The new and used vehicle retail platform AutoTrader has awarded the Tesla Model Y as their New Car of the Year for 2024.

The awards were based on feedback from around 200,000 motorists across the UK, looking at factors such as value for money, drivability and styling.

A spokesperson from AutoTrader noted that the popular electric model has a wide range of advantages that make it an easy vehicle to live with.

They explained: “Owners love all aspects of their Model Ys from the ‘uncluttered, easy to use central dash’ to the low running costs, not forgetting the acceleration and Autopilot technology.

“According to one owner, ‘everything about the Model Y is just so easy. Easy to open and set off, to drive, to park, to charge. It makes life easier and is a dependable part of the family now!’. The Model Y fought off strong competition from the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya.”

On sale since 2020, the Tesla Model Y is the company’s most affordable crossover, sharing a number of parts with the entry-level Model 3.

Prices start at £44,990 for the rear-wheel drive version, which features a range of 283 miles per charge, and rise to nearly £60,000 for the sporty Performance variant.

Whilst sales are still incredibly strong, with the Model Y crowned the UK’s best-selling electric car of 2023, a facelifted version with a new front end and revised interior is due to be released in 2025.

A number of other popular electric models also received awards from AutoTrader at the event, with the Nissan Ariya praised as the best vehicle for long-distance driving.

Launched in January 2022, the Ariya is the first electric SUV in the Nissan range, with a four-wheel drive variant available, making it a very capable model.

Whilst the entry level version, priced at £39,645, has a maximum range of 224 miles, more expensive versions of the Nissan Ariya can cover up to 311 miles per charge.

Nevertheless, not all models to get an AutoTrader award were electric, with the Dacia Sandero Stepway being named the Best Value New Car of 2024.

The crossover version of the UK’s cheapest new car, the Sandero Stepway is a compact five seater that can be ordered with a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) engine to reduce running costs.

The petrol-powered Audi A1 was also named the best model for new drivers due to its attractive appearance, good build quality and economical running costs.