The winners of the News UK Motor Awards 2023 were revealed last week at a gala ceremony held at The News Building in London. Now in their sixth year, the awards celebrate the best new cars across a range of different categories and are judged by a panel of expert automotive journalists. This year, presenter duty was given to Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson.

So let’s have a look at some of the winners in more detail…

Hot Hatch of the Year - Honda Civic Type R

Recently the subject of an extensive review by John Marcar, the Honda Civic Type R triumphed in the Sunday Times Hot Hatch of the Year category. Honda is now in its 75th year and the sixth generation of Civic Type R is a testament to its rich history, with its driving experience honed on tracks around the world. John called it “possibly the most exciting, engaging and impressive front-wheel drive car” he’d ever experienced and with praise like that it’s no surprise to see it take home the award. At £49,995.00 OTR, it certainly isn’t cheap, however very few new cars are nowadays.

Dream Car of the Year - Ferrari Roma Spider

Ferrari’s front front-engined V8 soft-top convertible, the Roma Spider, took home Sunday Times Dream Car of the Year. Inspired by the Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s, the car carries over the proportions, volumes and spec of the Ferrari Roma coupe and adopts a soft-top, something not seen on a front-engined Ferrari since the 365 GTS4, 54 years ago.

Ferrari’s Andrea Militello, Head of Exterior Design (front-engined cars), Ferrari Centro Stile, collected the award and commented: “I’m collecting this award on behalf of the engineers, designers and test-drivers in Maranello who created such an outstanding and innovative Spider interpretation of the highly successful Roma coupe. This award will take pride of place in our trophy cabinet in Maranello, alongside The Motor Awards which Ferrari also won for the 488 Pista in 2019, and the 296 GTB in 2022.”

Best Designed Car of the Year - Maserati MC20 Cielo 

The Maserati MC20 Cielo was named as ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ continuing an incredible return to form for the Italian brand.
The new Nettuno engine, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers 630hp, 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed just under 200mph, is at the heart of the supercar which incorporates technology derived from Formula 1. It also features a hard top roof that gives the impression of being open top even when closed through its innovative glass panel. This can be switched between opaque and transparent at the touch of a button and the roof itself can fold away or close at speeds of up to 31mph.

Company Car of the Year - Kia EV6 GT

Company Car of the Year went to the Kia EV6 GT, with judges recognising it for its blend of high performance, long driving range, ultra-fast charging times, and zero-emissions capabilities.

Nick Rufford, motoring editor at The Sunday Times, commented: “With a 0-62mph time of 3.5sec the EV6 GT must be a contender for quickest rep-mobile on the road. At a high-speed charger it’ll refill in as little time as it takes to grab a coffee. Benefit in kind (BIK) tax is lower than petrol and diesel cars, hence it winning Company Car of the Year 2023.”

Powered by a fully electric dual-motor, drivers won’t get to explore its 162mph top speed on UK roads. However, it has grand touring potential at an impressive range of 263 miles between charges. Looking towards the future, Kia plans to offer a line up of 15 fully electric vehicles by 2027.

To read John Marcar’s review of the Kia EV6 GT, click here.

Large SUV of the Year - Mazda CX-60 Diesel

Recently reviewed by Graham Courtney, the Mazda CX-60 Diesel took home the trophy for Large SUV of the Year. In a modern world that contains an ever increasing number of SUVs, this was one of the most coveted prizes of the evening. Having been launched in March of this year, its success in the 2023 Motor Awards follows on from it being named Car of the Year and Best Large SUV at the 2023 Diesel Car Magazine Awards.

Commenting on the award Rob Gill, The Sun Motors Editor, said: “the Mazda CX-60 is our stand-out winner as Large SUV of the Year as it really does everything for everybody. Practical, stylish, packed with all the tech and luxuries we love as standard, and powered by the cleanest and most efficient diesel engine in the world. Anyone who tows anything or travels big miles every week to earn a crust, needs a CX-60 in their life. It’s as simple as that.”

Full list of winners:

Family Car of the Year: Nissan X-Trail e-Power
Value Car of the Year: Dacia Spring
City/Small Car of the Year: Vauxhall Corsa
Small SUV/Crossover of the Year: Volvo EX30
Large SUV of the Year: Mazda CX-60 Diesel
Premium SUV of the Year: Range Rover Sport
Dog Friendly Car of the Year: Skoda Octavia Estate
Company Car of the Year: Kia EV6 GT
Electric Car of the Year: BYD Atto 3
Used Car of the Year: Ford Fiesta
Motoring Personality of the Year: Christian Horner
The Sun Hot Hatch of the Year: MG4 XPower
Manufacturer of the Year: Vauxhall
Sports Car of the Year: BMW M2
Sunday Times Hot Hatch of the Year: Honda Civic Type R
Adventure Car of the Year: Ford Ranger Raptor
Sunday Times Dream Car of the Year: Ferrari Roma Spider
Best Designed Car of the Year: Maserati MC20 Cielo
The Sun Van of the Year: Mercedes Citan
The Sun Legend Award: Porsche 911 
The Sunday Times Legend Award: Mercedes SL
The Sun Car of the Year: Volvo EX30
The Sunday Times Car of the Year: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: News UK, Honda, Ferrari, Maserati, Kia & Mazda