Skoda Scala

Toyota Corolla

BMW 1 Series

Mazda 3

Volkswagen Golf

New Toyota Prius

Skoda Octavia

Honda Civic

every-what-car-car-of-the-year-winner-since-1978

Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


5 SERIES

<p>The annual <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/">What Car? Awards</a> are often called the motoring Oscars – and not just by us. However, while both ceremonies celebrate greatness, there’s a key difference: the What Car? Awards actually matter. Choose to watch a particular film at the cinema because it has picked up a gong or two and all you lose if it turns out to be a dud are a couple of hours and a few quid. On the other hand, a new car is probably the second-biggest purchase you’ll ever make.</p>

<p>That's why we put&nbsp;every new model through the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">most comprehensive range of tests in the business</a> before naming the very best in every class and our overall Car of the Year.</p>

<p>Here we take a look&nbsp;at&nbsp;every overall winner in the 47-year history of the awards. How many of them have you owned? Let's take a look:</p>


Every What Car? Car of the Year winner since 1978

<p dir="ltr">Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.</p>

<p dir="ltr">From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.</p>


RENAULT

<p>Launched in 1975, the Renault 20 was an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-executive-cars-2020/n2004">executive car</a> that eventually went off sale in 1984. It stood out in the inaugural year of our awards thanks to its vast interior, peppy performance and keen pricing. Indeed, the 2.0 TS version of this big saloon cost just £4724 when new, while the impressive list of cars it beat to the title included the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, Lancia Beta and Saab 99 Turbo.</p>


1978: Renault 20 TS

<p dir="ltr">Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.</p>


PEUGEOT

<p>Sold as a four-door saloon, estate and van, the Peugeot 305 offered big-car luxury and practicality for a very tempting price. In fact, as we wrote at the time, it had "an air of class unusual in 1300cc cars". Minor niggles included confusing controls and whining from the gearbox, but overall this was a very civilised <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-family-cars-2022/n16996">family car</a>. If you wanted more pace, a more powerful SR model was also available.</p>


1979: Peugeot 305

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.</p>


VAUXHALL

ASTRA

<p>The very first <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/astra/hatchback/review/n17347">Vauxhall Astra</a> gave the brand&nbsp;a significant boost in the family car market. We liked its engaging handling, which made the car almost as fun to drive as the Alfa Romeo Alfasud. What's more, the Astra was significantly more practical, with more space inside than the&nbsp;rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a>.</p>

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1980: Vauxhall Astra

<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF

<p>A replacement for the ancient Beetle, the first&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;was a thoroughly modern (for&nbsp;the time),&nbsp;front-wheel-drive hatchback that&nbsp;set a precedent for quality which still exists today. It's the hot&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n149">Volkswagen Golf GTI</a>&nbsp;variant that we named as our Car of the Year in 1981, because it offered&nbsp;"a unique blend of sporting prowess and family practicality".</p>

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1981: Volkswagen Golf GTI

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<p>Part of Mercedes' successful W123 family, the 200T estate featured a lively 2.0-litre engine with 107bhp. It offered all of the interior luxury and quality with which the brand had become so closely associated, yet keen pricing actually meant it was cheaper to buy than executive rivals such as the Ford Granada. "Mercedes quality is on offer at a reasonable price and in an attractive and practical format," we wrote at the time "with the prestige thrown in for free."</p>


1982: Mercedes-Benz 200T

<p dir="ltr">MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.</p>


MG MOTOR UK

<p>Sold first by British Leyland and later&nbsp;by Rover, the Metro is an icon of British manufacturing – in fact, this was the first time that our Car of the Year accolade had come to home turf. The MG Metro represented value for money, offering keen drivers lively performance and engaging handling, topped off by enough practicality for it to be used&nbsp;every day. It proved&nbsp;popular, too, selling twice as fast as forecasts predicted.</p>


1983: MG Metro

<p>A practical small&nbsp;hatchback, the Peugeot 205 would later spawn one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hot-hatches-2020/n17005">best hot hatches</a>&nbsp;ever, the 205 GTI. But even the run-of-the-mill versions were really good to drive compared with rivals of the era. The 205 could even achieve around 40mpg, helped by the fact it had a five-speed gearbox at a time when its big rivals, such as the second-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>, only had four gears.</p>


