Auto Express: Driver Power 2018 Awards

The best cars to own


The national motoring magazine Auto Express holds a survey every year which gives its readers the chance to give their verdict on the new best cars to own in the UK. Here are the different vehicle categories: small SUV, compact executive, compact family car, premium large SUV, premium mid-size SUV, large SUV, MPV, roadster, supermini, interior and comfort, executive, family car, electric car, city car, sports car and premium small car.​

The readers with models less than 12 months old were asked questions from how well their vehicles perform to whether there is enough boot space in the back. Take a look at the results of the 2018 Driver Power new car survey below to see the verdict of each winner from our franchises. 

Toyota



Toyota Aygo Rear Exterior

Toyota AYGO


Best City Car.

The AYGO may be the smallest car within the current Toyota range but it does not disappoint. The AYGO features a range of individual features so you really can make it stand out from the crowd.

  • Price - from £8,995
  • Fuel economy - up to 68.9 mpg

Running costs are a great factor towards the AYGO and low fuel economy which provides excellent results for road tax and insurance making it a fantastic, cheap run-around with style.

Explore the AYGO

Toyota Prius Front Exterior

Toyota Prius


Best Compact Family Car.

The worlds most famous hybrid vehicle has been impressing its owners since 1997. The fuel-efficient Toyota Prius features excellent reliability and build quality.

  • Price - from £24,245
  • Fuel economy - up to 83.1 mpg

An owner of the Toyota Prius said: "I spend around £50. It’s ridiculous how little fuel I’m putting in," and "it really encourages relaxed driving".

Explore the Prius

Toyota Verso Front Exterior

Toyota Verso


Best MPV.

For 10 years the Toyota Verso has been right by you and your families side. It is also packed with the latest safety technology and features by Toyota for that extra peace of mind when you are out on the roads with a car full.

  • Price - from £20,245
  • Fuel economy - up to 62.8 mpg

A Verso driver said: "Autonomous braking helped me when someone pulled out in front of me. It reacted quicker than me."

Explore the Verso

Mazda



Mazda 6 Saloon Best Family Car

Mazda6 Saloon


Best Family Car.

The Mazda6 has won the hearts of the drivers of family cars thanks to it's striking exterior design. Not only that it is spacious, practical and child-friendly making family life a walk in the park.

  • Price - from £21,095
  • Fuel economy - up to 68.9 mpg

The current Mazda range has been designed to give the feeling of Jinba Ittai, the feeling of oneness between the car and driver.

Explore the Mazda6

Mazda mx-5 best roadster

Mazda MX-5


Best Roadster.

The award-winning Mazda MX-5 is fun, reliable and affordable. The sporty two-seater has had its engine, looks and quality praised by owners.

  • Price - from £18,995
  • Fuel economy - up to 47.1 mpg

The current Mazda range has been designed to give the feeling of Jinba Ittai, the feeling of oneness between the car and driver.

Explore the Mazda MX-5

mazda cx 5 best interior and comfort

Mazda CX-5


Best Interior and Comfort.

The spacious and luxurious interior of the Mazda CX-5 delivers pure driving pleasure for everyone. From the front to the rear the detail and style creates business-class comfort for all.

  • Price - from £24,095
  • Fuel economy - 56.5 mpg

The current Mazda range has been designed to give the feeling of Jinba Ittai, the feeling of oneness between the car and driver.

Explore the Mazda CX-5

Kia


kia niro best small suv

Kia Niro


Best Small SUV.

The Niro is Kia's low emissions hybrid crossover. Packed with the latest safety features, technology and 427 litres of boot space the Niro is anything but small!

  • Price - from £23,135
  • Fuel economy - up to 74.3 mpg

The current Kia range is available with a fantastic 7-year warranty to give you extra peace of mind on the roads.

Explore the Kia Niro

kia sorento best large suv

Kia Sorento


Best Large SUV.

The Kia Sorento has arrived and is better than ever thanks to the latest technology and highest quality materials available. It features a 2.2 CRDi engine and 1,075 mm of boot space!

  • Price - from £29,310
  • Fuel economy - up to 49.6 mpg

The current Kia range is available with a fantastic 7-year warranty to give you extra peace of mind on the roads.

Explore the Kia Sorento