Automotive award-winners round-up in January 2025

A round-up of January 2025's award-winning cars and vans


Mazda CX-80 wins Best in Class Large SUV – Euro NCAP

The all-new Mazda CX-80 has been awarded Best in Class Large SUV by Euro NCAP in its latest safety tests.  

In 2024, Euro NCAP assessed 44 cars, with the Mazda CX-80 emerging as the top performer in the Large SUV category, narrowly surpassing the Audi Q6 e-tron. This accolade highlights Mazda's commitment to delivering exceptional safety.  

The CX-80 scored 92% for Adult Occupancy, achieving full marks in Lateral and Rear Impact tests, and 88% for Child Occupancy, ensuring excellent protection for younger passengers. It also achieved 84% for Vulnerable Road Users, prioritising pedestrian and cyclist safety, and 79% for Safety Assist, reflecting Mazda’s focus on advanced safety technologies.  




BYD SEAL is Professional Driver Car of the Year 2025

The BYD SEAL has been crowned Professional Driver’s 2025 Car of the Year and also won the Private Hire Car category.  

This all-electric sports saloon combines striking design with advanced technology, bringing a fresh option to the UK’s D-segment market. Built on BYD’s cutting-edge e-Platform 3.0 with an 8-in-1 powertrain, it is the first model to feature BYD’s Cell-to-Body technology, offering exceptional safety, rigidity, driving dynamics, and intelligence.  

Professional Driver Editor Mark Bursa commented: “BYD is a new brand making waves in the private hire sector. The SEAL is stylish, practical, and affordable, with impressive EV range, comfort, and build quality, making electric motoring more accessible to drivers and operators.”

 

Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 win the European Car of the Year 2025

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and Alpine A290 have been named Car of the Year 2025 at a ceremony hosted by the European Car of the Year jury at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday, 10th January.  

This recognition underscores the success of Renault’s electrification strategy and the quality of its new Renault and Alpine ranges, developed under the Renaulution plan.  

Both vehicles are built on the unique AmpR Small platform, which delivers exceptional customer value while allowing each brand to showcase its distinctive design, innovation, onboard technologies, and customer experience, reflecting their individual positioning within the market.

 

 

 

Nissan Townstar wins top award from Company Car and Van

The Nissan Townstar has started 2025 with an award from Company Car and Van, building on last year’s success as Small Electric Van of the Year. 

Editor Andrew Walker praised the Townstar, stating it should be on the shortlist for anyone seeking a small LCV. He remarked: “We’re thrilled to recognise the Nissan Townstar again – its success is well-deserved. It drives like a small car, offers clever storage solutions, and features a spacious cabin. 
"It’s quiet, comfortable, well-equipped, safe and economical. With two lengths and petrol or electric powertrains, it’s truly future-ready.

 


ID. Buzz is MPV of the Year – Professional Driver Awards 2025

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has won MPV of the Year at the 2025 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards. Now in their 15th year, these reader-judged awards saw over 60 vehicles tested across six categories during a one-day event at Epsom Racecourse. The judges recognised the ID. Buzz’s excellence in the competitive MPV segment.



Isuzu D-Max wins Company Car & Van Award… for the fourth time!

Isuzu's versatile, workhorse D-Max double-cab has won Pick-Up of the Year for the fourth year in a row in the Company Car & Van Awards 2025. The cost-effective pick-up was lauded for its impressive versatility and the variety in its range, providing discerning customers the ability to choose a vehicle that perfectly suits their needs.
D-Max’s no-nonsense approach and off-road features were also praised by award judge and Company Car & Van Editor and Publisher, Andrew Walker.


















 

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