1984: Peugeot 205 GR

<p>The Golf took top honours for a second time in 1985, although on this occasion it was the second-generation model in GL form. We liked that more than 30mpg was achievable in everyday driving, with 40mpg recorded on the motorway. Performance from its 1.6-litre petrol engine was "sparkling", we said, although on the negative side, ventilation was poor.</p>

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1985: Volkswagen Golf GL

<p dir="ltr">Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The firm was declared bankrupt in 2012, so any used models on the market are now generally old and at the budget end of the spectrum.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Barring collectors’ curiosities, you’ll find the 9-3 and larger 9-5 filling the classifieds, in saloon, estate and convertible variants. Petrol and diesel options are available, and the brand’s long-time link-up with parent firm General Motors means that they were generally well equipped.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Prices vary significantly according to age, mileage and condition, but there are certainly some bargains to be had if you compare what your money will buy you against that of comparable rivals.</p>


SAAB

<p>Saab's 9000 executive car gained a sporty turbocharged version soon after its launch, and boy was it good. As we noted at the time, "the Saab 9000's rare combination of thrilling turbo performance, forgiving handling and roomy hatchback practicality put it ahead of all the other contestants to make it not just Best Director's Car, but also our overall Car of the Year for 1986".</p>


1986: Saab 9000 Turbo 16

<p>"Take the refined, rapid and roomy Renault 21," we wrote in our 1987 Awards issue, "add a stylish estate tail with space for a third row of seats, and the result is the fast family Savanna GTX. It's the best of many worlds."</p>


1987: Renault 21 Savanna GTX

7 SERIES

<p>The Mk2, 735i&nbsp;version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/7-series/saloon/review/n127">BMW&nbsp;7 Series</a>&nbsp;had 205bhp and a top speed of 144mph. However,&nbsp;what really caught our eye was that in addition to offering the kind of rear space and luxury that the rich and powerful looked for in their chauffeur-driven limousines, it was also excellent to drive, with strong performance and engaging handling. As a bonus, the 735i was almost £25,000 cheaper to buy than its larger V12-engined sibling, the 750iL.</p>


1988: BMW 7 Series 735i

<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

FIESTA

<p>By 1989, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> was available in both three&nbsp;and five-door forms and came with more economical petrol engines and revised suspension that set new standards in terms of both ride and handling. In short, Ford had ironed out the few bugs of the original model, and in doing so created a masterpiece in the small car class.</p>


1989: Ford Fiesta 1.1LX

<p dir="ltr">Once a bastion of the British car industry, Rover is no longer a going concern anywhere but in the used car market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">For the canny buyer, that can be as good news as it is for the enthusiastic collectors of the firm’s finer models. Some of the cars from its later history remain in reasonable supply, can prove mechanically sound and come at rock-bottom prices.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Most collectable of them all is the Rover Mini, but for those looking to buy some no-nonsense transport for pocket money, the likes of the 25, 75, CityRover and Streetwise can make sound investments, especially if you can find later examples that aren’t yet overwhelmed by having covered giant mileages.</p>


ROVER

<p>Launched in 1989, the 200 was&nbsp;the car Rover simply had to get right if it was to have a future (or, at least, a bit more of one). A joint venture between the British brand&nbsp;and Honda, it offered an outstanding amount of space inside, and a luxurious interior to match.</p>


1990: Rover 214 Si

<p>The Metro, now made by Rover rather than British Leyland, won Car of the Year for a second time in 1991. Rover had gone through the shortcomings of the original Metro and eliminated them one by one, leaving a car that was smooth, fun to drive&nbsp;and a pleasure over long distances. In its small car category, the Metro saw off competition from the Peugeot 205 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>.</p>


1991: Rover Metro 1.1L

<p>The&nbsp;third-generation&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;matched the achievements of its predecessors by&nbsp;winning Car of the Year&nbsp;–&nbsp;this time&nbsp;in mid-range GL form. We felt that underneath its sensible, restrained image, there was great flair to this Golf. "It is the product of a confident company," we wrote. "A car that shuns glitz and glamour in favour of the deeper virtues of reliability, quality and durability."</p>

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1992: Volkswagen Golf 1.8 GL

