold and sophisticated exterior, featuring a distinctive front grille, sleek LED headlights, and clean lines that introduce an air of refinement to its SUV silhouette. Inside, the cabin exudes a modern and high-quality ambiance, showcasing premium materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a spacious layout. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate seven passengers, it proves to be a practical choice for larger families or those requiring additional seating.
The 5008 offers a selection of efficient engines, encompassing both petrol and diesel options, striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The ride is comfortable, and the vehicle’s handling ensures a smooth and composed driving experience.
In terms of technology and safety, the 5008 comes well-prepared, incorporating features like a generous touchscreen display, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and various driver assistance systems that elevate both safety and convenience.
The Peugeot 5008 7-seater SUV is a compelling contender in the family car segment, harmonizing style, space, and contemporary technology, rendering it a versatile and comfortable choice for those in need of a family-friendly vehicle.
Used Electric Car of the Year
Winner: Tesla Model 3 (2019-present)
The Tesla Model 3 is a revolutionary electric vehicle that has transformed the automotive industry. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and a more affordable price point compared to earlier Tesla models, the Model 3 has left a lasting impact on the market.
In terms of design, the Model 3 adheres to Tesla’s minimalist aesthetics with clean lines and a contemporary appearance. Inside, the cabin maintains simplicity and modernity, dominated by a large touchscreen display that controls nearly all vehicle functions, departing from the traditional array of buttons and switches.
What truly distinguishes the Model 3 is its electric powertrain, offering an impressive range, especially in the Long Range version. This makes it suitable for daily commutes and extended road trips. The Model 3 also delivers exhilarating acceleration, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds in some configurations.
Equipped with Autopilot, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system, the Model 3 offers features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, marking a significant step toward autonomous driving.
The Tesla Model 3 has redefined electric vehicles, blending futuristic technology, substantial range, and impressive performance. Its impact on the automotive industry has accelerated the adoption of electric cars and reshaped our understanding of what a car can achieve.
Used Hybrid Car of the Year
Winner: BMW 330e (2019-present)
The BMW 330e is an impressive plug-in hybrid sedan that combines the sporty DNA of the 3 Series with eco-friendly efficiency. This model seamlessly marries BMW’s classic performance with a more sustainable approach to driving.
In terms of design, the 330e retains the sleek and sophisticated appearance of the 3 Series, featuring BMW’s iconic kidney grille and striking LED headlights. Inside, the cabin offers a mix of luxury and technology, with high-quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample space for both driver and passengers.
What truly sets the 330e apart is its hybrid powertrain, which pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. This combination provides robust acceleration and the flexibility to run solely on electric power for shorter distances, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
In the performance department, the 330e upholds the sporty handling characteristics that the 3 Series is renowned for, ensuring an engaging and spirited driving experience. Its ability to seamlessly transition between electric and gasoline power results in a smooth and efficient ride.
Equipped with modern tech features, including driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, the BMW 330e offers enhanced safety and convenience.
The BMW 330e is a prime example of BMW’s dedication to innovation and sustainability, offering an eco-conscious driving option without compromising on the brand’s hallmark luxury and performance. It’s an appealing choice for environmentally conscious buyers who also seek a thrilling driving experience.
Used Sports Car of the Year
Winner: Audi TT (2014-present)
The Audi TT is an iconic sports car known for its captivating design and spirited performance. This compact two-seater coupe continues to impress with its distinctive Audi style and engaging driving experience.
Visually, the Audi TT boasts its characteristic design, featuring a sleek and low-slung profile, prominent wheel arches, and Audi’s iconic single-frame grille. This design has stood the test of time, remaining both timeless and appealing. Inside the cabin, the Audi TT showcases high-quality materials and the meticulous attention to detail that Audi is renowned for.
In terms of performance, the Audi TT offers a range of engines, including a lively turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers ample power for its size. Its handling is sharp, characterized by precise steering and a well-balanced chassis, ensuring an exciting driving experience, especially on winding roads.
Despite being a compact coupe, the Audi TT provides a surprisingly spacious cabin, making it more practical than some of its sports car counterparts. The interior layout is driver-focused, featuring an intuitive design and Audi’s user-friendly MMI infotainment system.
In the safety department, the Audi TT is equipped with standard features such as stability control, antilock brakes, and side airbags, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.
The Audi TT remains an alluring choice for those in search of a stylish and sporty coupe, characterized by its enduring design, exhilarating performance, and the unmistakable appeal of the Audi brand.
Britain’s best used car has been named as the BMW 3 Series by consumer champion What Car and you can have one for £3k!!??
The BMW 3 Series claimed victory in two distinct categories, earning the prestigious titles of Best Used Executive Car and Best Used Hybrid Car. With its remarkable fuel efficiency of up to 62.8mpg, the 3 Series sedan stands out as a cost-effective choice amidst the current cost of living crisis. Additionally, the model caters to the desires of petrolheads, exemplified by the M3 variant, which boasts a robust 543bhp engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds.
