KIA'S popular Sportage SUV has been declared the 2017 Diesel Car Used Car of the Year and also won the Best Used Crossover accolade.

The third generation Sportage, which was on sale from 2010 to 2016, was a hugely important car for the brand, boosting sales and changing perceptions of customers around the world.

In the UK it sold nearly 91,000 units in total, with its final sales year being its most successful.

Beating more premium rivals, the Sportage was chosen due to its frugal 1.7 turbo diesel engine option, engaging handling and highly competitive residual values.

Diesel Car judges said the third generation model provided customers with excellent levels of specification across the range, distinctive design, a significant level of space, thoughtful practicality, excellent reliability and serious peace of mind, due to the brand's industry leading seven year warranty.

Ian Robertson, editor and publisher of Diesel Car magazine said: "The Kia Sportage was a very worthy winner of this years' used car awards. It has a hugely likeable persona, is great to drive, delivers plenty of space and generous equipment levels, plus it comes with excellent manufacturer benefits such as Kia's seven year warranty and excellent used car scheme. The Sportage is as good as it gets as a used car buy."

Paul Philpott, president and chief executive of Kia Motors (UK) said: "This award means a huge amount to us at Kia. The third generation Sportage was the most significant car in Kia's recent history. It changed consumer perceptions, it gave us sales success and provided our dealers with a landmark model to develop their business with. We're incredibly proud to receive this award and honoured to have been recognised at the highest level."

Other winners in this year's awards are the DS 3 (small car, the Ford Focus (medium car), Mazda6 (large car), Skoda Superb Estate (estate car), Honda CR-V (4x4), SEAT Leon SC FR (performance car), Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost (eco car).