Motor Awards 2022: Vote for the Readers' Car of the Year and win a luxury holiday to Mexico

Voting has now closed. Look out for the results on Driving.co.uk

It’s that time of the year when the motoring writers of The Times and Sunday Times begin pulling together our lists of the best cars of the year. The winners will be announced in October but as always, we want you to help out by voting for your own favourite.

With dozens of new cars launching every year, in a huge variety of categories including superminis, saloons, SUVs, sportscars and supercars (and those are just the ones starting with “s”), we’ve helped your task by whittling down a long list to a selection of models that we feel deserve your attention.

The six cars we’ve shortlisted will become one, based on your votes, with the winner crowned Times & Sunday Times Readers’ Car of the Year 2022. So choose wisely.

What’s more, by voting you will be automatically entered into a prizedraw to win a luxury holiday to Mexico, including flights and hotel.

What you could win

Five-night premium all-inclusive holiday to UNICO 20°87 for two people, plus flights with Aeromexico

Stay at the five-star, all-inclusive UNICO 20°87° set on the stunning white sandy beaches of the Mexican Riviera Maya amid vibrant landscaped gardens.

Built using locally-sourced natural and handmade materials, this adult-only haven has a rustic yet modern feel, oozing luxurious exclusivity.

UNICO 20°87°’s luxury take on the all-inclusive experience allows guests to embrace local food and drink, spa treatments, in-resort culinary experiences and a selection of curated local adventures.

Relax by the three geometric pools; take a dip in the clear blue Caribbean Sea or walk along the long white sandy beach; indulge in five globally-infused dining experiences and enjoy the mixologist-driven cocktail program at the six bars and lounges; be pampered at the Esencia Wellness Centre with 18 luxe cabanas and hydrotherapy facilities; relax in your exterior semi-private swim up plunge pool. All under the Mexican sunshine.

The winning couple will fly on a Dreamliner with Aeromexico to Mexico City on one of the daily routes from London Heathrow, then on to Cancun via a connection flight.

www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com and www.aeromexico.com

Terms and Conditions: Prize includes five nights for two adults in an Alcoba Swim-up Pool Room at UNICO 20°87°on the Riviera Maya on an all-inclusive basis. Prize also includes two return economy flights from London to Cancun via Mexico City with Aeromexico. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable. This prize is not valid for periods over UK bank and school holidays and blackout dates apply. Prize must be taken in 2023. Other News UK terms apply (see below).

Vote for the Readers’ Car of the Year 2022

Voting has closed.

Dacia Jogger

One of the great pieces of advice in any walk of life is “KISS” (keep it simple, stupid). That’s Dacia’s brand ethos in a nutshell, and the new Jogger is a probably the Romanian car maker’s greatest expression of it to date.

It isn’t a trendy car created for show-offs and poseurs; it fills an important gap in the model line-up, catering for active families who need seven seats on a tight budget.

There’s no wasted space, with practicality to the fore. There’s 1,809 litres of luggage space with all the rear seats folded and 699 litres with the second row seats in place, while the third row is roomier than those of most seven-seat SUVs.

And it comes with some really clever features such as the roof rails that can be twisted 90 degrees to create roof bars, while the high stance means it can handle most dirt tracks and beach roads with ease.

But its most amazing virtue is value: with prices starting at £16,645, and the top spec model costing under £19,000, it’s an absolute steal — there’s no other seven-seater in the same ballpark. There’s a fuel-sipping hybrid version coming next year, too. If cars are primarily about freedom, for large families without large amounts of cash to splash, this is a breakthrough vehicle.

Kia Sportage

Kia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade, with a design revolution that is putting the German brands in the shade. Meanwhile, it’s become one of the most progressive car makers in terms of powertrains with one of the boldest electrification programmes out there.

The pure-electric EV6 and new Niro have been making all the headlines recently but the Kia Sportage is still the family favourite of the range, and the latest fifth-generation model, introduced last year, is an exceptional bit of kit.

