Mazda MX-5

The iconic Mazda MX-5 has been rated the “Best Sports car” in the 2010 JD Power vehicle satisfaction survey, notching up a score of 82.3% and beating competition from the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Volkswagen Eos and Audi TT. Over 17,000 drivers took part in the survey and Mazda MX-5 drivers gave the two-seater sportscar top scores for appearance, exterior and interior quality and mechanical reliability, performance, running costs and also for dealer service.

Mark Cameron, Sales Director, Mazda UK said,” Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round.The MX-5 soft top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Roadster Coupe adds to those thrills with an even more premium experience, together with that same exhilarating drive”.

Toyota Aygo

The J.D Power and Associates/WhatCar? Vehicle Ownership Study (VOSS), has show Toyota maintaining its fifth placed ranking, but up nine points. The star performers however were the Aygo and Yaris which achieved top ranking in VOSS City Car and Small car categories (Yaris equal top ranked). The full hybrid Prius was second ranked in the Upper Medium Car category and the Verso and RAV4 were voted third-ranked MPV and SUV.

Toyota Yaris

The study was conducted from owners who had used their cars for around two years old. Jon Williams, Toyota Commercial Director, said: “These study results are all the more important as they are based on the real-world experiences of vehicle owners. Toyota is committed to delivering quality, reliability, durability and owner-appeal in all its models, supported by competitive low running costs”. Toyota contract hire on the full range of cars, vans and pick-ups is available now.

Qashqai is 11th

Nissan’s compact Crossover, the Qashqai, has been rated 11th overall in the J.D. Power/WhatCar? 2009 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey of 101 models. This is the first time it has appeared in the survey results.

The Sunderland built Qashai scored 81.4% and was rated third in the SUV category scoring highly for low ownership costs, visibility and design. The Nissan Note also did well scoring 80.1% and was in 29th position overall. Qashqai scored higher than all its traditional C-segment competitors including the VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic and Renault Megane.

Jim Oliver, Nissan Manufacturing UK’s Director of Quality Assurance, said “For Qashqai to be ranked 11th overall in its first appearance in the J.D Power WhatCar? 2009 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey is the result of Nissan’s long-term global commitment to delivering outstanding levels of quality, not just in terms of engineering but in customer service too. Quality remains a key priority for Nissan worldwide and this kind of independent recognition from our customers is a testament to the dedication of Nissan’s world-class workforce in constantly striving to raise the bar in terms of quality”.

Number 5 in JD Power survey

Skoda must have happy drivers as they have finished in the top 5 in the JD Power & Associates Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey for the 14th successive year. The Skoda Octavia was also named as the Best Small Family Car for the third year in a row.

Skoda UK Director, Robert Hazelwood, said ” We are delighted to yet again be in the top five in this prestigious survey and to be the only brand consistently ranked so highly. This result is impartial confirmation that Skoda continues to offer great quality products and excellent value for money, and that our retailer partners continue to deliver outstanding levels of customer service”.

Mr Hazelwood went on to say ” With the arrival of the all-new Yeti in September, we are confident that we can introduce a whole new group of consumers to our exceptional customer experience”.

What Car? magazine said The Octavia is a likeable car as well as a reliable one. Owners give strong scores for the driving experience, the roomy cabin and the way the car looks. What’s more, the Skoda should be cheap to run”.  All of these factors should make Skoda car leasing an attractive option and prices can be compared now.