Tag: Awards

Toyota Land Cruiser crowned Utility and 4×4 of the Year in Scotland

The new Toyota Land Cruiser has taken home the Utility and 4×4 title at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with judges calling it the “gold standard” for go-anywhere SUVs. It is a strong win for a model that already has a loyal following around the world.

Presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh, the award highlights what has always made the Land Cruiser special. Strength, reliability and an ability to handle serious off road terrain with ease. This latest version keeps that character while adding smarter tech and a more refined drive.

Why the judges loved it

Ally Ballingall, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said the Land Cruiser stood out for its toughness and capable four wheel drive system. Judges praised its build quality, dependable engineering and the way it tackles tough conditions. They also pointed to its spacious and practical cabin which works just as well for everyday use.

Back to its roots, with a modern twist

Toyota introduced the latest generation Land Cruiser in late 2024. The design leans into its heritage and the engineering focuses on confidence on every surface. Built on the GA F body on frame platform, it delivers the strength and off road ability the nameplate is known for. After more than seventy years, the Land Cruiser remains a vehicle designed to take you anywhere and bring you back again.

New electrified power for 2026

For the 2026 model year, the Land Cruiser gains a new electrified 2.8D 48V powertrain that aims to deliver a smoother and more responsive drive. It should also make the stop start system quieter and more natural in daily traffic. Customer deliveries begin in March 2026 and you can read more about the model’s electrified updates here: Toyota Land Cruiser Electrified for 2026

A proper SUV for people who need one

In a market full of soft roader SUVs, the Land Cruiser still feels authentic. It remains a serious tool for towing, exploring and long distance travel. This award only reinforces its position as one of the most capable and dependable utility vehicles you can buy.

03/12/2025
Vauxhall Vivaro named Used Commercial Vehicle of the Year 2025
If you are looking for a used van that can take a beating, carry real weight and keep running costs in check, the Vauxhall Vivaro is once again proving why it is one of the most trusted choices on the used market. The Vivaro has just been crowned Used Commercial Vehicle of the Year at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2025, a ceremony that highlights the strongest performers in the used market.

Why the Vivaro won

Industry judges, including Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer, praised the Vivaro for the qualities buyers actually care about.
- Dependable day to day
- Practical for trade work and small businesses
- Low running costs
- Good resale value
- Plenty of choice on the used market
Mike Brewer said the Vivaro is a familiar sight on UK roads for a reason. It supports tradespeople, small businesses and fleet operators without making life complicated. Car Dealer’s editor-in-chief, James Baggott, said it delivers what buyers want without relying on hype. Solid praise for a van that often ends up on shopping lists for anyone hunting for used vans for sale in the UK.

Strong in the new and used markets

The Vivaro has been a key player in the medium van segment for years. It was the second best-selling van in the UK in 2023, and the fully electric Vivaro Electric led the UK electric van market for three years in a row. That strong record in the new market filters directly into used stock.

This means buyers have plenty of choice, from low-mileage nearly new diesels to older high-spec models at keen prices, plus a growing supply of used electric variants.

Powertrain options that suit every job

One of the reasons the Vivaro performs so well in the used market is the range of engines and body styles available.

Diesel options

Used examples are often found with 1.5 or 2.0 litre turbo diesel engines, producing 100PS, 120PS, 145PS or 180PS. These engines have a good reputation for efficiency and durability, which is essential for anyone relying on their van for business.

Electric Vivaro

If you are searching for a used electric van, the Vivaro Electric (previously called Vivaro-e) is one of the strongest options in the UK.
- Battery choices: 50kWh or 75kWh
- WLTP range: up to 143 or 205 miles
- Rapid charging: 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes (50kWh) or 45 minutes (75kWh)
- Ideal for ULEZ and low emission zones
The electric version is smooth, quiet and can slash running costs for businesses that cover predictable routes each day.

Body styles

Shoppers will commonly find three formats when browsing used Vivaro listings.
• Panel Van
• Double Cab
• Platform Cab

Two body lengths were offered, giving buyers flexibility depending on payload, people and equipment.