MONDEO

<p>The original <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/hatchback/review/n15">Ford Mondeo</a>&nbsp;raced to the front of the family car pack, seeing off rivals such as the Nissan Primera, Peugeot 405 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/past-master-vauxhall-cavalier/n16194">Vauxhall Cavalier</a>, thanks to its excellent interior quality and refinement. It also came with a standard driver’s airbag – something few rivals offered.</p>


1993: Ford Mondeo 1.8 GLX

<p>We praised the 306 for its mile-munching ability on the motorway, plus its first-rate handling and excellent brakes. It was safer than a lot of rivals, too, with side-impact door beams and optional anti-lock brakes. And a low insurance rating made the 306 one of the cheapest hatchbacks of the era to own.</p>

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1994: Peugeot 306 1.6 LX

POLO

<p>The third-generation version of Volkswagen's small hatchback grew in size both inside and out. In fact, it nudged cars in the class above for space, practicality, refinement, comfort, safety and equipment. As we noted at the time, it was "a class leader whose supremacy seems destined to last".</p>

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1995: Volkswagen Polo 1.3 CL

<p>With 1996 a&nbsp;bumper year for new cars, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/406/saloon/used-review/n547">Peugeot 406</a>'s overall win was all the more impressive. "The 406 is so clearly superior to everything else in its class, except in top-end performance and rear-seat space," we wrote at the time.</p>

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1996: Peugeot 406 2.0 LX

SCENIC

<p>The&nbsp;original <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic/mpv/review/n17210">Renault Scenic</a>&nbsp;was the car that created the compact MPV segment. It was&nbsp;a hugely roomy and versatile five-seat people carrier with a big boot, yet occupied no more space than a conventional hatchback. The fact that it was also good to drive, had lots of clever storage space and cost just £1400 more than the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane/hatchback/used-review/n580">Renault Megane</a>&nbsp;hatchback only sweetened the deal.</p>

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1997: Renault Mégane Scénic 1.6 RT

<p dir="ltr">Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.</p>


LAND ROVER

FREELANDER

<p>Land Rover opened up new markets with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/freelander/4x4/used-review/n747">Freelander</a>, earning it our top accolade. This was an SUV that was less off-road focused than anything the company had produced previously, yet it&nbsp;still offered buyers the raised driving position and practicality with which 4x4s had become associated. The Freelander was immensely popular, too, so much so that plenty of examples still exist on the used car market.</p>

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1998: Land Rover Freelander 1.8i

<p>Probably Rover's best-known executive car, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/rover/75/saloon/used-review/n591">75</a> ceased production in 2005, but not before gaining a good reputation among <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-guide/n9352">company car drivers</a> for being a credible alternative to established German rivals. Its interior was luxurious and its seating position comfortable enough to let you while away the motorway miles and still feel&nbsp;fresh at the end of the journey.</p>

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1999: Rover 75 1.8 Club

<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

FABIA

<p>The original <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>&nbsp;was nothing short of a revelation, blowing the competition out of the proverbial water with its low running costs, smart and practical interior and keen pricing. It was available in hatchback, saloon and estate forms, and transformed Skoda's image.</p>

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2000: Skoda Fabia 1.4 16V Comfort

<p>Having already firmly established&nbsp;itself&nbsp;as one of the best-selling family cars in Britain, the Ford Mondeo&nbsp;scooped our top honour for a second time in 2001. This Mk2 Mondeo was a brave move for Ford, with a new focus on quality. The result was a car that, no matter what you did with it, was better than both its predecessor&nbsp;and key rivals. As our Awards issue from that year noted: "We rate it more highly than many small executive models with snob-value badges and prestige-marque prices. It really is that great."</p>

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2001: Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 5dr

<p dir="ltr">Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.</p>


SEAT

IBIZA

<p>Despite the ninth-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/hatchback/review/n18901">Toyota Corolla</a> launching in Japan in 2000, it took a full two years for it to reach the UK. However, it proved worth the wait, bringing improvements in practicality&nbsp;and drivability. Indeed, comfort and composure were excellent in all conditions.</p>

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2002: Toyota Corolla 1.6 VVT-i T3 5dr

<p>This generation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;underlined the progress the Spanish brand&nbsp;had made as a company since joining the expanding Volkswagen Group, and also how far <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-cars-2020/n16997">small hatchbacks</a> had come in offering buyers excellence for a low price. "Quite simply," we wrote, "never before has so much car been within the reach of so many."</p>