From the eye-catching styling — just look at those headlights — to the tech-laden, intuitive interior, it oozes appeal. Arguably more attractive and unquestionably more spacious than the impressive new Niro, the Sportage comes with a selection of mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which means there’s one to suit most drivers.

And while it’s similar to its Hyundai Tucson sister car in most respects, we feel the Kia has a slight edge in terms of exterior style and interior design.

Lotus Emira

Lotus’s last ever petrol car would be significant in its own right but there’s added pressure in that it replaces longstanding Lotus legends the Elise, Exige and Evora.

It was a relief to not just Lotus but car enthusiasts worldwide, that Emira received rave reviews from the motoring press. It’s so good that it’s seen as a proper rival for the Porsche Cayman, with not only the usual handling nous we expect of a Lotus but also the refinement and technological credentials buyers expect of a modern sports car.

When we drove it (briefly) on track at Goodwood, we noted its impressive grip, sharp steering response, enjoyably supple suspension and dramatic soundtrack.

Tesla Model Y

It’s a fair claim that Tesla almost single-handedly changed the global motor industry. That we have a 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars in Britain is largely enabled by the fact that the American electric car maker proved EVs can be quick, long-range, fast-charging and desirable.

Though the traditional automakers have caught up in many respects, and new entrants are muscling in to the market, Tesla’s cars are still some of the best electric vehicles on the road. The Model Y is no exception, building on the solid underpinnings of the Model 3 but with the more popular shape of a crossover SUV.

We found the ride a little firm and the interior acoustics below premium, but its pluses far outweigh its minuses. Offering all the benefits of the saloon but with a more commanding view of the road, extra ground clearance and an absolutely cavernous boot, the Model Y is another extremely impressive vehicle for families.

Tesla prices are creeping up and prices start at £57,990, but some would still call that value for money and it gives access to the best rapid charging network out there.

Vauxhall Astra

The Astra is all-new for 2022, with a classy design, simplified specification line-up, and options of petrol, diesel or — for the first time — plug-in hybrid power. Next year there will be a pure-electric Astra, too, in both hatchback and estate bodyshapes, meaning there’s an Astra for everyone.

Though the touchscreen is still a bit complicated, the interior is greatly improved in terms of aesthetics and materials, and the ride quality and refinement are excellent, with a better-soundproofed windscreen and laminated acoustic glass on mid-spec models upwards.

Wireless Android and Apple CarPlay come as standard on all versions, as do front & rear parking sensors, electric heated mirrors and high beam assist headlights. Classy motoring for the masses.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Just look at it. Combining retro California-cool with futuristic techno-chic, the ID. Buzz is set to be the new must-have vehicle for beach-goers and statement-makers. The fact that it’s pure electric means that it won’t struggle up and down steep coastal roads, as the old air-cooled campervans used to — modern electric motors provide plenty of torque for even the steepest inclines. And the fact that it doesn’t spew nasty gases will appeal to most drivers with a conscience.

Its utility is undeniable, too, using an extended version of the platform that underpins the VW ID.4 and sliding doors each side. Initially it’ll only be available with five seats, though other configurations are likely to arrive a couple of years down the line, including longer ones, more powerful twin-motor versions and yes, a camper. There’s a van version available from launch, though with a cavernous loadspace.

Power comes from the same 204hp electric motor found in the ID.3 and ID.4, and the battery also has a 77kWh usable capacity, with an official range of 259 miles between charges. Load up with the family and luggage and that’ll drop quite a bit, particularly if using motorways, but it will rapid charge at up to 170kW so you can top up quickly en-route.

After helping us pick the 2022 Times & Sunday Times Readers’ Car of the Year, take a look at the full list of last year’s Motor Awards winners
Check out our latest car reviews here
Here are Jeremy Clarkson’s best and worst cars of 2021

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THE MOTOR AWARDS 2022 (THE “PROMOTION”) ONLINE RULES

By entering the Promotion, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (these Terms and Conditions).

