Ford swept the board at this year’s Auto Express Awards with four honours – more than any other manufacturer – including two for the Fiesta.
The UK’s top-selling car scooped Best Supermini last night, a title it won previously in 2011, 2010 and 2009. The new Ford Fiesta ST took the Best Hot Hatch crown within months of going on sale.
Also winning 2013 Auto Express Awards were the innovative Ford B-MAX and new Ford Transit Custom – marking the start of van coverage by the weekly magazine.
Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief, said the latest Ford Fiesta line-up had something for everyone: “The recent range refresh has taken Fiesta back to the top of the class, combining style, quality and driving fun that just isn’t available anywhere else. The ST is an absolute joy to drive, so far and away the best hot hatch you can buy – a thrill-a-minute to drive and an absolute bargain too.”
UK sales of the Fiesta reflect its popularity, and demand has risen from 96,000 new registrations in 2011 to 109,000 last year. It is on target to better that total in 2013, with around 61,000 registrations in the first six months of the year – 1,500 more than the same time last year – including over 2,250 for Fiesta ST.
Auto Express’ expert road testers voted the Ford B-MAX Best Five-Seat MPV – the same trophy which Ford took home last year for the C-MAX. Steve Fowler said: “We love everything about the B-MAX – it’s a car that takes the stress out of travelling with a family thanks to a host of clever touches, not least the pillarless doors. And as with all other Fords, it’s great to drive.”
Auto Express launched a new award category for 2013 and the inaugural Van of the Year honour went to the Ford Transit Custom. Steve Fowler said the choice could not have been simpler: “Ford has listened to the needs of van drivers and produced a vehicle that delivers in every sense of the word.
“It has the load-carrying ability you’d expect, with features you wouldn’t and it’ll keep running costs low, too. Up front, drivers have never had it so good, with great handling, comfort and the very latest tech.”
Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain chairman and managing director, said: “To get four Auto Express Awards and be the biggest winner on the night is testimony to the company and its dealership teams. Ford Fiesta’s two awards illustrate that it’s a small car for every occasion. B-MAX is proving a big hit in our showrooms, thanks to the easy access enabled by integrating central pillars into the doors. Transit Custom defines the van sector, both in name and the exceptional features it offers.”
