The UK’s best new cars for 2019 revealed in What Car? Car of the Year Awards – from city runners to sporty SUVs
These are the best new cars from every category you can buy this year
THE best new cars on sale in 2019 have been revealed - and an EV has taken top spot for the first time.
Kia's all-electric e-Niro was voted the overall best new vehicle at last night's What Car? Car of the Year Awards.
As one of the most respected awards evenings in the motoring industry, the event saw experts crown the cars offering the most for British motorists in each category.
And when it came to the overall best vehicle for Brits, Kia's EV claimed the prestigious title as it was able to compete on price and practicality with the top petrol and diesel motors.
Boasting a real range of 253 miles and sub-10hour charging time, the e-Niro offers the benefits of an electric car without being dragged down by frustrating range issues.
And with a list price of £36,495, it's far cheaper than other electric SUVs on the market.
What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2019 Winners List
- Car of the Year - Kia e-Niro
- City Car - Kia Picanto
- Small Car - Volkswagen Polo
- Family Car - Skoda Octavia
- Small SUV - Seat Arona
- Family SUV - Volvo XC40
- Large SUV - Peugeot 5008
- Luxury SUV - Audi Q7
- MPV - Citroën Berlingo
- Estate Car - Skoda Superb Estate
- Hot Hatch - Honda Civic Type R
- Convertible - Mercedes Benz S-Class Cabriolet
- Coupe - Audi A5 Coupe
- Sports Car - Alpine A110
- Performance Car - Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
- Sports SUV - Cupra Ateca
- Electric Car - Kia e-Niro
- Hybrid - Hyundai Ioniq
- Plug-in Hybrid - Volvo XC90 T8
- Executive Car - BMW 3 Series
- Pick-Up - Volkswagen Amarok
- Luxury Car - BMW 5 Series
- Reader Award - Honda Urban EV
- Safety Award - Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Technology Award - Hyundai
Steve Huntingford, editor, said: “The demand for electric cars has grown exponentially in recent years, and 2019 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet.
“Most of the leading manufacturers have plans for new EVs, and the fact that the Kia e-Niro was able to beat all its petrol and diesel rivals to win the 2019 What Car? Car of the Year Award shows how far this technology has developed.
“The e-Niro stood out because it addresses the key issues of cost and range that have traditionally prevented many motorists from taking the plunge into EV ownership. Here is a spacious and practical family SUV that demands very few compromises.”
The e-Niro was, of course, also voted the best electric car you can buy, while the South Korean manufacturer received another accolade for their Picanto city car.
Last year's overall car of the year, the Volvo XC40, was recognised once again as the best family SUV on the market.
Combining luxury and space, the XC40 got the mix of comfort and practicality just right to make it the best sport utility vehicle for anyone with kids.
The Skoda Octavia was the best family car choice for those not wanting to go as big as an SUV.
The 2019 awards saw three new categories added: best plug-in hybrid, best sports SUV and best pick-up.
The Volkswagen Amarok was voted the best work vehicle, while the Cupra Ateca was top of the sports SUV category.
And Volvo appeared on the winners list again with their plug-in hybrid XC90 T8.
Small french manufacturer, Alpine, took out the sports car category with its new turbocharged coupe, while Alfa Romeo made the best performance car.
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Along with vehicle category awards, two manufacturers were recognised for their developments in safety and technology.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was the safest car tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, making it the most trustworthy motor you can buy today.
And Hyundai was given the technology award for its developments in improving electric car range, as well as lowering the price of fuel cell vehicles.