So, why did the BMW 3 Series emerge as the winner? According to WhatCar?, the primary factor was its “immense driver appeal.” The availability of a diverse range of engines, combined with an upmarket interior and class-leading refinement, also received due recognition. Mark Person, WhatCar?’s Used Cars Editor, emphasized that the 3 Series is a “desirable choice” offering great value and setting itself apart from the competition. He described it as a vehicle that excels in multiple aspects, making it a pragmatic choice for prospective buyers. The 3 Series’ victory was further justified by the array of options it presents to used car buyers, spanning from high-performance petrol engines to frugal diesels and a compelling hybrid variant. Its immense appeal as an executive car, coupled with its affordability in the used car market, solidified its position as a double-category winner.
The selection process for this award involved assessing various criteria such as price, reliability, product quality, and running costs. As for the cost of a BMW 3 Series, a second-hand model with fewer than 30,000 miles on the odometer typically starts at around £20,000. However, those willing to consider models with more mileage, around 100,000 miles, can find options for as low as £3,000. For enthusiasts seeking restoration projects, even older, less well-maintained models can be acquired for a mere couple of hundred pounds.
Lamborghini Huracan in Nardo Grey
I think people use these to collect the shopping in Mayfair!
Here is a bit of information about the one we spotted in Mayfair (not taxed or MOT’d either we might add)..
The Lamborghini Huracan is a true masterpiece of Italian supercar engineering, showcasing the brand’s dedication to delivering unparalleled performance and breath taking aesthetics.
Beneath the bonnet of the Huracan, you’ll find a formidable 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces an impressive 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and achieving a top speed of 202 mph, highlighting its exceptional speed capabilities.
What sets the Huracan apart is its remarkable handling. The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, providing confidence and stability even during high-speed cornering. The advanced suspension system offers various driving modes, allowing you to switch between a comfortable cruising experience and a track-ready performance.
The interior of the Huracan is a blend of luxury and performance, featuring high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and a driver-focused cockpit. The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display, seamless smartphone integration, and a reliable navigation system, offering both convenience and entertainment.
Design-wise, the Huracan is a true work of art. Its low, aggressive stance, iconic Y-shaped LED headlights, and sharply defined body lines turn heads wherever it goes. The signature scissor doors open upwards, adding a touch of drama to every entrance and exit.
The Lamborghini Huracan remains a symbol of the brand’s commitment to delivering an exhilarating driving experience and a visual masterpiece, making it a dream car for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The new Tesla Model 3 is now available to order at a reduced price..
It’s finally available to order from £39,990 onwards Design Your Model 3 | Tesla. Will there be less long faces in the services while waiting for a charging station while I splash and dash at the pumps?? Time will tell……
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric mid-size executive saloon car that was first launched in July 2017. The 2024 model year of the Model 3 has recently received a facelift, which includes a refreshed design, new features, and increased range. The new model is considered to be the best electric mid-size car globally.
The Model 3 is designed with safety as the most important aspect. It has earned a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating overall and in every category. It also earned the highest score awarded for the Safety Assist category through its suite of advanced active safety features. The car is fully electric with an estimated range of 374 miles (we estimate 300 miles real world), so you never need to visit a gas station again. You can charge at home anytime, or plug in on the road with access to over 50,000 Superchargers worldwide.
The new facelifted version of the Model 3 has a minimal interior aesthetic with all controls accessible on the central 15-inch touchscreen and the steering wheel. The forward-designed instrument panel provides even more legroom in the front, for a spacious passenger cabin. The premium centre console is modern and efficient, with plenty of covered storage and charging for two smartphones. The back seat is very comfortable—with maximum legroom and beautiful views through the all-glass roof.
The entry-level RWD 2024 Model 3 Highland addresses complaints and signals good things to come from Tesla. It has an estimated range of 263 miles and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds. Tesla might be working on a new version of Model 3, which could be very quick .
In summary, the new facelifted version of Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that offers advanced safety features, a spacious passenger cabin, and an estimated range of up to 374 miles (real world 300 miles). It has received positive reviews globally and is considered one of the best electric mid-size cars available today..
A Ferrari F40 just sat outside The Connaught!
While out car spotting in Mayfair we came across this beauty! I don’t know who left this F40 on a London street but I bet he/she doesn’t iron their own shirts!
The Ferrari F40 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car that was produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992¹. It was designed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and was the last Ferrari automobile personally approved by Enzo Ferrari¹². The “F” in the name stands for Ferrari, while “40” represents the 40th anniversary of the company¹². The F40 was built as a race car for the road, with a tubular steel space-frame chassis and bonded kevlar panels³. It was also Ferrari’s fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car for sale at the time¹.
The F40 is a rare and highly sought-after vehicle. According to PistonHeads, there are currently only three Ferrari F40s available for purchase in the UK from trade and private sellers ¹. The prices of these cars range from £2,200,000 to an unknown amount ¹. AutoTrader UK has two used Ferrari F40s available for purchase ².
The F40 is a classic supercar that has been featured in numerous films and video games. It has a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h) and can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds³. The car’s full-width wing was considered “the ultimate 80s power statement” and only 1,311 were made ⁴.
In April 2023, a Ferrari F40 worth over £1 million was seized by police in Lowestoft, Suffolk because it was being driven without insurance ⁵. The driver of the car was reported for having no insurance and had to pay a £150 recovery fee and daily storage costs until they collected it ⁵.
In conclusion, the Ferrari F40 is an iconic supercar that has become synonymous with speed, power, and luxury. It is a rare vehicle that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Although it is no longer in production, it remains one of the most recognizable cars in the world.