Consumer magazine What Car? has launched an approved used brand in association with trusteddealers.co.uk.

Trusteddealers.co.uk was set up by some of the UK's largest franchised dealer groups at the start of 2011 and only offers stock from within their networks.

The project was initially conceived by Ken Savage from Perrys and Lookers’ Peter Jones with Robert Forrester of Bristol Street Motors joining them on the board.

Cars offered for sale through TrustedDealers.co.uk will be listed on whatcar.com, and Trusted Dealers and will be given exclusive use of What Car? Approved Used branding to use throughout their dealership as well as in their marketing communications.

The new launch was revealed as What Car? revealed its Used Car of the Year winners for 2012.

The Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5dr took the top prize as Used Car of the Year.

The Fiesta also scooped the Used Supermini of the Year title, the Mondeo was voted the best used family car and the S-Max won the best used MPV trophy.

Last year’s overall winner, the Nissan Qashqai, was voted best used SUV, while VW and Audi picked up two gongs apiece - the Golf was best used small family car, the Passat Estate best used estate car, the A6 best used executive car and the TT best used fun car.