Fleet car award for Mazda6

The Mazda6 was commended for its stunning looks

Mazda took to the podium for the first time at this year’s Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards, when the Mazda6 was named its large car (D Segment) of the year.

Some 27 fleet cars were shortlisted and judged on aspects such as their styling, quality, driving and engine performance, equipment levels, safety, and running costs.

Judges commented on the Mazda6’s ‘stunning looks, lovely drive and smooth ride’ as well as its ‘ample boot space’.

Meanwhile, the rest of the awards were again claimed by Volkswagen, Skoda, BMW and Audi.

The ‘magnificent’ Volkswagen Golf took the small car (C segment) award.

BMW took home three awards, claiming both of the premium category awards, as well as the executive award.

The BMW 3 Series was named winner in the large car premium segment. Judges described it as the ‘best 3 Series ever’. The ‘perfect all-round car’ BMW 5 Series touring took the estate premium award and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe took the executive award, with judges describing it as the ‘ultimate combination of performance and style’.

Meanwhile, the Skoda Superb Combi, which was commended for its ‘space and load carrying capabilities’ was named the best estate.

And the ‘chauffeurs choice’ Audi A8 won the luxury category. Judges said it had an ‘excellent combination of build quality and driving pleasure’ and was the ‘car to desire’.

Compere Mark Richardson said that on average 48 per cent of all new cars sold in Ireland are from the fleet sector.