Record entry for Scots award

Oct 20 2008 John Murdoch

Record entry for Scots award

THE race is on to be crowned the Scottish Car of the Year for 2008.

The top brass from all the major motor manufacturers will descend on the five-star Fairmont at St Andrews later this month hoping to triumph.

One of the most coveted titles in the UK motoring scene has witnessed a record number of entrants this year alone.

Judges from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers - who host the annual event - have spent hours deliberating over their choices of category winners and the all important overall Car of the Year.

Previous winners have included Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Mazda, Ford and Peugeot.

Last time around Ford drove off with the top honour after its superb Mondeo triumphed.

And the Blue Oval badge will be looking to make it a second successive victory with two new cars - the Fiesta and the Kuga - looking to impress.

Equally Jaguar has high hopes for its latest luxury offering, the XF, styled by Scots-born designer Ian Callum.

Others in the running include the Mazda6, Citroen C5, Skoda Superb and Hyundai i10.

Bill Caven, president of the ASMW, said: 'The calibre of the entries this time around has been incredible.

'When you consider that there is no such thing these days as a bad car it made our job even harder.

'But I am confident that the members have come up with another deserved winner despite all the tough opposition around.'

The glittering event is not just about recognising the talents within the motor industry.

The Association has raised more than £120,000 for a host of charities north of the border since its event began more than a decade ago.

Caven added: 'Like so many industries these days the automotive one has struggled against the grim economic background.

'Hopefully the Scottish Car of the Year will provide a welcome shot in the arm for many of the manufacturers in the coming months.'