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2003: Seat Ibiza 1.2 12C 5dr

<p><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n756">This version of the Golf</a> proved to be incredibly practical, while also being better to drive and&nbsp;cheaper to run than its predecessor. The 1.6-litre FSI&nbsp;petrol engine averaged 44.1mpg, while the list of standard equipment included a CD player, electric front windows and remote central locking. "With such rounded abilities," we wrote, "no car better fills our brief of fitness for purpose."</p>

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2004: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI S 5dr

DISCOVERY

<p>The third-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a>&nbsp;succeeded in blurred the lines between luxury and practicality. It was, in a way, three cars in one. First, it was an executive cruiser, quiet and comfortable and loaded with kit. Second, it was a family-friendly MPV with space for the kids, their toys and the kitchen sink. And third, it remained one of the most capable off-roaders around.</p>

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2005: Land Rover Discovery TDV6 S auto

3 SERIES

<p>This 320d version of the fifth-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>&nbsp;was every bit as sharp to drive as you'd expect a BMW to be. But it was its outstanding refinement that really helped to secure the&nbsp;win; no executive car rival was as quiet. Add in space for your family and their luggage and plenty of equipment and its victory was a no-brainer.</p>

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2006: BMW 3 Series 320d ES

CORSA

<p>Following the victory of the Ibiza in 2003, we thought it would be some time before another small car was able to move the game on significantly. However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> did just that four years later, resetting the boundaries of ride comfort, space, and fit and finish.</p>

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2007: Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 Club AC 5dr

<p dir="ltr">Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.</p>


JAGUAR

<p>Before the arrival of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xf/saloon/review/n85">Jaguar XF</a>, the company was on its knees, with sales anaemic due to a&nbsp;range that was&nbsp;dominated by underwhelming models such as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/s-type/saloon/used-review/n403">S-Type</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/x-type/saloon/used-review/n757">X-Type</a>. But then it launched a car that redefined how it was seen –&nbsp;at least for a while. As we said at the time: "Next to the German giants, with their prolific outputs, Jaguar is a bit of a cottage industry. So it’s all the more impressive that the new XF matches a Mercedes for refinement, a BMW for driving dynamics and an Audi for interior wow factor."</p>


2008: Jaguar XF 2.7D V6 Luxury

<p>Our original comments on&nbsp;the 2009 Car of the Year tell&nbsp;you everything you need to know about how much we liked what was to become Britain's best-selling car: "Just occasionally, something comes along and belts you between the eyes as soon as it turns a wheel. This year, that something is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>."</p>

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2009: Ford Fiesta 1.25i 82 Zetec 5dr

Estate

3008

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan&nbsp;Qashqai</a> might have started the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-family-suvs-2020/n17116">family&nbsp;SUV</a> trend, but Peugeot took the idea, refined it and ran with it. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/3008/estate/review/n17363">Peugeot 3008</a>'s looks divided opinion, sure, but its interior was universally appealing, with plush materials and plenty of storage space. Plus, our favourite version came with clever active anti-roll bars that made it as composed in corners as it was comfortable everywhere else.</p>

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2010: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 150 Sport

<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>Combining desirability with agility and quality, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a> proved that small hatchbacks could be properly luxurious. "The A1 is a car that makes you smile for any number of reasons," we wrote, "and will keep you grinning as all great cars do. That's exactly what the A1 is – a great car."</p>

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2011: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/review/n17310">Volkswagen Up</a>'s blend of interior quality, refinement, space and maturity set new standards in the city car class, and while this baby VW&nbsp;felt most at home in town, it was also not averse to munching up miles on the motorway. In fact, more than one member of our judging panel at the time summed it up by saying that the Up was "the right car for the right time".</p>

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2012: Volkswagen Up 1.0 75 High Up 5dr

<p>In many ways, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a> Sportback was&nbsp;just an evolution of what had&nbsp;come before, but that was&nbsp;no bad thing when what came before was already excellent. In fact, the improvements to refinement and interior quality in this version made it a stand-out winner, good enough in almost every respect to worry cars from the class above. Keen pricing sealed the deal on its Car of the Year win.</p>

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2013: Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 122 SE

