I-Pace is Scottish Car of the Year 05 | 11 | 2018

JAGUAR’S ALL-ELECTRIC SUV, the innovative I-Pace, has been crowned 2018 Scottish Car of the Year. Designed by Scot Ian Callum, the I-Pace was also named best in class of its Alternative Fuel Category by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers before fighting off competition from the other category winners to take the top title. (Related: Jaguar launches all-electric I-Pace)

It is the first time Jaguar has lifted the title since 2006 when the XK was crowned. (Related: Taggarts opens new £12m Jaguar and Volvo showrooms)

Presenting the award at a gala dinner in the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club Edinburgh, John Murdoch, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers said: "The standard and variety of new models launched this year made judging difficult in all categories. (Related: Jaguar I-PACE 200-mile road-trip)

"However, from the moment ASMW members got behind the wheel of the I-Pace for the first time, they were in no doubt that it was a special vehicle. The most exciting Jaguar since the E-Type, the electric I-Pace fully deserves its Scottish Car of the Year Crown.

"It looks great, drives superbly and offers all the refinement and luxury you would expect from a Jaguar. At the same time it is a great leap forward for the company and for electric cars in general. If this is the future Bring it On!"

And the award was understandably welcomed by Jaguar’s Design Director, Dumfries-born Ian Callum.

"Scotland has a long history of design excellence, and as a Scot, it is a huge honour to be awarded Scottish Car of The Year for I-Pace,” he said.

“Development of the I-Pace started many years ago, with design and engineering working closely to achieve a vision to create not only the best electric vehicle but the best car, all round — and this award really affirms that".

The I-Pace is available to order now from Scottish dealerships, with prices starting from £59,995 OTR (including government incentives). The Jaguar E-Pace, which also collected an award, starts from £28,930.

Accepting the award, Rowdan Glover, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover UK said: "We are delighted to win this award in such an important market for Jaguar Land Rover.

“We are very proud that the I-Pace has been acknowledged as a game-changer, yet remains recognisable as a Jaguar, with luxury and capability at the heart of its design, along with one of the most advanced zero-emissions powertrains ever fitted to a production car. The I-Pace is an electric vehicle that's practical for everyday use and we look forward to seeing even more on the road.

"E-Pace is an incredible package of practicality geared for everyday family life, but it’s also lots of fun to drive with its sports car looks and handling. We are delighted the Jaguar E-Pace has been awarded Best Premium SUV at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. With F-Pace winning the same category in 2016, it's great to see the 'Cub' having its deserving moment in the spotlight".

The SCOTY awards also produced double results for Ford and Kia. Ford's new Focus (photo above Kia Stinger) took the Family Car title 21 years after it lifted the overall title back in 1998. The company's Ranger also lifted the Pick-Up title. The Kia Stinger (Pictured above) took the Executive Car title while the talented Sportage, which won the overall SCOTY title back in 2010, was voted Best Used Car.

Hyundai's Kona (pictured above) defeated stiff competition to take the Small Car title while the Peugeot 5008 took the Family Crossover Award. Jaguar's E-Pace was the winner of the Premium Crossover award while Vauxhall's Insignia Country Tourer came out tops in the Four-Wheel-Drive category.

The Estate Car title was awarded to the Volvo V60 (pictured immediately below) while Suzuki's entertaining Swift Sport took the Hot Hatch title. The Sports Car title was won by the blistering BMW M5 (bottom picture).

Finally, Mazda took the Innovation and Technology award for their continued development of the internal combustion engine resulting in a new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) system which delivers more power, better economy and a cleaner burn for lower emissions.

SCOTY category winners at a glance:


Small: Hyundai Kona;

Family: Ford Focus;

Family Crossover: Peugeot 5008;

Executive: Kia Stinger;

Premium Crossover: Jaguar E-Pace;

Four-Wheel-Drive: Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer;

Estate: Volvo V60;

Sports: BMW M5;

Alternative Fuel: Jaguar I-Pace;

Hot Hatch: Suzuki Swift Sport;

Pick-Up: Ford Ranger;

Used Car: Kia Sportage;

Innovation and Technology: Mazda Spark Controlled Compression Ignition system.

Related: Scots car group expands with Jaguar in Stirling

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Jim McGill

Caption (Main picture): Rawdon Glover, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, holds the Scottish Car of the Year Award as John Murdoch, President of the ASMW, makes himself comfy in the driver's seat of the I-Pace in the grounds of Dundas Castle.