Invicta Motors · Used car news
Award-winning used cars: three smart choices
Seven-seat versatility, open-top enjoyment or a premium electric drive? The Dacia Jogger, Mazda MX-5 and Polestar 2 offer three different routes to your next used car.
Award images: Auto Express
Three cars. Four category awards.
The Auto Express Used Car Awards 2026, published on 21 October, recognise cars that make a compelling second-hand purchase. Three winners offer particularly useful starting points for very different needs.
The Jogger makes the case for family flexibility, the MX-5 puts driving enjoyment first, and the Polestar 2 brings an electric alternative. Here’s what the recognition means for your shortlist, with direct links to Invicta’s used-car searches.
For family life
Dacia Jogger: space that works harder
Auto Express highlighted the Jogger’s flexible interior and value, awarding it both the family-car and hybrid-car categories. It is the only model to receive two category wins in the 2026 results.
For a family buyer, the seven-seat layout is the first reason to take a closer look. Dacia’s removable third-row seats let you choose between carrying more people and making room for larger loads.
Petrol or hybrid?
On the used market, compare the TCe petrol manual with the Hybrid 140 automatic. The hybrid combines a petrol engine and electric motors, recovering energy as the car slows; it does not need plugging in.
The automatic may suit you if much of your week involves school runs and stop-start traffic. A petrol manual is worth comparing if you prefer changing gear yourself. Assess the individual car’s price, history and equipment alongside the powertrain.
Make the seven seats work for you
At your viewing, try access to the back row and check the luggage space with the seats in the arrangement you expect to use. Bring the pushchair or bags that need to fit.
Confirm the exact trim and model year: roof bars, parking aids and cabin equipment can differ between examples.
Award: Auto Express. Hybrid 140 and seating details: Dacia UK’s original model announcement.
For the drive
Mazda MX-5: make every journey count
The MX-5 takes Auto Express’s used-convertible award, with the judges praising its rear-wheel-drive balance and satisfying manual gearshift. It is a different kind of used-car choice: a compact two-seater for drivers who want the journey to be part of the appeal.
Choose the roof and engine around you
Across the used range, you can compare the fabric-roof Roadster with the retractable-hardtop RF. They give you different takes on open-top driving, so try the roof operation and seating position rather than deciding from photographs alone.
There are 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol versions across the used market. Engine outputs, specification and equipment changed over the model’s life; compare the exact cars available and choose the one that feels right on a test drive.
Small details make the difference
Check that you are comfortable with the roof up and down, and try the boot with the luggage you normally carry. Ask the team to demonstrate the fitted infotainment and roof mechanism, and talk you through the car’s service history.
Special editions can bring different seats, wheels and audio equipment. Confirm what is fitted to the individual car.
Award: Auto Express. Roof and engine context: Mazda UK; current new-car equipment is not assumed to apply to older used examples.
For an electric everyday
Polestar 2: electric with a premium feel
Auto Express recognised the Polestar 2’s combination of distinctive design, cabin quality and hatchback practicality. Its premium-electric category win makes it an interesting option if you want your next used car to be fully electric.
Look beyond the registration plate
Polestar 2 versions can look similar while differing in battery, motor layout and equipment packs. Earlier Single Motor models use front-wheel drive; the 2024-model-year update introduced rear-wheel drive for Single Motor versions. A registration year alone does not establish which specification you are viewing.
Compare Standard Range and Long Range versions against your regular journeys, then check which Pilot, Plus or Performance equipment is actually fitted. A description such as “Long Range” is only the start of the comparison.
Plan the charging routine
Work through where you would charge at home, at work or on regular routes. Ask about the car’s service record, supplied charging cables, any available battery-condition information and the remaining manufacturer cover applicable to that specific vehicle.
Published range figures depend on the version and test standard. Your real-world range will also depend on conditions and use.
Award: Auto Express. Model-year changes: Polestar’s model history.
Choose the car that fits your life
An award is a helpful starting point. Your next step is to compare the actual car’s condition, history, specification and price with how you will use it.
Start with the Jogger if seven-seat flexibility matters most. Explore the MX-5 if you want an engaging two-seat convertible. Put the Polestar 2 on your list if a fully electric car fits your journeys and charging routine.
Invicta’s used selection includes manufacturers beyond our new-car franchises, so you can explore different makes through the same group.
Your used-car questions
Which awards did these cars win?
In the Auto Express Used Car Awards 2026, the Dacia Jogger won Best Used Family Car and Best Used Hybrid Car. The Mazda MX-5 won Best Used Convertible, and the Polestar 2 won Best Used Premium Electric Car. These are category awards.
Are the magazine’s example prices Invicta offers?
No. The magazine’s prices refer to examples selected for its editorial coverage. Use the brand stock links for Invicta’s current vehicles, prices and locations; availability changes.
Does the used Jogger Hybrid 140 need charging?
It does not need plugging in. Its full-hybrid system combines petrol and electric power and recovers energy during slowing and braking.
Can I arrange a viewing or test drive?
Open the listing for the car that interests you and contact the dealership shown. The team can confirm its specification, current availability and whether a viewing or test drive can be arranged.
Find your next used car at Invicta
Explore the latest stock by brand, shortlist the cars that interest you and speak with the dealership team about the individual vehicle.
Stock, prices and locations are shown in the live listings. Award images illustrate the models recognised and are not individual Invicta stock offers.
- Auto Express Used Car Awards 2026, published 21 October 2026.
- Auto Express’s original winner images and award artwork.
- Dacia UK: original Jogger Hybrid 140 announcement, 10 January 2023.
- Mazda UK: MX-5 RF roof and engine information.
- Polestar: model history and 2024-model-year update.
Sources and Invicta stock links checked 23 October 2026. Image and award artwork credits: Auto Express.