Car of the Year 2026 finalists announced
On October 31, the jury of the Car of the Year competition announced the official list of finalists for the 2026 season. This year, 60 experts from 23 European countries evaluated 35 new car models, from which seven contenders for the main award title were selected. The winner will be announced on January 9, 2026, at the International Motor Show in Brussels.
What is known
In September, all candidates underwent the first serious tests at the Danish Tannistest proving grounds. Following the initial voting stage, the following models made it to the finals (in alphabetical order):
- Citroën C5 Aircross
- Dacia Bigster
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Kia EV4
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Renault 4
- Skoda Elroq
The jury now has several weeks for comprehensive testing of each car and to assign scores. The final joint run will take place in Spain, at the Parc Motor Castellolí track near Barcelona. This stage is being held there for the first time to ensure comfortable weather and use the picturesque roads of the Montserrat region.
Each jury member can allocate 25 points among the cars (a maximum of 10 points for one model), with voting required for at least five out of the seven finalists and a main favorite must be chosen.
Last year, the main award went to the Renault 5/Alpine A290. The compact electric hatchback then outperformed the Alfa Romeo Junio, Citroën C3/eC3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inter, and Kia EV3.
Source: Car of the Year
