Members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) have voted BMW’s all-new 3 Series as their ultimate driving machine.

The impressive compact executive contender was crowned 2005 Scottish Car of the Year in front of more than 200 motor industry representatives at the prestigious St Andrews Bay resort on Friday, October 21.

Now in its eighth year, the SCotY awards recognise the achievements of more than 50 new models launched in the past 12 months. Cars are judged across seven categories on a criteria which includes; performance, value for money, safety and Scots appeal. Previous winners include the original Ford Focus, Jaguar X- and S-TYPE models plus the Mazda6 – all of which have gone on to enjoy spectacular sales success in the Scottish marketplace.

As well as taking top honours, the BMW 3 Series emerged in front of the Audi A6 Avant and Lexus GS to scoop a win in the Executive/Luxury section. Other category champions were: Small - Renault Modus; Family - Ford Focus; SUV - Range Rover Sport; MPV - Mazda 5; Diesel - Jaguar XJ 2.7d; Sporting - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.

Announcing the award, ASMW President Ally Ballingall said: "The battle for this year’s top accolade was a close-run contest between several very different vehicles but one car nudged ahead of the rest. Strong residual values make our winner an obvious choice among cash conscious Scottish private buyers while two talented diesel engine options make it a big hit with company car drivers. An astonishing machine to drive, look at and sit in, BMW’s 3 Series is the ASMW’s ultimate motor from all the new models launched in the past 12 months."

Jim O'Donnell, BMW (UK) Ltd Managing Director, added: "BMW UK and our Scottish dealers are absolutely delighted that the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers has presented its 2005 car of the year award to the new BMW 3 Series. With the car now in its 30th year, the new model had a huge reputation to live up to and when expectations are so high, it can be a challenge to deliver. But that’s a challenge that BMW’s designers and engineers have risen to.

"The new 3 Series looks great and drives brilliantly. It’s also a clear winner as far as real-world ownership is concerned. We're really proud of this car as it offers premium qualities all round, from both a driver's and accountant's perspective, and I'm pleased that both those facets appealed so strongly to the Scottish motoring writers."

Complementing the event’s prestigious status in the country’s motoring calendar, the Scottish Car of the Year awards has also become a major fundraiser. To date, thanks to the generosity of those who attend and support the celebrations at St Andrews Bay, the ASMW has donated more than £100,000 to a variety of good causes, including The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) plus a selection of smaller charities nominated by members.

Source: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

No surprsie, i would say the new 3 is an amazing machine, and for sure will be the best seller for BMW indefinatley. Car is breaking all records, and they deserve it.

Great news for the new 3series and BMW.... BMW always was the running up of this title...

Well deserved award! New 3 series is a fantastic car.

Wow, the 3 er one a car of the year. Pretty surprised because the winners of the car are supposed to be affordable, haha. 3er is just too irresistable.

Not quite right. Yes they should be some what affordable and although the 3er isn't cheap it is affordable(there is much more expensive cars rolling on the road). But the most important thing is that the car is of good value, which in this case the 3er is.