They are indeed the “Scottish Motoring Oscars,” an evening of glitz and glamour where the cars are the stars. It is of course the annual Scottish Car Of The Year Awards organised by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers who are a band of merry gentlemen journalists plus one jolly woman including Flik Magazine’s Ally and Lorraine. Every member has a vote in each of the nine qualifying categories; they are then advised of the winners of each of those categories and asked to vote for their overall choice to become Scottish Car of the Year 2024. This year, there were some tough choices to be made and in two categories only a single point separated the winner from the other finalists. This was the 26th “SCOTY” event which was hosted by Ally Bally and took place at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club.
Small Car – Suzuki Swift
Small cars remain big news in Scotland but one contender immediately struck a chord with the judging panel. Exceptional real-world economy, strong performance, impressive levels of standard equipment, improved interior packaging and competitive pricing are just some of our winner’s countless strongpoints.
Compact Crossover / SUV – Lexus LBX
The appetite for compact crossovers shows no signs of slowing and this year’s category champion comes from a brand that’s perfectly placed to capitalise on the demand to downsize. Combining striking design with a proven hybrid drivetrain and industry-leading build quality, demand for our winner is, understandably, already outpacing supply.
I.C.E. Family Car – Skoda Kodiaq
Be in no doubt, the internal combustion engine remains very much at the heart of family motoring and our winner delivers its power in a more traditional petrol or diesel manner. With up to seven seats, impressive driving dynamics and a thoughtfully designed cabin, this is a car that can cope perfectly with everything family life can throw at it.
Electric Family Car – Renault Scenic
For those ready to make the switch, 2024 sees some of the strongest contenders yet. But it was the rebirth of a nameplate that’s been at the backbone of family life on the move since the 90s which edged ahead of the rest. An impressive range, fabulous interior, advanced technology and desirable design put this manufacturer back on the family car map.
Large EV – Kia EV9
Whether you’re looking to transport the family in silent style, or demand zero emissions motoring for business use, there could really only be one winner in this category for 2024. Big, bold, beautiful to look at and sit in while brimming with technology, this is a car with the capability to convert those who may not previously have considered going electric.
Large I.C.E. Car – Hyundai Santa Fe
It’s rare for votes in a segment to be unanimous but that’s what happened in the Large Internal Combustion category this year. Combining luxury limo levels of quality and space with a flexible interior configuration, choice of conventional or plug-in drivetrains and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, our winner catapults its maker right into the heart of the premium SUV sector.
Premium Executive Car – Polestar 3
This is the category where voting was tightest and that very much highlights the strength of new talent in the executive segment this year. Ultimately it was the way one car combined a refreshing new design along with a beautifully furnished interior, engaging driving dynamics and real sense of character which secured the victory.
Performance Car – Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
If you’re after a sporting thriller with the ultimate wow factor then look no further than the Scottish Performance Car of the Year for 2024. Not only is this champion packed with technology which takes plug-in motoring to an entirely new level, our winner is an extremely fast car but one which will carry people and luggage without compromise. Epic is an understatement.
Used Car Under £15,000 – Ford Fiesta
Whether you have £2,000 or £15,000 to spend, if it’s a supermini you’re after, then the ASMW’s recommendation for 2024 is a unanimous one. For choice, driving dynamics and ultimate all-round appeal, the disappointing thing about our top choice is that it’s no longer in production.
Utility – Ford Transit
Custom Commercial vehicles are the backbone of Scottish business and the vehicle which emerged victorious did so for a multitude of reasons. Launched as a frugal diesel, but with plug-in and electric derivatives on the way, there’s a bodystyle to suit the demands of almost every trade. Moreover, it’s great to drive and offers an array of useful features.
Used Car Over £15,000 – Kia Sportage
Winning a SCOTY Used Car of the Year accolade once is an achievement, but this year sees a particular model pick up the trophy again. Every generation has delivered vast improvements in design, driveability and technology. With the current model available on the used car marketplace for under £20k complete with the balance of a seven-year warranty it’s impossible to ignore.
