Volkswagen's Golf named as top used car

WHAT CAR? has named the Volkswagen Golf as its Used Car of the Year 2013 and its Used Family Car of the Year in its annual awards.

The judges praised the Golf’s impressive cabin quality and refinement, comfort, driveability, running costs and its impressive safety credentials. What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “What clearly sets the Golf apart from other small family cars is its cabin.”

Vauxhall was named the best manufacturer for its Network Q approved used scheme.

What Car?’s road test editor and head judge Steve Huntingford said: “Although Network Q is one of the oldest approved used schemes, there are more than 350 outlets and it has a good online offering, a great choice of stock, all cars come with a comprehensive Network Q check, and an unbeatable insurance package. Network Q makes buying a used car very easy.”

Vauxhall picked up two further awards: the small car award for the Corsa 1.2 Design AC 5dr, while the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Exclusiv was best nearly new car, a category that considers any car up to 12 months old.

What Car? readers, in association with What Car? Approved Used, named Honda as the car manufacturer they would trust the most when buying a used car.

The Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec was named best used MPV and Mazda picked up the best used estate car for the Mazda 6 Estate 2.2D 163 TS2.

For the third year, the Nissan Qashqai was voted best used SUV, with judges praising its spacious and classy cabin, comfortable ride and commanding view.

The BMW 320d won the best used executive and luxury car award, which is sponsored by Warranty Direct.

The used fun car category went to Renault for the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup, with judges saying it is simply one of the best hot hatchbacks ever made.

The What Car? Used Car of the Year judging panel were from all areas of the motor industry, including Fords of Winsford car supermarket, Warranty Direct, CDL Ltd, plus experts from What Car?. As well as selecting the overall Used Car of the Year, the judges picked winners and runners-up in nine categories, looking at running costs, reliability, driveability, quality, longevity, safety features and desirability.

By Press Association reporters