Completion and submission of an entry form or e-mail will also be deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Promotional materials relating to the Promotion, including all information on how to enter the Promotion published in publications of the Promoter (including social media if applicable) or on the Promoter’s websites, also form part of these Terms and Conditions.

In the event of any conflict between any terms referred to in such promotional materials and these Terms and Conditions, these Terms and Conditions take precedence.

All information submitted in connection with this Promotion will be processed in accordance with the privacy policy accessible at http://www.newsprivacy.co.uk/single and the Unico 20°87°and Aeromexico privacy policy’s which can be found at https://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com/en/info/policies/ and https://aeromexico.com/en-us/privacy-notice

Participation in the Promotion

The Promotion is only open to residents of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland aged 18 or over only, except employees and agents of the Promoter, News Corp UK & Ireland Limited and anyone otherwise connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion (including third party promotional partners) and their respective associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies, and the immediate families and household members of all such employees and agents.

The Promotion starts at 00:01 am (UK time) on 1 September 2022 and closes at 00:01 (UK time) on 30 September 2022 (the Promotion Period). Any entries received outside the Promotion Period will be void.

Participants may make a maximum of 1 entry per person during the Promotion Period.

To enter you must complete and submit the entry form available at www.thesun.co.uk/motorawards and www.driving.co.uk/motorawards during the Promotion Period only.

Entries received which are not submitted via the official entry method will not be accepted. Use of script, macro or any automated system to enter the Promotion is prohibited and entries made (or which appear to have been made) using any such system may be treated as void. Any illegible, incomplete or fraudulent entries will be rejected. Participants should be aware that they may be subject to data charges depending on their own individual arrangements for Internet access if they enter the Promotion online or by email.

Winners and Prizes

There will be 1 winner. One prize per winner.

The winner will be selected at random from all valid entries for this Promotion received during the Promotion Period. There will be no prizes for any other entrants.

The prize is a five-night premium all-inclusive holiday to UNICO 20°87 Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico for two adults including flights with Aeromexico. Prize includes five nights for two adults in an Alcoba Swim-up Pool Room at UNICO 20°87°on the Riviera Maya on an all-inclusive basis. Prize also includes two return economy flights from London to Cancun via Mexico City with Aeromexico, not including transfers to the hotel. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable. This prize is not valid for periods over UK Bank and School holidays and blackout dates apply. Prize must be taken in 2023. Winner and his/her guest must travel on same itinerary. All parts of prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest are solely responsible for ensuring they have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations / inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense.

The prize is subject to the booking terms and conditions of Aeromexico and Corporacion Inmobiliaria KTRC SA and their privacy policy will apply to the processing of your personal information.

Prizes are as stated and are non-exchangeable and non-transferable. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize in whole or in part.
The winner is responsible for paying all associated costs that are not specifically stated in any Promotional materials or these Terms and Conditions, including (where applicable) transport, accommodation, meal costs, spending money, insurance and all other incidentals.

Winners are also personally responsible for any personal or incidental expenses and any VAT, national and/or local tax liabilities incurred in claiming or using the prize. By participating in the Promotion, participants agree that the prize is awarded on an “as is” basis, and that neither the Promoter nor any of its subsidiary or affiliated companies, make any representations or warranties of any nature with respect to the prize.

In the event that, for reasons beyond the Promoter’s reasonable control the Promoter is unable to award the prize as described in these Terms and Conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the prize. The Promoter also reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the prize if in its reasonable discretion it is appropriate to do so.

Winner Announcement and claiming of prize

Winners will be notified by email or using the other contact details provided to the Promoter within 30 days after the end of the Promotion Period. All reasonable endeavours will be made to contact the winner during the specified time. If a winner cannot be contacted or is not available, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw another winner from the valid/correct entries that were received during the Promotion Period. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize.

