Car of the Year shortlinsdt 2018
Alpine A110 Kia Ceed Ford Focus Peugeot 508 Citroën C5 Aircross Jaguar i-Pace Mercedes-Benz AClass
They say 508
We say 3-series
The 508 is a ine achievement, transforming the Peugeot saloon from laughing stock to contender with loving design, a lean chassis that transforms the car’s e¨iciency
and competitive running costs. But would you pick one over a 3-series, especially this sublime new 3-series? No.
They say A Class
We say G Class
They picked the wrong Benz, probably seduced by the new A¡Class’s sophisticated interior. But the G¡Class’s masterful reboot gets our vote; a comprehensive update of everything under the skin but with a design that preserves everything we loved about the G in the irst place.
They say C5 Aircross
We say Dacia Duster
The natty C5 Aircross o£ers a cushy, calming ride, but it hardly radicalises the midsize SUV. We’re more drawn to the £10k SUV segment, population one: the Dacia Duster. It’s almost £10k less than a base Aircross, and there’s a real feelgood to the rugged but polished Duster.
They say A110
We say A110
At last, something we Brits and the Europeans can agree on: Renault’s rebirth of the storied sports car brand is sensational. Alpine’s midengined two-seater only packs a 249bhp four but it’s so light and compact that the result is a joy to drive. Outstanding
steering and ride, too.
They say i-Pace
We say i-Pace
Three years ago, who would have had money on tech laggard Jaguar delivering the irst premium electric rival to Tesla? There’s just one problem with it being so quick and playful to drive: that 298mile WLTP range is a chimera. You’ll go further in the Hyundai Kona Electric – but smile less.
They say Ceed
We say 488 Pista
The Ceed and Pista are kindred spirits (honest) in the way they prioritise dynamics. But Ferrari’s evolved 488 is in another universe to some supercars, let alone the Ceed; searing speed, a V8 which dismisses the pitfalls of turbocharging and a supernatural chassis.
They say Focus
We say Focus
Dynamic ability is way down the pecking order of most car buyers. But that hasn’t stopped Ford making its Focus the byword for family hatch handling over the past 20 years. The Mk4 delivers with tactile controls and a set-up that delivers grip, poise,
comfort and calm.