Honest John Awards 2019: The Winners
Revealed: Your 2019 winners
The 2019 HonestJohn.co.uk Award winners have been announced. They're different from others - instead of being awarded by celebrity judges or panels of experts, they're judged by the real experts, the ones who are out there buying cars - our readers. Put simply, our winners are based on the reviews which have created the most interest among HonestJohn.co.uk readers.
City Car of the Year - Suzuki Ignis
Combining crossover character with affordable running costs and a low purchase price, it's no surprise the Suzuki Ignis is our 2019 City Car of the Year. Buyers rate its quirky styling along with its ability to transport four adults in comfort.
Small Hatchback of the Year – Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the UK's best-selling car, and for good reason. It's consistently combined practicality with low running costs, stylish looks and a fun drive. The latest model is the most popular car in its class, with an excellent interior and a generous amount of technology standard across the range. That's why it's taken the title of the Honest John Small Hatchback of the Year 2019.
Family Car of the Year - Mazda 3
The latest Mazda 3 is brand new, which makes its popularity on HonestJohn.co.uk all the more impressive. As well as looking the part, the Volkswagen Golf rival has a premium interior and a load of technology, including a clever SkyActiv-X petrol engine, which is advertised with diesel-like economy figures.
Compact Premium Car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz C-Class
High-mileage drivers of compact premium cars are a demanding bunch. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has everything you could possibly want in this sector - with sophisticated style and a delightfully upmarket interior. Combine that with a strong engine line-up and an enjoyable drive, and the C-Class is fully deserving of its Compact Premium Car of the Year accolade.
Large Car of the Year - Skoda Superb
If there's ever a car that lives up to its name, it's the Skoda Superb. While remaining true to Skoda's value for money principles, it also has an interior that could challenge premium rivals. Add to that the high levels of practicality and Skoda's Simply Clever features, along with an efficient range of petrol and diesel engines, and the Superb is fully deserving of the Large Car of the Year title.
EV of the Year - Hyundai Kona
Combining desirable crossover looks with a range of up to 279 miles and a relatively affordable price tag, it's no surprise the Hyundai Kona Electric has already sold out in the UK. Batteries located under the floor means the Kona is surprisingly practical, with lots of interior space, and it's really good to drive - better than its petrol or diesel equivalent, in fact.
Small Crossover of the Year - Suzuki Vitara
We often recommend the Suzuki Vitara at HonestJohn.co.uk, and for good reason. It represents extremely good value for money, and is likely to be a very satisfying long-term purchase. The recent introduction of new BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engines and a heavily revised interior makes the Suzuki Vitara a better buy than ever before.
Premium Crossover of the Year - Volvo XC40
Not only is the Volvo XC40 an excellent SUV packed with safety equipment and a wonderfully premium interior, it's also a refreshingly quirky alternative to premium German rivals. It's well equipped as standard and buyers can choose from petrol or diesel engines, with plug-in hybrid and electric versions on their way.
Crossover of the Year - Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage does everything you could ask of a family crossover. It's very practical and loaded with standard equipment - while affordable finance options means even high-spec models are attainable. A facelift last year means the Sportage still looks fresh, while our readers rave about how cheap the Sportage is to run. A seven-year warranty is a big selling point too, which probably explains why this big Kia is a huge hit with HonestJohn.co.uk readers.
SUV of the Year - Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq took the award for the overall HonestJohn.co.uk Car of the Year in 2018, so it's no surprise to see that it's still topping the tables for the SUV of the Year. Readers love its huge amount of practicality, not to mention its affordability. It really is the best SUV you can buy right now.
Performance Car of the Year - Jaguar F-Type Coupe
The Jaguar F-Type Coupe does everything you could ask of a performance car. Not only does it really look the part, it's also great to drive - even the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol model. Five years after its launch, the F-Type Coupe remains the most popular sports car choice with HonestJohn.co.uk readers.
Convertible of the Year - BMW 4 Series Convertible
Combining practicality with desirable looks and an enjoyable driving experience, our readers love the BMW 4 Series Convertible. Launched back in 2014, the 4 Series Convertible still has an awful lot going for it. A metal folding roof means it's an easy car to drive all year round, while its interior is up to BMW's usual standards.
Luxury Car of the Year - Porsche Panamera
If money was no object, the Porsche Panamera is the car many of our readers would choose for a long-distance road trip. It feels properly special, and drives exactly as you'd expect a Porsche to drive. Combine that with enough space for the entire family and an engine line-up to suit all requirements, and it's easy to see why the Panamera takes this title.
Estate of the Year - SEAT Leon ST
Five years into its lifespan, the SEAT Leon ST still looks fresh, while its boot is one of the biggest in its class. Access is easy, too - important if you're transporting large or heavy objects, and it's just as good to drive as its hatchback equivalent. Combine this with excellent value for money, and it's no wonder readers are keen to find out more about the SEAT Leon ST.
Most Highly Rated Car of the Year - Peugeot 308
The Most Highly Rated Car of the Year is a special award, because it's based entirely on owners' reviews. The Peugeot 308 is this year's winner, with drivers praising its low running costs, comfortable ride and slick automatic gearbox.
Real MPG Car of the Year - Suzuki Swift 1.0 BoosterJet
There aren't many new cars on sale which are more economical than their official fuel economy figures suggest - but the Suzuki Swift 1.0 BoosterJet is one of them. It has outstanding Real MPG ratings, with readers reporting around 67mpg on average - that's 103 per cent of its official figure.
Pick-up of the Year - Nissan Navara
Combining a one-tonne payload with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, low running costs and a car-like driving experience, the Navara is the vehicle on which other pick-ups should be judged. Its coil spring suspension means it rides better than rivals and the double cab model strikes the perfect balance for day-to-day useability.
Small Van of the Year - Ford Transit Connect
One of the most versatile vans you can buy, the Ford Transit Connect drives like a family car with a useful amount of cargo room. Payloads peak at a handy 1000kg, while buyers can choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines.
Medium Van of the Year - Ford Transit Custom
Ford's Transit Custom is one of the most popular vans on UK roads, and rightly so. It's comfortable and capable, with the ability to lug large payloads without a fuss. It's cheap to run, too. No wonder it's proved to be the most popular medium van on HonestJohn.co.uk.
Large Van of the Year - MAN TGE
MAN's pretty new to vans, but its experience with trucks and coaches means it knows exactly what drivers want from their commercial vehicles. Based on the Volkswagen Crafter, the MAN TGE has a strong engine line-up, some useful technology and is available in a wide range of styles. It's easy to see why it's so popular with our readers.
Honest John Car of the Year - Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is the most popular car with HonestJohn.co.uk readers, taking the ultimate Car of the Year title. Owners praise its high amount of standard safety kit along with refined driving experience and - importantly in this sector - desirable looks. The Volvo XC40 is a refreshing rival to German SUVs, and fully deserving of this award.
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