Honda’s Swindon-built Civic has won a UK ‘Used Car Of The Year’ award held by Auto Express magazine and used car valuer Glass’s Guide.
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This is the first time a car built in Britain has claimed the accolade which, Glass’s said, underscores the world-class manufacturing standards now set by UK-based volume carmakers.
As well as praising its build quality, the judging panel commended the Civic for low levels of depreciation, reliability, flexible VTEC engines, wide range of available specification options and low running costs.
The Civic also won the compact family car category for the second year in a row while its Jazz (Fit) sibling took the supermini award with high marks for interior space, flexible seating, low running costs and impressive residual values.
Audi matched Honda with three wins, in the compact executive car (A4), coupe (TT), and convertible (A4 Cabriolet categories.
The A4 was singled out for its build quality, particularly its class-leading interior, the TT was recognised for its cabin, and for rock-solid residuals that belie the increased numbers now in the used market and the A4 Cabriolet was rated well for its styling, genuine four seat accommodation and the availability of a diesel variant that boasts particularly impressive residual values.
Key evaluation criteria for the awards include: depreciation, whole life costs, practicality, reliability, market sentiment, road test reports and owner feedback.
Glass’s provided residual value performance data for over 3,000 cars so that the judges panel could draw up an initial shortlist.
A special award was given to BMW’s Mini brand for its “excellent value” ‘tlc’ service package. Priced at £100 (about $US190) when purchased with a brand new car, the package covers all scheduled servicing for five years or 50,000 miles.
The judges said the package was particularly valuable to used car buyers because it can be transferred to a subsequent owner, making it an essential feature for second-hand Minis.
