Golden Steering Wheel 2016: winners revealed ~ station of gear

Car buyers across Europe vote in the Golden Steering Wheel Awards and these are this year’s winners…

2016-11-08 19:00

Although we give you our opinion each week on the cars we think you should be buying, your views on what you like in a car are just as important to us. There’s no better way of illustrating this than our coveted annual Golden Steering Wheel Awards.

Car buyers in the UK and across Europe have had their say, the votes have been counted and the judges can now reveal which cars are this year’s winners in one of the biggest awards in the automotive industry.

• Auto Express New Car Awards winners 2016

What are the Golden Steering Wheel Awards?

The Golden Steering Wheel awards are put together by Auto Express’ sister publication, Auto Bild. The contest has been running since 1978, and each year readers from all our sister titles across Europe get a chance to decide what they think are hottest and best new models on sale.

In the 38 years since the first awards ceremony an awful lot has changed in the motoring world; technology, safety, performance and comfort levels in new cars has increased beyond all recognition. However, while the categories have changed significantly, the process of selection has stayed largely the same for the Golden Steering Wheel awards.

The criteria is simple: the car needs to have been launched in the last 12 months, and has to fit into one of the eight categories outlined in the initial vote.

From small cars through to sports cars and hybrid vehicles, it covers the full spectrum of the motoring world, while there’s even a category for the “most beautiful car”.

Every Golden Steering Wheel category is hugely competitive, with a number of impressively talented cars jostling for buyers’ attention. After the public vote, the finalists from each category find themselves in the hands of a panel of expert judges from the UK, Germany and France. After rigorous evaluation, the overall winners are announced.

Below we give you the 2016 Golden Steering Wheel Award winners but not only that, we also show you which cars our readers preferred in the UK – the results compared to the rest of Europe may surprise you. Our ‘pick of the range’ in each category also shows you which engine and trim level you need to get the best out of each victorious car. Let us take you through 2016’s Golden Steering Wheel Award winners below...

• Best new cars coming in 2017

Golden Steering Wheel Award 2016 winners

Best sub-compact car: Renault Megane

Image 2 of 8

Image 2 of 8

We knew Renault was on to a winner with its new, fourth-generation Megane as it fended off the Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308 in our group test, and it seems the rest of Europe agrees with us.

The bold, chic exterior styling gives the French hatch the edge over its rivals, but its list of talents extend further than that. A classy cabin, plenty of kit and efficient engines give it substance, while it drives well and sets new standards for comfort and refinement.

The Megane saw off a number of other new debuts in this class during 2016 such as the Suzuki Baleno and Fiat Tipo. Auto Express readers, however, chose the funky new Citroen C3 as their UK sub-compact winner.

UK Choice: Citroen C3
Our pick: Megane 1.5 dCi Dynamique S Nav

Best compact SUV: Audi Q2

Image 3 of 8

Image 3 of 8

While it couldn’t see off the Mazda CX-3 in our recent group test, Audi’s new Q2 did enough to seduce readers and judges for a Golden Steering Wheel award gong for best Compact SUV.

Distinctive styling gives the Q2 its own identity in an already packed class, while a wider range of strong and frugal petrol and diesel engines, enjoyable driving experience and wide range of personalisation options boosts its appeal. The Q2 is surprisingly spacious for this class of car too.

It beat some seriously talented small SUVs to the title including the SEAT Ateca and new Peugeot 3008.

Our pick: Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI Sport
UK choice: Peugeot 3008

Best SUV: Tesla Model X

Image 4 of 8

Image 4 of 8

While the small crossover sector is relatively new, the more traditional large SUV market is still thriving. Innovative upstarts Tesla managed to secure the overall gong for its new Model X, beating out the Jaguar F-Pace and new Skoda Kodiaq.

The electric SUV rewrites the rulebook in every way, with a futuristic cabin, clever ‘Falcon Wing’ doors and, most importantly, the astonishing electric powertrain capable of powering it from 0-62mph in a mere 3.2 seconds in P100D form. Despite this, it still manages to seat six and tow up to 2.3 tonnes.

The Model X is a fine car but our readers came over all patriotic and voted for the new Jaguar F-Pace instead.

Our pick: Model X 60D
UK winner: Jaguar F-Pace

Best compact/mid-size car: Jaguar XF

Image 5 of 8

Jaguar XF 2.0d AWD 2016 - front tracking

Image 5 of 8

While narrowly missing out on a category win with the new F-Pace, Jaguar has cause for celebration with the second-gen XF taking a Golden Steering Wheel gong.

The New XF pipped models like the Volvo S90 and new Mercedes E-Class to the top spot here thanks to its svelte looks, terrific blend of ride and handling and sense of occasion. Smooth petrol and fuel-sipping diesel engines complete a compelling package. However, voters in the UK thought it was the stylish new Alfa Romeo Giulia that was most deserving of the top spot.

Our pick: XF R-Sport 2.0D 180 auto
UK winner: Alfa Romeo Giulia

Best Sports car: Audi A5 coupe

Image 6 of 8

Image 6 of 8

It may not be the most exciting coupe on the market, but the new Audi A5 takes the overall gong for best sports car thanks to its all-round appeal.

Smart, understated looks, a high-quality cabin and cossetting driving experience elevate it above some fast and exciting new models such as the BMW M2 and Porsche 718 Boxster.

With space for four, Audi’s usual array of exceedingly clever tech and punchy engines give it the edge. Auto Express voters disagreed, with the characterful Abarth 124 Spider topping the charts over here.

Our pick: 2.0 TDI S-Line 190
UK winner: Abarth 124 Spider

Best Hybrid / Electric car: BMW i3

Image 7 of 8

Image 7 of 8

It’s one of the oldest cars in this category, but BMW’s pioneering electric hatchback takes a Golden Steering Wheel ahead of new pretenders to the crown like the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia Niro.

New batteries for 2016 improve the i3’s electric range further, but the rest of the excellent package is unchanged. The stylish minimalist cabin, impressive performance, clever tech and desirability ensure the BMW i3 status as one of our (and your) favourite electric cars – it also won the UK choice award.

Our choice: BMW i3 Rex
UK winner: BMW i3

Most Beautiful Car: Alfa Romeo Giulia

Image 8 of 8

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - front action

Image 8 of 8

While the Alfa’s crucial new Giulia missed out on an overall category gong, the judges did award it “Most beautiful car” of 2016.

The legendary Italian brand has a long history of producing models with real style, and the Giulia is no different, injecting character into the normally sensible compact executive segment. Both inside and out, it’s got real desirability that Alfa hopes will make buyers ditch their Audi A4s.

What do you think of the 2016 Golden Steering Wheel winners? Let us know in the comments...

Lawrence Allan

Thank you for reading the article about Golden Steering Wheel 2016: winners revealed in blog station of gear If this article was helpful please bookmark this page in your web browser by pressing Ctrl + D on your keyboard keys.