What's the news?
The trio of the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter and Opel Combo Life have won the Autobest 2019 'Best Buy Car of Europe in 2019' award. Competition between the finalists was close, the PSA Group triplets narrowly beating the new Ford Focus to the top prize, with the new Toyota Corolla in third place. Other runners up included the Kia Ceed, Citroen C4 Cactus and Dacia Duster.
"It is my pleasure to congratulate the leadership of the three PSA brands winning Autobest 2019 award! It was such a tough competition with many great competitors. In terms of body styles and powertrains, it is definitely the most diverse Autobest contest in years. The choice of the Jury for a `Ludo space` type of vehicle is a bold decision and reconfirms the ability to detect new trends, giving to the average consumer of Europe a real guide in buying the cars fit for tomorrow!" said Ilia Seliktar, the Jury President.
"The PSA triplets' victory is well-deserved for this new platform. A platform designed from the car perspective and requirements and able to deliver different personalities fitting each of the brand offers. A platform who convinced two international juries from car and LCV perspectives and who will probably be one of the best sellers in incoming years. This is the first time in our history when we have multiple winners. I am personally glad for the choice of Autobest Jury for this body style as a true expression of a Best Buy Car of Europe." said Dan Vardie, Autobest Founder & Chairman.
Our own Road Test Editor, Dave Humphreys, represents Ireland in the Autobest jury, which includes members from 31 European countries.
Anything else?
The electric Jaguar I-Pace bagged the Ecobest 2018 award by not only being one of the best electric vehicles to go on sale from the perspective of overall driving range, but it is also a winner with regard to driving dynamics. Jaguar has also beaten other established premium brands out of the EV traps by being first to market with its all-electric SUV.
Recognising success in the business world, the Companybest 2018 award is this year going to Aston Martin Lagonda. Under the leadership of Dr Andy Palmer, the company has increased profitability and successfully launched a raft of new models.
Hyundai picks up the Safetybest 2018 award for its simple but effective Rear Occupant Alert system, that can detect occupants in the rear seats and alerts the driver. This feature is beneficial in protecting the lives of children in hotter countries where many cases of child death have occurred in recent times.
On the technology side of things, BMW was recognised with the Smartbest 2018 award for its Intelligent Personal Assistant, a voice-controlled virtual assistant that can carry out numerous tasks for the driver without them having to take their hands off the wheel while driving.
The Autobest Awards will take place on February 7th in Brussels.