Why it won

There are more contenders than ever for this title, which makes victory for the Kia Sportage for the second year running all the more remarkable. With its unbeatable seven-year warranty, stylish looks and capable diesel engines, it's one of the few new cars that combines desirability and affordability in equal measure.

It feels like a quality product inside and out, but what sets it apart from premium rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X3 is the level of luxury on offer from even the most basic versions. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, and there's a useful 564-litre boot, so it's still practical despite its racy exterior.

Four-wheel drive versions are the best handling models in the range, and mix comfort and driving enjoyment that's missing from front-wheel drive versions. All Kia Sportage models come with a comprehensive list of standard safety kit, including six airbags and electronic stability control. This all helped the Kia to achieve a solid five star Euro NCAP rating.

It's not the last word in driving thrills, but the Kia is easily the most affordable and rounded 4x4 on sale.