What Car? Car of the Year

What Car?

Car of the Year Awards 2021

This year saw cars recognised in 21 different categories, with the small, affordable Dacia Sandero being named the overall What Car? Car of the Year 2021. Many of the cars recognised in these awrads are available on the Motability Scheme, here we have highlighted those cars and given you a brief rundown of why they were awarded their respective accolades.

Small Electric Car of the Year

Volkswagen ID.3

This electric hatchback has pipped its rivals to the post to secure this accolade. Offering an official 263-mile range, great handling with rear-wheel drive makes for an exciting drive. It also boasts accurate steering, a roomy interior that accommodates families and it looks slick on the road too.

Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance

Fuel Type: Electric Range: 260miles 0-62mph: 7.3secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 0 Boot Capacity (litres): 385

Small SUV of the Year

Ford Puma

Compact, sporty, practical and stylish, the Ford Puma offers drivers a complete package that combines great handling, impressive efficiency and comfort. The interior is well laid out and space and storage are offered in abundance. Reviewers have been impressed by the Ford Puma’s sense of fun and practicality.

Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid

Fuel Type: Petrol Average MPG: 51.4 0-62mph: 8.9secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 125 Boot Capacity (litres): 456

Family SUV of the Year

Volvo XC40

This sleek SUV is on par with the premium badge Range Rover Evoque, but reviewers deemed it more reliable. Its impressive exterior is matched by the high quality interior throughout and space in abundance. Volvo’s trademark safety packages are second to none and comfort is a top priority.

Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design auto

Fuel Type: Petrol Average MPG: 40.4 0-62mph: 9.3secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 158 Boot Capacity (litres): 586

MPV of the Year

Volkswagen Touran

This impressive seven-seater is a top choice for large families with young kids. Each of the five rear seats sports Isofix seat fittings, and the interior space comfortably sits adults in all three of the rows. All of this space and functionality, yet it doesn’t compromise on drive handling or comfort.

Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI 150 SE

Fuel Type: Petrol Average MPG: 40.9 0-62mph: 11.4secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 150 Boot Capacity (litres): 137

Estate Car of the Year

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb is all about space, from its cavernous boot to its roomy interior, you will be hard pushed to find more. It sports a touchscreen on its solid dashboard, bag hooks and a charging point in the boot, making it a practical choice for any driver in todays world.

Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE L

Fuel Type: Diesel Average MPG: 56.5 0-62mph: 9.2secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 132 Boot Capacity (litres): 660

Family Car of the year

SEAT Leon

Fighting off tough competition from this category, the SEAT Leon is a perfect combination of space, comfort and affordability. It runs efficiently, drives well and comes well equipped with an infotainment system, plenty of extra equipment and a lively drive with comfort at its core.

SEAT Leon 1.5 TSI 130 Evo FR

Fuel Type: Petrol Average MPG: 50.4 0-62mph: 9.4secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 127 Boot Capacity (litres): 380

Small car of the Year

Dacia Sandero

What Car? reviewers have always been impressed with the Dacia Sandero, but it was never a contender for winning the category until it revealed its new and improved interior. With plentiful headroom, a larger boot than its competitors and an unrivalled price, the Dacia Sandero was the clear winner.

Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe 90 Comfort

Fuel Type: Petrol Average MPG: 53.3 0-62mph: 11.7secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 120 Boot Capacity (litres): 328