What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2020 – Ford Puma wins top gong

What Car? has named the new Ford Puma as its 2020 car of the year.

The first Ford to use the Puma name in almost 20 years, it took the top prize after also triumphing in the small SUV category.

Rivals for the overall car of the year title included the Skoda Scala, Range Rover Evoque and Tesla Model 3.

The judges praised the Puma for being fun to drive, cleverly packaged and well priced.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “As a small SUV, the Ford Puma competes in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the car market. Crucially, it also excels in all the areas that are important to buyers, according to our research.

“Thanks to its sharp handling, gutsy engine and clever mild hybrid technology, it offers a mix of fun and frugality not previously seen among its competitors. Plus, it’s as practical as it is stylish. In short, the Ford Puma is truly outstanding.”

Victory at the 2020 What Car? Car of the Year Awards marks the sixth time Ford has taken home this top accolade – but the first time it has won since 2009, when it triumphed with the Ford Fiesta.

Roelant de Waard, Ford’s European vice-president for sales and service, said: “It’s a great honour for the Ford Puma to be named as What Car?’s car of the year 2020.

The Puma was praised for its “sharp handling, gutsy engine and clever mild hybrid technology”

“We’re all excited to see the return of the Puma name on a stylish and dynamic crossover that reflects today’s customer aspirations.”

Three new categories were introduced for 2020, reflecting the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs: small electric car, large electric car and coupe SUV.

These titles were awarded to the Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3 and Range Rover Velar respectively.

Elsewhere, it was a hugely successful night for BMW, with its latest 3 Series winning best executive car, best blug-in hybrid and the safety award, while the bigger 5 Series was named best luxury car.

Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of headline sponsor MotorEasy, said: “It is a privilege to be so closely involved in the 2020 What Car? Car of the Year Awards. Both MotorEasy and What Car? share the same driver centric approach to motoring.

“Each year What Car? highlights the leading models to look out for over the next 12 months, and gives a great insight into what cars will be bought over the year. This insight enables MotorEasy to help it’s members to better protect and maintain their cars.”