WINNER: BMW i3 scooped Supermini Award
The eight winners of this year’s Next Green Car Awards have been announced.
Awards were made across eight categories, with all winners selected from shortlists of 26 of the UK’s greenest new cars of 2013.
All nominees were chosen for their environmental Green Car Rating (GCR), level of innovation, value, drive experience and design.
Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of Next Green Car, said: “The 2013 winners reflect two key elements underlying current green car development: drive-train electrification and continuing improvements in fuel efficiency.
“While all the winners are highly distinctive in the innovations they employ, they all excel at using new technologies to enhance the driver experience.”
Here is the full list of winners in the Next Green Car Awards 2013:
Supermini Award
BMW i3 electric
NGC verdict: “The BMW i3 is set to change what we expect and demand of an electric urban vehicle; one that maximises electrification, connectivity, quality and driving performance.”
*****
Suzanne Gray, General Manager at BMW i, said: “We believe the BMW i3 is a real game changing vehicle because it has been born electric.
“Being designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle has resulted in a number of benefits in terms of weight, packaging, range, emissions and driving dynamics.
“We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious honour as it is the first UK award that recognises the significance of the BMW i3 and its 360 degree electric ownership package for a holistic mobility solution.”
Small Family Award
Nissan Leaf electric
NGC verdict: “A high quality family electric vehicle, the new Leaf offers best-in-class range and versatility. With multiple buying options, it’s never been so easy to own an electric car.”
*****
Jim Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said: “Nissan continues to be the driving force in the electric vehicle market, and we are delighted that the Nissan Leaf has been recognised as a viable and cost-effective option for the motorist by the Next Green Car Awards.
“This year we launched the next-generation Leaf which is built right here in the UK and is jam-packed with more than 100 improvements on the previous model including increased range and quicker charging times.
“We are enormously proud that the Leaf reigns as the best-selling EV of all time and even prouder of the role it is playing in establishing all-electric driving in the mass market.”
Large Family Award
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
NGC verdict: “Ticks all the boxes for a high quality, well-built, efficient family car for the here and now; but more importantly also looks to the future with its innovation and vision.”
*****
Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this Next Green Car Award on behalf of the V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid.
“It is further recognition of how Volvo is combining technology, design and engineering across all of its cars to drive down emissions without sacrificing luxury, comfort or equipment.”
Family Estate Award
Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.6 TDI BlueMotion
NGC Verdict: “The first full BlueMotion VW Golf Estate with all the technological innovation that the brand embodies delivers fantastic fuel economy and a superior drive experience.”
MPV Award
Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi
NGC verdict: “The new Citroen C4 Picasso not only offers families an attractive, responsive, economical compact MPV but also should be congratulated for being the first conventionally-powered MPV to break through the 100 gCO2/km barrier with the resultant efficiencies.”
*****
Marc Raven, Communications Director at Citroen, said: “We are very pleased to receive this award for the New C4 Picasso so soon after its UK launch.
“It highlights brilliantly the green credentials this car brings to our customers.
“The Next Green Car Awards not only acknowledge the ultra-low 98g/km of CO2 and outstanding fuel economy, but also how this is a stylish and spacious family vehicle packed with all of the brands latest creative technology.”
Crossover Award
Captur 1.5 dCi Start-Stop
NGC verdict: “Style-conscious, economical to run and affordable with excellent green credentials, the Captur is set to be the next big thing in the world of urban crossovers.”
*****
Phil York, Marketing Director at Renault UK, said: “Captur is not just great to look at, well equipped and attractively priced versus the competition; this award also proves it has the best eco-credentials in terms of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
“Customers want economical and efficient cars now more than ever, and the Captur delivers on every front.
“The trophy is a great way to celebrate its arrival to the UK and underlines Renault’s commitment to producing a class-leading range of ‘green’ vehicles by making it three wins in as many years at the Next Green Car Awards.”
Executive Award
Tesla Model S electric
NGC verdict: “The pin-up of the electric vehicle world, the Tesla Model S combines a ladle-full of executive gadgeted luxury with a futuristic electric driving experience.”
Next Generation Award
Volkswagen e-Up! Electric
NGC verdict: “A high quality but affordable electric city car, the all new e-Up! offers compact comfort with zero emissions. With VW’s brand and backing, the e-Up! could be the catalyst for a step-change in urban electric car adoption.”
*****
Simon Lynch, Product Marketing Manager at Volkswagen, said: “We’re delighted to receive these awards, which recognise the breadth of Volkswagen’s product range.
“Whether customers want a zero-emissions electric vehicle or a capacious yet frugal family estate, our vehicles show that going green doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, safety or practicality.”
