The Daily Telegraph newspaper names its Car of the Year each year and, for 2016, it has announced the winner as the Mazda MX-5.
An influential publication such as The Daily Telegraph motoring section can have a huge impact on sales and the popularity of certain models. However, UK dealers that wish to add the Mazda MX-5 to their showrooms need to update their car dealerships insurance to include the new stock.
The newspaper's motoring staff get together annually to discuss which new cars are the best of the bunch, bearing in mind the reviews they have undertaken throughout the year. This year, the decision was easy, said Chris Knapman, Head of Motoring at The Daily Telegraph.
"Among an incredibly strong list of category winners, the Mazda MX-5 is thoroughly deserving of the overall Car of the Year title," said Mr Knapman. "Our judges all loved the way it delivers such back-to-basics simplicity without sacrificing any of the modern safety or connectivity that buyers expect. That it is also so affordable to buy and run only adds to its appeal."
A spokesperson for the Mazda brand said that the award reflected the model's "broad appeal", adding that the make is more affordable than ever.
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph also asked the readers to vote on the car they were most excited about this year. The clear winner was the Audi Q2 compact SUV. The judges stated: "Despite some high-profile rivals, the Audi Q2 compact SUV was voted for by thousands of you as the most exciting car still to come in 2016. If our recent first drive was anything to go by, it’ll be well worth the wait."