For the first time in the competition’s 16 years’ history, a performance car has been voted the Northern Car of the Year.
Toyota’s GR Yaris, which boasts a top speed of 142 miles an hour, has topped the annual poll carried out by the 36-strong Northern Group of Motoring Writers.
The Group’s traditional award, the miner’s lamp, suitably inscribed, was presented to James Clark, senior manager, PR, with Toyota Lexus GB, by NGMW chairman Andy Harris at the annual northern test day organised by the SMMT at Wetherby racecourse.
“An award voted for by motoring journalists is always special so everyone at at Toyota GB is thrilled” said a delighted James.
“Following GR Supra and ahead of GR86 our rally-derived Yaris has really put the Gazoo Racing name on the map in the UK and I know our colleagues at Gazoo Racing in Japan and at our European race HQ in Cologne will be just as delighted with this award.
“A huge thank you to the NGMW – our miner’s lamp will take pride of place in the trophy cabinet.”
The lamp, a special symbol of the north, is nicknamed the Arthur – after Arthur Scargill, probably still the best-known miner in the country.
The 257bhp GR Yaris has been produced in limited numbers and is such a collector’s item it is predicted to increase its value considerably in the years ahead.
In another first, NG members were invited to choose the best vehicle in each of six categories with the GR Yaris being named the best fun car.
Other category winners were the Mustang Mach-E (EV), Skoda Octavia (Family), Rolls-Royce Ghost (Luxury), Hyundai i20 (Small), Cupra Formentor (SUV).
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