The start of a new year in motoring is traditionally about looking ahead, but the Southern Group of Motoring Writers prefers to begin by looking back and saying thank you. As 2026 gets underway, the SGMW has once again announced its New Year Honours, recognising the cars, manufacturers and PR professionals who made the biggest impression over the past 12 months.
Now in their ninth year, the SGMW New Year Honours have become a fixture on the industry calendar. Voted for by SGMW members, the awards reflect first-hand experience gained at launches, driving days and industry events throughout a relentlessly busy year. They celebrate not only standout vehicles, but also the often unsung efforts of PR teams who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes.
“It’s been another action-packed, full-on year so choosing the winners is no mean feat,” said SGMW chairman Ian Robertson. “These awards are our way of showing how much we appreciate the efforts made by manufacturers and their hard-working teams. They’ve gone from strength to strength and are now seen as a genuine reward for being on the road to success.”
PR excellence recognised
The Best PR Newcomer award went to Christian Tilbury of Renault UK, praised for making an immediate impact during one of the brand’s busiest periods in recent memory. With major launches including Scenic, Symbioz, updated Captur and Austral, alongside the revival of the Renault 4 and 5 and preparations for future arrivals, Tilbury stood out for his reliability, responsiveness and approachable manner.
The Best PR Office accolade was claimed by Kia UK, whose team was recognised for consistently delivering comprehensive access to both new models and heritage vehicles, ensuring SGMW members could fully engage with the brand throughout the year.
The SGMW’s tongue-in-cheek but highly respected OBE (Operating Beyond Expectation) award was presented to Simon Branney, formerly of Genesis Motor UK and now Geely Auto UK. Members cited his tireless support, standout advocacy and unwavering commitment to SGMW activities, including Heritage Day and the Karting GP.
Cars that made their mark
On the product side, the ‘Dark Horse’ of the Year award went to the Hyundai Inster, a compact electric car that exceeded expectations with its clever packaging, strong attention to detail and engaging driving experience. Members praised its ability to offer genuine space and appeal in a small EV footprint.
Looking ahead, Honda’s Super-N was named One to Watch, with members intrigued by the brand’s fresh EV direction. Described as a loveable kei car with a practical range and sensible pricing, it represents a potential turning point for Honda’s electric ambitions.
The top honour, SGMW Car of the Year, was awarded to the Renault 5 E-Tech. The retro-inspired electric supermini won acclaim for perfectly balancing nostalgic design with modern technology, strong driving dynamics and a competitive price point. For many members, it set a new benchmark for how accessible electric cars should feel.
A fitting farewell
Rounding out the honours was the Chairman’s Award, presented to Gary Cuthbert of Ford Motor Company. After decades of exemplary service arranging press cars and supporting journalists, Cuthbert retired last May, leaving a noticeable gap on both sides of the industry fence.
“I couldn’t think of a more deserving person,” said Robertson. “Gary delivered a fabulous service for untold years and is already greatly missed. Happy retirement, Gary, and thank you for everything you did to keep the wheels turning.”
As the first awards of the year, the SGMW New Year Honours set a positive tone for 2026, celebrating innovation, dedication and the people who make the motoring industry tick, long before the engines of the new year reach full revs.
