“Brilliant” Model 3 bags record number of UK auto awards in one go

The Tesla Model 3 has claimed a record number of auto awards at the UK’s coveted Parkers Awards 2020, including the top gong of New Car of the Year.

The groundbreaking electric sedan from Californian carmaker Tesla received a total of four prizes, a first for any car in the Parker Awards, hosted by the auto-advice company of the same name.

Apart from the top title of New Car of the Year, it also won Electric Car of the Year, Company Car of the Year, and Best Safety Award.

The awards underline Tesla’s progress in establishing electric cars as not just a quirky or ineffectual mode of transport but as a totally viable and better alternative to internal combustion vehicles (ICE).

“Although we’re a long way from the end of days for petrol and diesel, it’s good to know that the forward-thinking among us have a choice of some very talented alternatively-powered cars,” said editor of Parker’s Car Guides Keith Adams in a statement.

“The Tesla Model 3 isn’t just a good electric car. It is a good car full stop.”

In announcing the award, Parkers stated that, “The Model 3’s clean-sheet approach not only achieves reduced emissions overall, but also within its immediate environment” and described it as a “brilliant piece of disruptive thinking”.

“It’s highly capable, very likeable and extremely good to drive. The quality and usability are also a step-up from the Teslas that have come before. We think it’s a real gamechanger.”

It said the new approach to interior design and interaction creates a relaxing environment, and genuinely usable autonomous driving modes that take the human stress out of congestion and monotonous, constant-speed motorway driving.

“None of this would be possible without a support network that allows drivers to step away from the flammable and oil-stained forecourt of fossil fuels,” it said.

“We’re under no delusion that electricity is clean and without an environmental cost, but it has the potential to be sustainable and reduce emissions overall, something that the petrochemical energy industry simply can’t achieve.

“Tesla’s immense investment in Superchargers, home powerbanks, solar tiles and other supporting technologies make the Model 3 part of an ecosystem that has the goal of minimising the damage caused to the world’s ecosystems contributed to by more than a century of motoring.”

When considered as a company car, the Model 3 beat the rest of the pack on savings in part because in the UK, companies choosing electric vehicles will not pay any benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax in the following financial year.

The Model 3 was awarded the safety award for “the most complete implementation of driver assistance available in the UK” that was behind the vehicle’s 94% Euro NCAP rating we reported on in July.