They’ve driven them, and voted for them. Now find out what the UK Car of the Year Awards judges have to say about this year’s triumphant vehicles.
City Car of the Year: Renault Twingo
“Compact on the outside and big on the inside, the Twingo uses clever packaging to be a simple, stylish supermini.” Alisdair Suttie
“Full of neat design touches that elevate this car above its competition.” Guy Bird
Supermini of the Year: Skoda Fabia
“Takes the best bits of the old Fabia, and improves on everything else.” Richard Yarrow
“Competent, comfortable and classy. Does consistently more than it says on the tin.” Anthony ffrench-Constant
Small Hatch of the Year: Citroen C4 Cactus
“Citroën is back to doing that it does best, making quirky and stylish cars with family appeal.” David Ross
“Moves the game on and is innovative for enthusiasts and laymen alike.” Tim Pollard
Best Family Car of the Year: Ford Mondeo
“The Mondeo really impresses in the design stakes, and has a decent level of equipment, including the European debut of the inflatable rear seatbelt. Award winning engines, and a hybrid variant, will also appeal.” Olivia Gauch
“One of the most eagerly-awaited cars of the year does not disappoint. Great levels of equipment and technology, a sensible cockpit layout, and – as is the case with almost every Ford – a joy to drive.” John Challen
Best Executive Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
“An executive machine isn’t about carving a corner or being flash – it’s about being comfortable, grown-up and confident. All of which the C-class is, in spades.” Tom Ford
“Ticks all the boxes for safety and technology, as well as a welcome and significant step forward in terms of quality.” Simon Harris
Best Luxury Car of the Year: Rolls-Royce Ghost
“Still the pinnacle, no matter what the others try and do.” Paul Barker
“More quality and attention to detail than ever before. Unrivalled kudos.” Phil Lanning
Best Estate Car of the Year: VW Passat Estate
“This car really moves the mainstream game on in terms of quality and prestige feeling. Good enough to tackle the executive stuff.” Graeme Lambert
“With sharp new styling and a huge 650-litre boot, you can’t buy a better estate than the Passat for sensible money.” David Motton
MPV of the Year: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
“Spacious, comfortable, economical and engaging to drive, this is a car that will appeal to every MPV buyer (with the necessary budget).” Craig Thomas
“Right badge, right shape, and a shot in the arm for the crossover kids.” Chris Russon
SUV of the Year: Porsche Macan
“The Macan feels more like its sportier stablemates than its more commodious brethren.” Alex Goy
“I’ve never driven an SUV that handles better than the Macan, and the 3-litre diesel engine is exceptionally smooth.” David Motton
Coupe of the Year: Jaguar F-TYPE
“Unquestionably desirable and thrilling to drive – a worthy successor to the E-Type at last.” Matt Joy
“Stunning, makes an epically wonderful noise and is cracking to drive.” Paul Barker
Open Top Car of the Year: Porsche Boxster GTS
“Sensational handling, performance and steering provided in a sleek drop-top so you can hear that amazing engine more clearly.” Alisdair Suttie
“Fantastic to drive, great to look at and really all you’ll ever need from a sports car. No other open-topped car is quite as much fun as this one.” Graeme Lambert
Performance Car of the Year: BMW i8
“A plug-in hybrid sports car with not only a genuinely engaging character on the road, it also manages to perform, whether electrically propelled or when relying on its three-cylinder engine.” Craig Thomas
“Not just a sportscar, but a game-changer. The point of the i8 is not that it is the class-leader, but that it creates its own class entirely.” Tom Ford
Overall UK Car of the Year 2015: BMW i8
“i8 combines all the best features of electric technology in a car that looks great and really performs.” Chris Russon
“The i8’s killer looks aside, the way it generates and delivers its not insignificant power is incredible. Add in lightweight CFRP construction, four seats, and a lovely noise, and you’re looking at the car of the future. It’s efficient, too.” Alex Goy
“The BMW i8 basically reinvents the performance car. Stunning to look at, and amazing to drive, there’s nothing else like it out there.” David Ross
“The supercar offering from BMW combines futuristic looks with a hybrid powertrain. What can be described as a ‘supercar for beginners’, potential buyers will also have change from £100,000…just.” Olivia Gauch
“Proof that the future isn’t that scary a place. It looks wonderful, the technology is impressive, and it’s an event to drive.” Paul Barker
“The i8 represents the future. It also shows us that an eco-conscious future doesn’t have to be dull.” Graeme Lambert
“Not just a car, but an icon and ground-breaker of its generation.” Phil Lanning
“Stunning to look at and good to drive. Expensive, but moves the game on, as it’s the only accessible performance hybrid.” Paul Hudson
“If the electric car is to have a future, it needs to be made like this; smart and attractively designed, fun to drive and above all desirable for reasons other than its eco-credentials. The i8 and its sister car the i3 are proof that this is possible.” Matt Joy
“The term ‘game-changer’ is sometimes overused when talking about new cars, but in the case of the i8, it is totally justified. The latest i model completely redefines the performance car segment, helped by a hybrid powertrain that is really quite special.” John Challen