Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024

We’re thrilled to bring you all the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Carbuyer Best Car Awards for 2024.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the standout vehicles that set new standards for innovation, performance, and sustainability.

In order to qualify for the esteemed 2024 Carbuyer Best Car Awards, the vehicle in question must surpass its competitors in virtually every vital category, be it performance, practicality, running expenses, or in-car technology. Most importantly, their top choices must exemplify outstanding value for money.

So, in this blog, we’ll delve into the most eagerly awaited categories, and highlight the frontrunners. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the finest automobiles that will shape the road ahead in the UK’s ever-changing automotive landscape.

CUPRA Double Win

CUPRA secured a double victory at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024, with the CUPRA Born clinching the title of Best Small Company Car and CUPRA Formentor taking home the award for Best Hot SUV.

Best Small Company Car – CUPRA Born

Born had the honour of being named Best Small Company Car for the second consecutive year, further solidifying its success due to its stylish design, agile performance, and premium comfort.

It received commendation for its appealing specifications and a variety of battery pack options. The Born offers three battery outputs, including 58kWh 204PS, 58kWh 230PS e-Boost, and 77kWh 230PS e-Boost, all accompanied by three highly specified trim levels: V1 (exclusive to 58kWh 204PS), V2, and V3.

As the first all-electric vehicle in the CUPRA lineup, it boasted an impressive range of up to 343 miles (77kWh 230PS e-Boost) and a remarkable BIK rating of just 2%.

Richard Ingram, Editor of Carbuyer, said: “To many, a company car is a status symbol. Cool, quick, comfortable, and with a load of specs and batteries to choose from, the CUPRA Born is our favourite small company car for the second year in a row.”

CUPRA Formentor

CUPRA Formentor also retained its title this year as Best Hot SUV, claiming the award for the third year in a row.

Praised for hitting the perfect balance between performance and usability, Formentor offers a broad range of powertrains and trim levels, from the 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS to the 2.0 TSI 4Drive DSG-auto 310PS.

Commenting on the Formentor’s win, Richard Ingram added: “If you want the firepower of a sports car, plus the usability of a crossover, then the CUPRA Formentor is the best of its type. Negligible trade-off versus a traditional hot hatchback, plus that all-important SUV style.”

The performance SUV also has a 1.4-litre e-HYBRID (available with either 204PS or 245PS) derivative that achieves up to 235.4mpg (WLTP) and benefits from a BIK rating of just 12% (2023/24).

Marcus Gossen, Director of SEAT and CUPRA UK said: “It’s brilliant to see Born and Formentor once again succeed in Carbuyer’s Best Car Awards. Both models offer striking design and premium comfort without compromising on performance, and it’s hugely satisfying for everyone here at CUPRA UK when they are recognised for these attributes.”

Dacia Jogger – Best Family Car

The Dacia Jogger quickly established itself as a household essential when it secured the ‘Family Car of the Year’ title at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.

This adventure-ready seven-seater stands out for its exceptional combination of practicality, value, and ingenious design – fit for any family style.

Carbuyer named the Jogger as its family champion, as they were thoroughly impressed by the innovative seven-seater’s adaptability, spaciousness, and the option of an electrified hybrid version.

On awarding the Jogger, the Carbuyer judges commented: “Massive inside and with seating for up to seven, the Dacia Jogger is an honest family car that’s more appealing than ever now it comes with the option of a hybrid powertrain and an automatic gearbox. Want one car to do it all? This could be it.”

Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, said: “We’re delighted to accept this award. Jogger is made for families and this latest win once again proves that it’s the best for what they need, even before its unrivalled value is considered. Thousands of car buyers have already made it a much-valued member of their own families, with the Jogger providing them with not only a robust, spacious and quality way to travel, but the means to enjoy great adventures and make memories.”

Honda Civic e:HEV – Best Hybrid

Honda’s Civic e:HEV was named ‘Best Hybrid’ in the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.

The 11th-generation Civic delivers refined, exhilarating hybrid performance and dynamics, with elegant design and exceptional comfort.

