Martin Saarinen

Yet again, our Driver Power survey provides fascinating insight for buyers and makers

FOR the 16th year in a row, our Driver Power satisfaction survey has revealed the best cars to own, according to buyers. This acts as an invaluable tool when choosing your next motor, plus also provides vital feedback to car makers on what they’re doing right and where there’s room to improve. In Issue 1,476 we revealed the best new models as voted by owners, and this week it’s time to name the top manufacturers.

And there are some key lessons for car makers this year. The first is how important infotainment and technology is to new car owners. Our results show brands that didn’t get the whole package right were often criticised. It wasn’t enough to have a great sat-nav system and smartphone connectivity, because if the touchscreen proved fiddly, or the audio set-up wasn’t up to expectations, owners didn’t hold back.

As cars become more connected, this is an area no manufacturer can afford to slip up in. The results on Page 26 reveal which have got it right so far. It also speaks volumes that the brand our readers told us offers the best engines and gearboxes has no diesels in its model line-up.

This – along with the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures, which show diesel registrations down 8.8 per cent for the year, with petrol and EV sales on the up – could be a sign that we are starting to fall out of love with diesels.

Their importance is still clear when it comes to fuel economy, though. Brands known for their frugal diesels came top here, so while EVS and hybrids are on the rise, they still have a way to go before convincing everyone.

“Our results showed owners often criticised brands that didn’t get the whole package right”