What Vauxhall says

Vauxhall’s Managing Director, Steve Catlin, said the award reflects the van’s long-standing role as a hard-working partner for UK businesses. Its mix of capability, efficiency and modern tech continues to keep it in demand across both new and used markets.

Why used van buyers should care

If you are comparing used vans for sale in the UK, the Vivaro’s award win acts as useful confirmation of what many buyers already know. It offers:
• Strong reliability
• Good payload capability
• A wide choice of trims and engines
• Low operating costs
• A strong electric option
• Better availability than some rivals

It is also a van that dealers trust to sell, which is often a good sign for long-term ownership.

Should you consider a Vivaro as your next used van

Yes. If you need a medium van for trade work, deliveries, tools or multi-stop routes, the Vivaro ticks the important boxes. It is well suited to:
• Builders, electricians and plumbers
• Local delivery businesses
• Growing start-ups
• Fleets that need dependable workhorses
• Drivers looking to switch to a used electric van

The mix of value, durability and choice makes it one of the safest buys in the used commercial vehicle market.
25/11/2025
Renault 5 E Tech Electric Wins ‘EV of the Year’ at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2025

Renault has done it again. The Renault 5 E Tech Electric has been crowned ‘EV of the Year’ at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2025. It’s a huge moment for one of the most talked-about small EVs on the market, and I’m not surprised at all. The R5 has been my favourite city car since I first drove it. It’s stylish, light on its feet and has the right mix of charm and everyday usability.

This win comes on the back of strong competition from Europe and Asia. Even with the pressure of new rivals arriving every month, the Renault 5 still stands out. The judging panel praised its design, pricing and tech, calling it a breath of fresh air in the supermini EV segment. With battery choices of 40 kWh or 52 kWh and a range of up to 252 miles, it delivers the right amount of performance for daily driving without pushing the price out of reach.

Prices start from £21,495 on the road thanks to the UK Government Electric Car Grant. It’s not often you get this level of style and capability at that price point. Renault has also done well to balance retro cues with modern tech. The R5 feels familiar yet fresh, and the vibrant colour palette only adds to its appeal.

It’s worth remembering that this is the second year in a row Renault has impressed the Motor Trader judges. Last year the Scenic E Tech Electric took home the ‘New Car of the Year’ title. That momentum continues with the R5, which has quickly become one of the most desirable electric hatchbacks in the UK.

Ben Freakley and Rocio Artist reviewing the Renault 5 in Brighton

If you want to know what it’s like to live with, I’ve already done a full review after spending a week with the car.

The award feels well deserved. The R5 captures the original’s spirit and brings it into today’s world with confidence. It’s good to see a small EV winning big.

20/11/2025
Fiat 500e wins big at the Auto Express Used Car Awards 2025

Fiat has added another trophy to the shelf as the 500e takes home the City Car title at the Auto Express Used Car Awards 2025. It also picked up a commendation in the Electric Car category, which shows how well it continues to perform in a segment filled with strong choices.

There are so many capable small EVs on the market now, yet the 500e still stands out. It has character, charm and plenty of style. Even though the 500 has kept the same basic shape since the petrol model first launched, it still looks fresh and modern. Fiat’s most recent facelift sharpened the lines, added a touch more flair and helped the electric version feel right at home in today’s city car scene.

Auto Express combined its own road test results with real owner feedback from the Driver Power survey. The 500e came out on top thanks to its mix of iconic Italian design, easy electric performance and real-world value for money. You can already find low-mileage examples on the used market, making it an appealing entry point into EV ownership.

Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, called it “a great value, chic and fashionable little city car” and said the win is fully deserved. Since launching in 2020, the 500e has collected awards across Europe and continues to be Fiat’s most decorated model.

The electric 500 carries its heritage with confidence. It offers up to 118hp, 0–62 mph in 9 seconds and two battery options, with the larger 42 kWh pack giving up to 199 miles of range. For short trips, commuting and tackling tight streets, it remains one of the easiest and most enjoyable small EVs to live with.

As someone who has always had a soft spot for the 500, I’m pleased to see it recognised once again. I look forward to spending more time with one soon and seeing how the latest models feel on the road.

19/11/2025