Some of the most popular vehicles on the road have been crowned in the Auto Express Used Car of the Year Awards, with second-hand models taking centre stage.
The BMW 3 Series was crowned overall Car of the Year, while also claiming the mantle of Compact Executive Car of the Year.
Judges commended the 3 Series for being a car “that can do it all”, adding that it was “this year’s brightest star”.
It was praised for its efficient diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as the high-performance petrol variant.
Experts also noted the choice available, referencing the saloon and estate models on offer, while still maintaining a good offer for motorists.
Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, explained that the Used Car Awards aim to provide a clearer picture to prospective buyers of what the vehicle will be like.
He noted that there was a particular focus on reliability, value, and everyday practicality to ensure drivers are getting a good product for their money.
“[The 3 Series] outpoints its competition as a new car, and those strengths easily translate to the used market, while strong sales mean there’s plenty of choice and value to be found for second-hand buyers,” Mr Barker said.
The BMW 3 Series was crowned Used Car of the Year
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BMW
The Jaguar I-Pace and Skoda Fabia were commended in the overall Car of the Year ranking, with both models capturing the top spot in other categories.
The powerful electric Jaguar was ranked as the Electric Car of the Year and Executive Car of the Year, while the Skoda took home the best Supermini prize.
The I-Pace was given an impressive rating by Auto Express, with experts highlighting its “brilliant performance”, practicality and interior quality.
Drivers can expect a suitable battery range of 252 miles, a 0-60mph time of just 4.5 seconds and rapid charging capabilities.
The Jaguar I-Pace was ranked as the Best Electric Car
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JAGUAROther winners included the UK’s best-selling car, the Ford Puma, for Best Small SUV, while fellow Blue Oval model, the Fiesta ST, was crowned in the Hot Hatch category.
Some of last year’s high-ranking vehicles, including the Vauxhall Corsa-e (Car of the Year) and the Vauxhall Corsa F (Supermini), were absent from the 2025 list.
Mr Barker concluded, saying: “Our team of experts, with decades of collective testing experience, have put every model through its paces over the years, and combine that knowledge with data and insight from our industry-leading Driver Power survey, where owners tell us what these cars are really like to live with.
“That’s why our readers trust our advice when hunting for the right used car.”
The Ford Puma was ranked as the best second-hand Small SUV
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FORD
Winners from the 2025 Auto Express ‘Used Car of the Year’ Awards
Car of the Year – BMW 3 Series
City Car – Fiat 500e
Supermini – Skoda Fabia
Compact Family Hatch – Hyundai Ioniq
Family Car – Vauxhall Insignia
Estate Car – Skoda Octavia
Small SUV – Ford Puma
Mid-size SUV – Dacia Duster
Large SUV – Kia Sorento
Compact Exec – BMW 3 Series
Executive – Jaguar I-Pace
Luxury car – Audi A8
MPV – Dacia Jogger
Coupe – Mercedes C-Class Coupe
Convertible – Mini Convertible
Hot Hatch – Ford Fiesta ST
Sports Car – Porsche 911 (2011-19)
Hybrid Car – Toyota Yaris
Electric Car – Jaguar I-Pace
Van of the Year – Ford Transit Custom