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Tesla’s Model 3 has collected a raft of trophies at a leading car awards ceremony in the UK, winning four categories in total and beating petrol and diesel models to three.

The £38,500 (inclusive of the government’s £3,500 plug-in car grant) was named by Parkers as the New Car of the Year at its annual motoring awards events – the first time an electric vehicle has taken the crown. 

The Model 3 also bagged gongs for the best electric model, best company car and a safety award having aced the industry’s crash tests.

Experts at Parkers said they were mightily impressed with the Tesla Model 3, calling it ‘capable, likeable and extremely good to drive’. 

Keith Adams, editor of the motoring title, said: ‘Although we’re a long way from the end of days for petrol and diesel, it’s good to know that the forward-thinking among us have a choice of some very talented alternatively-powered cars.

‘The Tesla Model 3 isn’t just a good electric car. It is a good car full stop.

‘Not only do attractive leases make it cheaper to run than you would think, it is environmentally-friendly and also very fast and fun to drive.

‘It is the first time an electric car has been named Parkers’ Car of the Year, but with all the big manufacturers spending billions on developing exciting EVs, it is unlikely to be the last.’

Tesla’s smallest and cheapest car is already proving popular among Britons.

It was the UK’s third best-selling model in August – the first time an electric vehicle has made the top 10 best sellers.

While this was a landmark achievement, it was predominantly the result of the mass arrival of the first batch of examples on UK soil, with some customers placing orders more than two years ago. 

This is Money highlighted earlier this month that buyers face fluctuating prices when it comes to purchasing one of the plug-in models.

During August, prices across the Model 3 range increased by six per cent – increases of £2,000 and £3,000 depending on which of the three specifications drivers choose. 

However, Parkers says the Model 3 still represents relatively affordable driving. 

The cheapest Tesla Model 3 costs under £400 per month on finance and will travel 32 miles for every £1 of electricity – three times as far as a petrol or diesel equivalent.

Other big winners at the Parkers New Car Awards 2020 included the Ford Focus, which scooped the Best Small Family Car prize, while the Best Large Family Car was awarded to the Skoda Superb Estate.

The Best First Car was the Renault Clio, while the ‘utterly charming’ Suzuki Jimny beat SUVs costing twice as much to the title of Best Off-Roader.

The Volkswagen Touareg picked up the title of Best Tow Car. 

Adams added: ‘The Parkers New Car Awards represent the best cars on sale today – for people in all walks of life, at all budget points.

‘We’re obsessive over recommending the best vehicles for the Great British public – and these are the finest cars you can buy in 2020.’