Winners will be required to confirm acceptance of the applicable prize within 7 days of having been notified. If the winner has not claimed their prize by the date specified, the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to another participant.

For a list of winners please send a stamped self-addressed envelope by no later than 28 days after the end of the Promotion Period to News UK, Promotions Department, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF stating for which Promotion you would like winners’ details.

Data Protection and Publicity

The Promoter will collect and process participants’ personal information in accordance with the privacy policy at http://www.newsprivacy.co.uk/single/. The information provided may be shared with the Promoter’s agents, affiliates and, if applicable, any third party prize provider (including those outside the UK/European Economic Area) who will process such information in accordance with their own privacy policy. Information provided by participants will only be used for the purpose of conducting this Promotion (including for prizes to be delivered) and other purposes as may be specified or consented to at the time of entry or on promotional materials. If participants do not provide any of the mandatory information requested when participating in the Promotion, their entry will be void.

The Promoter is required to either publish or make available information that indicates a valid award took place. As such, the Promoter will send the surname and county of major prize winners and, if applicable copies of their winning entries, to anyone that contacts the Promoter at the address given above by no later than 28 days after the end of the Promotion Period.

If a winner objects to any or all of their surname, county and winning entry being published or made available, they should contact the Promoter at the address given above. In such circumstances, the Promoter must still provide the information and winning entry to competent authorities, including the Advertising Standard Authority, on request.

General

The Promoter’s decision is final and binding on the entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.

The Promoter reserves the right to require the participants to prove that they are eligible. If a winner is found to be ineligible, the Promoter reserves the right to award their prize to another participant and to require the return of any prize already awarded.
The provision of the prize does not imply endorsement by the Promoter of Aeromexico and Corporacion Inmobiliaria KTRC SA or other third parties concerned in any way with the Promotion. Any complaints or queries relating to the use of the prize should be directed to Aeromexico or Corporacion Inmobiliaria KTRC SA.

Unless otherwise stated in the promotional materials, this Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant prize. You are providing your information to the Promoter and not to the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant prize.

Entrants must not do anything illegal and/or dangerous and/or that would put themselves or others at any risk. Save where it has been negligent, the Promoter will not be responsible for any damage, loss or injury resulting from participants’ entry into the Promotion or their acceptance and/or use of the prize, or for technical, hardware or software failures, lost, faulty or unavailable network connections or difficulties of any kind that may limit or prohibit participant’s ability to participate in the Promotion. The Promoter will not be responsible for any lost, damaged, defaced, incomplete, illegible or otherwise unreadable entries. Proof of posting is not proof of receipt by the Promoter of any entries. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall in any way limit the Promoter’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence or for any other matter where liability may not be limited as a matter of law.

The Promoter reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the Promotion (including altering prizes) if, in its sole discretion, the Promotion is not capable of being conducted as specified. In the event of a printing or other error resulting in there being more winners than prizes for the Promotion, the Promoter reserves the right to (a) declare as void any claims or entries resulting from such printing or other error; and/or (b) allocate the available prize(s) through a further draw or to divide the prize(s) or the value of the prize(s) between the winners of the Promotion.

Any participant who enters or attempts to enter the Promotion in a manner, which in the Promoter’s reasonable opinion is contrary to these Terms and Conditions or by its nature is unjust to other entrants (including tampering with the operation of the Promotion, cheating, hacking, deception or any other unfair playing practices such as intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other participants or the Promoter and/or any of its agents or representatives) may be rejected from the Promotion at the Promoter’s sole discretion. Furthermore, where such actions have significantly impaired the Promotion, the Promoter may, at its sole discretion, add further stages to the Promotion as it deems reasonably necessary in order to resolve any problems arising from such actions.

The Promoter reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions. Any amendments will be published on the Promoter’s website (the Website).

These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute or claim arising in association with the Promotion or these Terms and Conditions.

The promoter of this Promotion is News UK & Ireland Limited of 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF (the Promoter).

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