The Carbuyer judges commented, “We’ve been saying it for a while: not everyone wants an electric car. Hybrids still make an awful lot of sense, and the latest Honda Civic is the best of the bunch. Practical, good to drive, and alarmingly fuel efficient even without a plug, this car nails its brief.”

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, commented, “We are delighted that the Honda Civic e:HEV is being commended by Carbuyer as the best in its class. Our award-winning e:HEV system has been applauded for its intelligence, efficiency, and performance. The Civic e:HEV is a prime example of Honda’s ingenuity and commitment to an electrified future’.

Hyundai Double Win

Hyundai was basking in double glory at the 2024 Carbuyer Best Car Awards as both the All-new KONA and i20 N clinched the top spots in their respective categories.

Carbuyer’s panel of judges bestowed the title of ‘Best Small Family Car’ upon the All-new KONA and lauded the i20 N as the ‘Best Hot Hatch.’

Hyundai KONA

The All-new KONA’s victory underscores its remarkable impact, having previously been named Car of the Year in June by Carbuyer’s sister publication, Auto Express.

It continues to win the hearts of both customers and the media, thanks to its dynamic design, spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and an array of powertrain options, including internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric (HEV), and all-electric versions (EV).

The Carbuyer judges said: “With style as well as substance, the previous Hyundai KONA was great, but this one is even better. Spacious, refined and even more upmarket, it has futuristic looks plus the choice of petrol, hybrid or electric power should you want it.”

Hyundai i20 N

The Hyundai i20 N also earned its well-deserved recognition by securing the prestigious title of ‘Carbuyer’s Best Hot Hatch,’ adding to the ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ award it received from WhatCar? back in January.

This remarkable feat signifies the third consecutive year that the i20 N has been hailed by Carbuyer. Just as in the 2022 and 2023 awards, the judges were thoroughly impressed by its winning combination of turbocharged performance, exceptional agility, and everyday practicality.

The Carbuyer judges continued: “If you want something fast that can double as a family car, then you need to look at a hot hatchback. The Hyundai i20 N can’t be beaten; it’s an absolute riot to drive, yet it will fit into your life, no questions asked. Practical, fast and affordable, it wants for nothing.”

Additionally, Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “It’s extremely gratifying to receive these awards from Carbuyer. The All-New KONA appeals to customers across the board with its bold design and powertrain options, while the fact that the i20 N has been named best hot hatch for the third year in a row shows yet again just how compelling a proposition it is in an area of the market that is traditionally very competitive. Carbuyer’s recognition illustrates that Hyundai’s exciting product line-up continues to go from strength to strength.”

MG4 EV – Best Family Electric Car

The MG4 EV has clinched the esteemed title of ‘Carbuyer’s Best Family Electric Car 2023,’ with particular acclaim directed at the Long Range model in these prestigious awards.

With an impressive range of up to 281 miles on a single charge, the MG4 EV Long Range shone brightly due to its practicality, interior comfort, and overall quality, making it the clear standout winner in its category.

Carbuyer also commended the entire MG4 EV range, highlighting the exceptional value for money offered by the entry-level MG4 EV SE and the exhilarating driving experience provided by the MG4 EV XPOWER electric hot hatch.

The judging panel commented: “The base car’s a bargain and the hottest XPOWER model is a riot on the right road. Yet it’s the Long Range that’ll make more sense to most; almost 300 miles on a charge, plus strong cabin comfort and decent practicality – there really is no better family EV than the MG4.”

Since its introduction a little over a year ago, the MG4 EV has now triumphed in almost 30 major awards, including an impressive eight overall ‘Car of the Year’ titles.

Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, said: “We are delighted that Carbuyer has recognised the MG4 EV as the best family electric car on the market. It’s already proved a popular choice for customers and, as we expand the range, its appeal continues to grow.  For Carbuyer’s judges to grant us such an important award is further recognition for what MG is striving to achieve with affordable, practical and enjoyable EVs.”