First big prize for impressive new Ford Puma

The all-new Ford Puma compact SUV has been crowned What Car? Car of the Year 2020, beating off the challenge of 26 other category winners.

Rivals for the overall Car of the Year title included the Skoda Scala, Range Rover Evoque and Tesla Model 3 among others, reflecting the diversity of new cars launched during the past 12 months.

The judges praised the Puma for being fun to drive, cleverly packaged and well priced. Additionally, What Car?’s independent True MPG tests showed it to be extremely economical in real-world driving, thanks to its mild hybrid technology.

“As a small SUV, the Ford Puma competes in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the car market. Crucially, it also excels in all the areas that are important to buyers, according to our research,” said What Car? editor Steve Huntingford.

“Thanks to its sharp handling, gutsy engine and clever mild hybrid technology, it offers a mix of fun and frugality not previously seen among its competitors. Plus, it’s as practical as it is stylish. In short, the Ford Puma is truly outstanding.”

The prized Reader Award, voted for by the public and given to the most eagerly anticipated new launch of the year ahead, went to the new Land Rover Defender.

Three new categories were introduced for 2020, reflecting the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs: Small Electric Car, Large Electric Car and Coupe SUV. These titles were awarded to the Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3 and Range Rover Velar respectively.

What Car? Car of the Year Awards – the winners

Car of the Year 2020 – Ford Puma
Best Performance Car – Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Best Sports Car – Alpine A110 Pure
Best Luxury SUV – Audi Q7
Best Coupe – Audi TT
Best Plug-In Hybrid (sponsored by Ubitricity) – BMW 3 Series
Best Executive Car – BMW 3 Series
Best Luxury Car – BMW 5 Series
Best MPV – Citroën Berlingo
Best Small SUV (sponsored by CAP HPI) – Ford Puma
Best Hot Hatch – Honda Civic Type R GT
Best Value Car (sponsored by MotorEasy) – Kia Picanto
Best Family SUV – Range Rover Evoque
Best Coupe SUV – Range Rover Velar
Best Convertible – Mercedes Benz S-Class
Best Large SUV (sponsored by Quotezone) – Peugeot 5008
Best Sports SUV – Porsche Macan S
Best Small Electric Car (sponsored by Instavolt) – Renault Zoe
Best Family Car – Skoda Scala
Best Estate Car – Skoda Superb
Best Large Electric Car (sponsored by myenergi) -Tesla Model 3
Best Hybrid (sponsored by CitNow) – Toyota Corolla
Best Small Car – Volkswagen Polo
Best Pick-Up Truck – Volkswagen Amarok
Safety Award (sponsored by Thatcham Research) – BMW 3 Series
Reader Award (sponsored by ALA Insurance) – Land Rover Defender
Reliability Award (sponsored by MotorEasy) – Lexus
Technology Award (sponsored by Thatcham Research) – Subaru