<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

QASHQAI

<p>As we've mentioned, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/used-review/n17397">original Nissan Qashqai</a> was the car that kick-started the trend for family SUVs, but this second-generation version is the one that really secured its place in history. With striking looks, a high-quality interior and low running costs, it remained the class leader&nbsp;until the arrival of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>&nbsp;in 2016.</p>

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2014: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Acenta 2WD

<p>Although it's now been replaced, this generation of Skoda&nbsp;Fabia remained&nbsp;one of the most well-rounded small cars on sale for most of its life, offering outstanding interior space, a range of refined yet punchy engines and an excellent price.</p>

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2015: Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE

<p>This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> set new standards in the executive saloon market, dethroning the BMW 3 Series&nbsp;of the time in the process. Its interior was better both in terms of quality and materials, and it was available with a super-smooth V6 diesel engine that didn't come at the expense of&nbsp;fuel economy or CO2 emissions.</p>

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2016: Audi A4 3.0 TDI 218 Sport

<p>Some people were surprised to see the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> entered in&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-luxury-cars-2020/n17020">luxury car</a>&nbsp;category in our 2017 awards, but the fact is that it's comfortable, refined and classy enough to challenge models that cost a lot more. At the time, the 520d diesel engine offered&nbsp;the best balance of performance, price and running costs.</p>

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2017: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

XC40

<p>Competing in the fast-growing family SUV segment is a tough challenge, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a> stood out in 2018 thanks to its mix of comfort, quality, safety and style. Our independent tests even proved that the XC40's diesel engines&nbsp;emit&nbsp;less NOx than plenty of petrols, while offering the low CO2 output that made diesels so popular in the first place. In short, the XC40 is a stunning achievement.</p>

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2018: Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design

<p dir="ltr">Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.</p>


E-NIRO

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/e-niro/estate/used-review/n22663">Kia e-Niro</a>'s victory in 2019 marked the first time in the history of our awards that we gave the Car of the Year trophy&nbsp;to an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-cars-2020/n17000">electric car</a>. With a real-world range of more than 250 miles, yet a price tag which placed&nbsp;it within reach of the masses, the e-Niro represented&nbsp;a real turning point for electric cars.</p>


2019: Kia e-Niro First Edition

PUMA

<p>In 2020, it was the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a>&nbsp;that took the top prize, because its combination of sharp handling, gutsy performance and clever mild hybrid technology meant it offered a mix of fun and frugality not previously seen in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-suvs-2020/n17050">small SUV class</a>.</p>


2020: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV 155 ST-Line X

<p>And so to our reigning Car of the Year, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>. Combining&nbsp;a huge real-world range with the ability to charge at speeds that no rival can keep up with, it&nbsp;addresses&nbsp;two of the biggest concerns that people still have about electric cars. Add in effortless performance, outstanding refinement, a hugely spacious interior, competitive pricing and one of the best warranties around, and the striking EV6 doesn’t just look like the future – it feels like it too.</p>


2022: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line

<p>The boxy shape and 1950s-inspired design of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/idbuzz/mpv/review/n24946">Volkswagen ID Buzz</a>&nbsp;are a refreshing departure from the looks of&nbsp;more conventional electric SUVs, but the Buzz is more than just a pretty face. That square design means it's incredibly practical – we fitted twice as many carry-on suitcases&nbsp;below the Buzz's&nbsp;load cover as we squeezed into the boot of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/ix3/4x4/review/n22236">BMW iX3</a>&nbsp;– and its family car underpinnings mean it's good to drive, too.</p>


2023: Volkswagen ID Buzz

<p>To win the overall What Car?&nbsp;Car of the Year Award, a car has to really stand out from the crowd, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/lbx/hatchback/review/n26399">Lexus LBX</a>&nbsp;certainly isn't just your average small SUV. Not only does it offer the quality, refinement and hybrid technology that Lexus is well-known for, it manages to fit all of these premium qualities into a compact, affordable package. Indeed, you can put an LBX on your driveway for less than £30,000&nbsp;– and such amazing value is a rarity in today's market.</p>

<p><em><strong>Which car will win the latest prize, to be announced at the awards ceremony at London's Grosvenor House hotel on Thursday evening? Stay tuned to What Car? to find out</strong></em></p>


2024: Lexus LBX

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

<p>Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.</p>

Family

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