A hybrid SUV described as “allowing drivers to go green for less” has been named “Car of the Year” at an awards ceremony in London.
The Lexus LBX won the prestigious title at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane hosted by consumer champion and new car deals platform, What Car? in association with with MotorEasy.
The awards - the motoring world’s equivalent of the Oscars - have been held every year since 1978 with electric and hybrid cars increasingly dominating the shortlists.
Deputy editor Darren Moss said that with prices starting below £30,000 the LBX was an affordable, yet still luxurious, “city runaround” option for London drivers who wanted to make the move to a greener vehicle.
He said: ”Prices start from £30,000 or less but if you are driving around the city you can spend most of the time on electric and there is no range anxiety. And you can do the charging at home. It’s the best of both worlds.” On a leasing deal it would be possible to drive the car for as little as £338 a month he added.
In addition to being named overall Car of the Year, the Lexus LBX won the Small SUV category, with judges praising its efficient hybrid system, luxurious interior and attractive pricing.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford, said: “The title of What Car? Car of the Year is reserved for the model that has moved things on the farthest in the past 12 months, and this year, that’s the Lexus LBX.
“Despite competing in the hugely competitive small SUV market, it’s a better all-rounder than every rival, not least because it’s the first car in the class to combine hybrid efficiency with big-car luxury. And at a time when new car prices are going through the roof, it offers these strengths for an attractive price.”
Lexus also won the Reliability Award for a record seventh consecutive year, while sister brand Toyota won Family Car of the Year (with the Corolla) and Estate Car of the Year (with the Corolla Touring Sports.)
Other brands to win multiple awards included BMW and Kia, with them taking home three apiece, and Renault with two.
In the categories of Safety Award, Best Executive Car and Readers’ Choice Award (voted for by consumers as their most anticipated car of the year ahead) all the winners were all electric for the second year running.
