Victory for voltage as electric dominates Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024

2024-Autotrader_
2024-Autotrader_

Yesterday the Tesla Model Y was crowned Auto Trader’s New Car of the Year 2024, according to a consumer vote featuring the real-world opinions of more than 200,000 car owners at the eighth annual Auto Trader New Car Awards. The huge number of consumer votes not only makes the Awards a genuine and accurate reflection of car owner sentiments, but it also marks the largest automotive vote of its kind.

With climate concerns high on the world stage and in the public’s consciousness, electric vehicles (EV) dominated the Awards once again in 2024, with an EV taking the top spot for the fifth consecutive year.  In fact, this year 11 electric models won one of the 23 different award categories, the highest number since the inaugural Auto Trader New Car Awards in 2017. Given the growing popularity of electric, this year marks the second year Auto Trader has awarded the Best Home Charger, which was won by Easee.

In addition to the Tesla Model Y taking this year’s most prestigious Award, other notable electric wins include the Best Car for Families category (Kia EV6), as well as Best Car for City Drivers (MINI Electric), Most fun to drive (CUPRA Born), the Best Car for Dog Owners (Kia EV6), and Best Value Electric Car (BYD Atto 3).

The Auto Trader New Car Awards are different from other car awards as the majority of winners aren’t decided on by the opinions of motoring journalists or ‘industry insiders’, but by the people whose opinion matters most to automotive brands: car owners. This year, over 200,000 UK car owners completed an online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car, with their thoughts and opinions (obtained from real-world experience) determining the winners of 20 of this year’s 23 award categories, with the exception being The Erin Baker Award, The Rory Reid Award, and the Sustainability Initiative Award.

Electric models were also crowned the winners of the much-coveted Erin Baker Award which is chosen personally by Auto Trader’s Editorial Director. Her stand-out new car this year was the Renault Scenic E-Tech. Even Rory Reid, Auto Trader’s YouTube Director, and more traditionally into old-fashioned V8s, couldn’t resist the allure of voltage this year. For the Rory Reid Award category, he chose the Hyundai IONIQ 5N.

The winners for the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024 are: 

  1. New Car of the Year – Tesla Model Y *electric vehicle
  2. Best Car for Families – Kia EV6 *electric vehicle
  3. Best Car for City Drivers – MINI Electric *electric vehicle
  4. Best Value New Car – Dacia Sandero Stepway
  5. Best Car for Long Distances – Nissan ARIYA *electric vehicle
  6. Most Fun to Drive – CUPRA Born *electric vehicle
  7. Best Car for New Drivers – Audi A1
  8. Best Car for Dog Owners – Kia EV6 *electric vehicle
  9. Best 7-Seater Car – Volvo XC90
  10. Best Car for Towing – Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  11. Most Loved Car – Porsche Macan
  12. Best Hybrid – Lexus NX 350h
  13. Best Value Electric Car – BYD Atto 3 *electric vehicle
  14. Best Premium Electric Car – Audi e-tron GT *electric vehicle
  15. Best Luxury Car – Land Rover Range Rover
  16. Most Loved Brand – Alfa Romeo 
  17. Most Reliable Brand – Lexus
  18. Car brand with the best tech – Tesla *electric vehicle
  19. Best Value Brand – Dacia
  20. The Erin Baker Award – Renault Scenic E-Tech *electric vehicle
  21. The Rory Reid Award – Hyundai IONIQ 5N *electric vehicle
  22. Sustainability Initiative Award – Bentley
  23. Best Home Charger – Easee

Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “Since our last New Car Awards there’s been a huge amount of change in the new car market. Supply returned at pace, the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was delayed until 2035, new regulatory targets came into effect, and sales grew consecutively, albeit fuelled primarily by fleet and leasing. These last 12 months have also seen a dazzling array of impressive new models released from established and well-known brands, as well as from less familiar new entrants to the market. With so much choice, finding the right car to match your needs isn’t easy, which is where our Awards can really help. With over 200,000 owners telling us exactly how they feel about their new car, it’s the most accurate insight into genuine ‘real-world’ owning experiences, not just how it feels to drive.

“Although there remain challenges to the mass adoption of electric vehicles, many of which stem from the spreading of unhelpful misinformation, their growing influence and appeal continues to surge. And as our Award’s survey concludes, for those that make the switch, there’s no turning back.”

Within the survey, car owners who have bought, driven and lived with their cars were asked to rate them according to a range of lifestyle factors. This methodology ensures that these awards are a true reflection of what UK consumers think of their car and what they want from it. People were asked to rate their cars across 16 different criteria, from reliability and performance to appearance and running costs. They were also asked about their overall satisfaction with their car and how likely they would be to recommend it to others. Independent analysts then used this data to determine the finalists for 21 of the categories – the full list of which can be found below. 

A full list of winners can also be found here: www.autotrader.co.uk/new-car-awards

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment





More in News

Sharp's Entry into the Electric Vehicle Market

Sharp’s Entry into the Electric Vehicle Market: A New Era for the Japanese Electronics Giant

Sharp, a name synonymous with top-notch Japanese electronics, is embarking ...

A 90% reduction in CO2 eq. emissions: a challenge that became a reality with Renault Emblème

Decarbonising mobility is a key objective in the fight against ...

Toyota’s Shifting Strategy in the US Electric Vehicle Market

Once the undisputed leader of the global automotive industry, Toyota ...

Beat winter’s dark days with Start Rescue and what3words

Long, dark nights make it far harder for drivers to ...

6:29.090 min: Mercedes-AMG ONE breaks its own lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The Mercedes-AMG ONE (energy consumption combined weighted: 17.7 kWh/100 km ...

Trending on Motoring Chronicle

Feel the thrill: Nissan reveals key specs for the high-performance Ariya NISMO on World EV Day

On the fifth anniversary of World EV Day, Nissan is ...
New MINI John Cooper Works to Debut at 24 Hours of Nürburgring Ahead of its World Premiere

New MINI John Cooper Works to Debut at 24 Hours of Nürburgring Ahead of its World Premiere

MINI enthusiasts and motorsport fans are eagerly awaiting the debut ...
20 Years, 20 Secrets: The McLaren Technology Centre Turns 20

20 Years, 20 Secrets: The McLaren Technology Centre Turns 20

12th May 2024 marks 20 years since the official opening ...
Which Car Gets The Best Gas Mileage

Which Car Gets The Best Gas Mileage? Top 5 Fuel Efficient Cars of 2023

When it comes to choosing a car, one of the ...
North East Mayor set to approve ‘landmark’ investment in manufacturing skills facility

North East Mayor set to approve ‘landmark’ investment in manufacturing skills facility

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and local authority leaders at ...