Volvo XC90 crowned Auto Express Car of the Year

The Volvo XC90 has been named Auto Express Car of the Year, sponsored by Warrantywise. This marks the second time the XC90 has scooped the award – the original version took top honours in 2003.

Auto Express’ editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, said: “The new XC90 has been a long time coming, but it’s been well worth the wait. Volvo’s owner, Geely, has provided the backing for Volvo to produce one of the best cars in the world, and that’s exactly what it’s done – the XC90 is a stunning car.”

One of the newest SUVs on the market was joined on the winner’s rostrum by the oldest still in production. The 67-year-old Land Rover Defender was honoured as the first car to join the Auto Express Hall of Fame – something that’s usually reserved for top industry bosses.

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport was crowned Best Compact SUV, making it a double for the Midlands-based SUV manufacturer.

Jaguar Land Rover enjoyed more success, as the all-new Jaguar XE took home the Best Compact Executive Award and the Jaguar XF won the Design of the Year award, as voted for by Auto Express readers.

The Technology Award went to Vauxhall for its OnStar infotainment system, while Alan Batey, the boss of Vauxhall’s parent company GM, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He’d recently been named the most influential Briton in the global car industry in Auto Express’ Brit List.

2015 Auto Express Car of the Year winners

Car of the Year - Volvo XC90

Best City Car - Skoda CitigoBest Supermini - Volkswagen PoloBest Premium Small Car - MINI CooperBest Compact Family Car - SEAT Leon Best Crossover - Nissan QashqaiBest Family Car - Skoda SuperbBest Estate Car - Volkswagen PassatBest Compact Executive Car - Jaguar XEBest Executive Car - Audi A6Best Luxury Car - Mercedes S-ClassBest Hot Hatch - SEAT Leon Cupra Best Convertible - Audi A3 CabrioletBest MPV - Citroen Grand C4 PicassoBest Compact SUV - Land Rover Discovery SportBest Large SUV - Volvo XC90Best Coupe - Audi TTBest Roadster - Mazda MX-5Best Pick-up - Mitsubishi L200Best Performance Car - Porsche 911 GTSTechnology Award - GM/Vauxhall OnStarHall of Fame - Land Rover DefenderHall of Fame - Alan Batey, GM Executive Vice President and President, North AmericaGreen Award - BMW i3Design Award - Jaguar XFDriver Power Award - Lexus Best Ad Campaign - Honda - The Other SideSocial Media Award - Toyota Van of the Year - Ford Transit

For the full story on all the winners and commended runners-up, see the Auto Express Awards Special Issue, or go to autoexpress.co.uk/awards.