Wheeler Dealers presenter Mike Brewer was on hand to host the 2023 Car Dealer Used Car Awards at The Brewery in London this week celebrating the best of the UK’s used car industry. The awards have been taking place since 2012 and focus on the efforts of manufacturers, car dealerships, workshops, and people working in the sector. After months of voting and a rigorous judging process, nominees were whittled down before winners were finally chosen. Across the night, trophies were awarded in 31 categories.

Car Dealer Magazine awarded the Nissan Juke as its ‘Best Small Car’ with judges praising its unique styling, technology and spaciousness. Also highlighted was the Juke’s versatility, comfort and safety as it shines as an option for used car dealers across the country.

James Baggott, editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, said: ‘‘The second-generation model added a lot more substance to the original car’s daring design, such as a more spacious interior, thereby making it easier to sell.

‘‘Making a small car desirable is an easy thing to do, but making one that appeals to the used car buyer is tough. The Juke succeeds at both – and that’s impressive.’’

‘Best Large Car’ went to the Volvo XC90 as the seven-seat SUV won its second award in recent times after being named Luxury SUV of the Year by Professional Driver. Volvo’s top of the range vehicle has garnered a lot of praise since its release and is also available as a plug-in hybrid.

Mike Brewer said of the car: “The XC90 was a trailblazer when it arrived 20 years ago, and it’s as good now as it was then. It ticks all the boxes and is a cracking used car.”

The Mazda MX-5 was named ‘Used Sports Car of the Year’ by Car Dealer Magazine, adding to the many awards it has already picked up. The current generation MX-5 was launched in 2015 and more than 24,000 have been sold in the UK across its choice of both Roadster and RF body styles.

Mike Brewer commented, saying: “as icons go, there are few that can beat the status of the Mazda MX-5, over the years I have bought and sold loads of MX-5s and I know the appeal the car has among dealers and customers. It has been a favourite sports car for UK motorists for over 30 years and it’s easy to see why."

Next year will see the arrival of the next evolution of the MX-5 which was recently revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.

Full List of Car Category Winners

Small Car - Nissan Juke
Mid-Sized Car - Audi Q5
Large Car - Volvo XC90
Sports Car - Mazda MX-5
AFV - Toyota Corolla
Commercial Vehicle - Volkswagen Transporter
Used Car of the Year - Toyota Corolla

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Nissan, Volvo & Mazda