Car of the Year 2026 Shortlist Revealed
The seven contenders for Car of the Year 2026 have been announced, featuring a mix of retro reinventions and electric newcomers.
- Citroën C5 Aircross
- Dacia Bigster
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Kia EV4
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Renault 4
- Škoda Elroq
Six of the shortlisted models are available as fully electric vehicles, while the Dacia Bigster will offer petrol and hybrid options.
Renault makes the cut with the all-electric revival of its famous 4 model, following its success in last year’s awards with the Renault 5.
The shortlist was selected from 35 new cars by 59 jury members from across Europe, following extensive testing, including the week-long Tannis Test in northern Denmark.
The testing process includes the Elk Test, a sharp, high-speed swerve designed to simulate avoiding an animal, assessing handling, balance, and stability control.
Author's summary: Seven cars shortlisted for Car of the Year 2026 award.