JAGUAR X-TYPE SCOOPS MAXOL CAR OF THE YEAR
The Jaguar X-Type was today (Monday, March 11) named Northern Ireland's Maxol Car of the Year 2002 by Ulster's Motoring journalists.
The award was presented by members of the Ulster Motoring Writers Association at the annual Car of the Year Awards ceremony sponsored by Maxol.
UMWA chairperson, Sue Corbett of Sunday Life, said the “baby Jag” stood out as a winner because it broke new frontiers in putting prestige motoring within everyone’s reach.
“The dream of owning a Jag became achievable for more drivers because of the Jaguar X-Type,” she said.
“This is a superb car offering fantastic value for money. The judging panel felt that Jaguar deserved recognition for the achievement of so successfully broadening its customer base.”
Pictured are: Ken McConomy, Jaguar Cars, Sue Corbett, Chairperson of the Ulster Motoring Writers Association, Paul Chesney, Jaguar Cars and Brian Donaldson, General Manager Marketing and Retail, Maxol Group.
The Jaguar X-Type faced some stiff competition from other award winners announced at the event.
The Renault Laguna picked up the Family Car Award, while Nissan’s X-Trail was declared Leisure Vehicle of the Year. The choice in the Small Car category was the Mini, and the Diesel Car of the Year prize went to the Volkswagen Passat. BMW’s M3 took the Sports Car of the Year accolade. Jaguar X-Type also won the best Executive Car category.
Brian Donaldson, General Manager – Marketing and Retail said: 'Maxol is delighted to support the car industry by continuing its sponsorship of the Car of the Year Awards. The awards presented today not only reflect innovative car design but also value for money and vehicle performance. As a locally owned oil company, with more than 400 filling stations throughout the North and South of Ireland the continued support of local events such as the Car of the Year Awards is an important part of Maxol's investment in the local community."
The Maxol Car of the Year Awards are judged on cars that have been test driven on roads in Northern Ireland by local journalists.
Car of The Year Awards 2001 Category Winners and Runners Up:
* Overall Car of the Year – Jaguar X-Type (runner-up Mini)
* Family Car – Renault Laguna (runner-up Peugeot 307)
* Small Car - Mini (joint runners-up Renault Clio and Skoda Fabia)
* Executive Car – Jaguar X-Type (runner-up Audi A6)
* Sporting Car –BMW M3 (runner-up Peugeot 206 Cabrio)
* Leisure Car – Nissan X-Trail (joint runners-up Honda Stream and Toyota Avensis Verso)
* Diesel Car – Volkswagen Passat (runner-up Audi Avanti)