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's all-electric revival of its famous 4 model makes the cut, following the success of the Renault 5 in last year's awards.
The shortlist was selected from 35 new cars by 59 jury members from across Europe, with 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, which assesses handling, balance, and stability control.
Author's summary: Seven cars shortlisted for Car of the Year 2026 award.