Tesla’s new Model 3 has picked up a string of accolades in the Parkers New Car Awards 2020, including Company Car of the Year.

The fully electric model also picked up the headline Car of the Year award, as well as Best Electric Car and Best Safety Award.

BMW’s 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class were shortlisted for the Company Car of the Year category, which was judged with input from Fleet News.

Tesla’s smallest and cheapest car was the UK’s third best-selling model in August - the first time an electric vehicle (EV) has made the top 10 best sellers.

Experts at Parkers, the UK’s biggest new car buying and advice website, were impressed with the Model 3, calling it “capable, likeable and extremely good to drive.”

Keith Adams, editor of Parkers, said: “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.

“The Tesla Model 3 isn’t just a good electric car. It is a good car full stop. Not only do attractive leases make it cheaper to run than you would think, it is environmentally-friendly and also very fast and fun to drive.

“It is the first time an electric car has been named Parkers’ Car of the Year, but with all the big manufacturers spending billions on developing exciting EVs, it is unlikely to be the last.”

According to Parkers’ new miles per pound metric, the entry-level Model 3 will travel 32 miles for every £1 of electricity - three times as far as a petrol or diesel equivalent.

Other big winners at the Parkers New Car Awards 2020 included the Ford Focus, which scooped the Best Small Family Car prize, while the Best Large Family Car was awarded to the Skoda Superb Estate.

More articles on: