The Mazda MX-5 has emerged as the overall winner at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2016.

It beat 12 other category winners, including the Volvo XC90, which was runner-up for the overall trophy, and the Skoda Superb Estate in third.

Class winners:

  • Best City Car – Smart Forfour
  • Best Supermini – Mazda2
  • Best Small Hatch – Vauxhall Astra
  • Best Family Car – Skoda Superb
  • Best Executive Car – Jaguar XE
  • Best Luxury Car – BMW 7 Series
  • Best Estate Car – Skoda Superb Estate
  • Best MPV – Ford S-Max
  • Best SUV – Volvo XC90
  • Best Coupe – Ford Mustang
  • Best Open Top Car – Mazda MX-5
  • Best Performance Car – McLaren 570S

Launched in 2014, the UK Car of the Year Awards are judged by 27 of Britain’s most-read and experienced motoring journalists, and were sponsored in 2016 by Cox Automotive. Each judge uses their expertise to pick out the top performer in 12 vehicle categories, before deciding the overall winner from the top of each class.

“With the latest MX-5, Mazda has created the perfect roadster. A lightweight engaging, simplistic and even practical vehicle, which is an absolute pleasure to drive,” said John Challen, director of the UK Car of the Year Awards (pictured right).

Fellow director, Alisdair Suttie, added: “The fourth generation is true to the original spirit of the MX-5: light, nimble and enormous fun.”

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK managing director (pictured left) said: “I’m delighted that the all-new Mazda MX-5 has added another prestigious award to its growing tally of accolades. The MX-5 embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has earned it a place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts the world over.”