Motor Awards 2024: The best cars of the year revealed

The new Renault Scenic reintroduces a beloved nameplate but in a very modern guise: it’s an electric SUV that combines excellent use of space with zero emissions power and boasts an excellent battery range, all at a price that is in reach of many families. Tech flourishes such as its clever solarbay panoramic roof are the icing on the cake. Read our review here.

The new Dacia Duster is not just about low prices: it’s a car that presents exceptional value for money. With prices starting at under £20,000, despite another leap in quality, technology and sophistication, it’s a package that is so good that Chinese automotive CEOs will be rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Read our review here.

The little Picanto has matured superbly over three generations, and the latest facelift brings it right up to date. It’s most at home in a city but has enough refinement and technology to prevent motorway trips from being a chore, all while adding a large dose of fun into the mix. It’s a car that really did bring a smile to our judges’ faces. 

Kia clearly knows how to do small cars. It also knows how to do electric vehicles, and this latest addition to its growing line-up offers Tardis-like interior space along with sophisticated electrical engineering (it has a range of up to 375 miles). Prices start at under £33,000, too.

The Goldilocks of SUVs, these types of cars are now the most sought after vehicles for families across Britain – aspirational and practical. The Volvo EX40 ticks all the boxes, in terms of space, refinement, technology, efficiency, eco-credentials and driving manners.

The Skoda Kodiaq is a car that has always  impressed and has been given an excellent overhaul for its second generation this year. Our judges liked its roomier interior, excellent mix of screens and old-school switchgear, and the manufacturer’s trademark “simply clever” touches throughout. Read our review here.

Skoda takes dog-owning very seriously, as the title sponsor of Crufts and with plenty of options packs for pet pooches. There’s even a Spotify playlist designed to reduce doggie anxiety while in transit. The Superb Estate easily has enough boot space for even the largest mutts, and its low boot sill makes jumping in and out easy. Read our review here.

It’s not the sexiest category in any motor awards but for the industry, fleets are massively important. Company cars have to be efficient, reliable and capable of soaking up huge amounts of miles while not wearing out the executive behind the wheel. And they need to make sense on the fleet managers’ balance sheets, too. Step forward the BMW 5 Series and electric i5. Read our BMW i5 review here.

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the bestselling new cars of recent years; a disruptor that has arguably helped change the face of motoring. It has cutting edge electrical engineering that means it offers more range-to-cost than almost any other EV out there. And with over-the-air updates, some might argue it actually improves with age, making it a perfect used buy. Read our 2019 Tesla Model 3 review here. (And the newest version here)

Hybrids are still an excellent choice for many motorists, offering a familiar ownership and refuelling experience. And the technology is coming on leaps and bounds every year.

The Nissan Qashqai e-Power is a perfect example, with the very latest engineering meaning it is pleasing to drive, with responsive acceleration, while also offering exceptional fuel efficiency in a range of driving scenarios. Read our Nissan Qashqai e-Power review here.

The Renault 5 is arguably the most hotly-anticipated car of the year. Happily, it also turned out to be one of the best cars of the year, too, receiving a five-star review from Will Dron. Its retro-modern looks are head-turning but it backs that up by being superb to drive and one of the best value electric cars now on the market and a range of up to around 255 miles.

With a cutting edge plug-in hybrid drivetrain, lightweight nimbleness and pin-you-in-your-seat acceleration, the McLaren Artura is a brilliant supercar. The open top of the Spider adds to the drama, offering an enhanced aural experience … which sometimes means whisper quiet zero emissions motoring. Click here for more details and read our review of the hard top Artura here.

A hot hatch has to be a car that can be used every day, for school runs, shopping trips, family holidays and to take rubbish to the local tip. The electric Ioniq 5 N is a car that can do all that, and yet on a track it’s an absolute blooming riot with sensational performance and control. This is the only car any driving enthusiast will ever need. Read our review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N here.

The Defender Octa takes an excellent modern off-roader and turns it into a beast, with a mighty V8 under the bonnet, trick suspension and a dynamic driving mode for on-road fun, while offering the same unbeatable off-road ability and wading credentials. Buyers will love its resplendent interior, too — complete with pulsating “Body and Soul” seats. Read more about Octa.

There’s so much to love about the Mercedes-AMG GT: it’s brutish and throaty V8 bi-turbo powerplant; its low down driving position; its supremely comfortable interior. But above all else it is quite simply stunning to behold. A beautiful car to drive and be seen in.

Jeremy Clarkson has ended his 23-year partnership with Richard Hammond and James May, with their final collaboration being an emotional road trip through Africa for The Grand Tour. What better time to mark his outstanding contribution to motoring than crowning him our hero of the year? Read our interview with Jeremy to mark 30 years of writing for The Sunday Times.

Renault has spent the last 12 months on a massive product offensive, with two of our award-winning cars in 2024: the Scenic and R5.

Next year we’ll see the launch of the new R4, which could be another hit. And Renault is showing massive confidence with some very cool concept cars of late, and a new battery production facility under construction in northern France. This is a brand very much on a roll.

The Volkswagen Golf celebrates its 50th birthday this year, which made it the obvious choice for our legend award. The family hatchback is still the benchmark against which competitors judge themselves, and the new model, dubbed Mk8.5, reflects feedback from customers and elevates the eighth generation model to the lofty heights expected of a Golf.

Ferrari likes to say what they see with their names, and the 12 Cilindri (pronounced “do-deechee chill-in-dree”) does exactly that, highlighting its 12-cylinder engine under the lengthy bonnet. And why not: it’s the most powerful naturally-aspirated 12-pot ever. It’s looks terrific in the metal, too, aping the classic Ferrari Daytona and with a distinctive delta wing rear window design leading to active aero flaps at the rear. Another work of art from Maranello.