Car of the Year finalists: What have they got to offer?
Car of the Year is one of the most important awards in the automotive industry.
It includes 60 independent motoring journalists from 23 European countries judging and analysing all of the new cars that have come to the market in the last 12 months.
Deciding on which car should be awarded the Car of the Year 2026 title, the jurors whittled down the 35 models to just seven finalists. Guess what? They’re all available here at UK Carline.
So, what are the seven finalists up for the Car of the Year 2026 award? And, what do they have to offer to make them worthy contenders for this important title?
Citroen C5 Aircross
The C5 Aircross is one of the best midsize SUVs that has come along in the last 12 months.
This is because of its ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension and front seats, which makes this family-friendly SUV one of the most relaxing and comfortable cars in its class.
It’s also available with a choice of plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. The PHEV variant comes equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 21kWh battery pack, which can take the car a claimed 53 miles on electric power alone.
The electric model is equipped with a choice of 73kWh and 97kWh battery packs, which provide claimed ranges of 320 miles and 422 miles, respectively.
Dacia Bigster
The Bigster is Dacia’s largest model yet, and is one of the most affordable large family SUVs on the market, with prices starting at just over £25,000.
The Bigster’s name fits perfectly with its interior dimensions, as there is loads of space inside for five occupants, with several cubby holes dotted about the place.
All models come with a decent amount of standard equipment, and there is a choice of mild-hybrid and hybrid powertrains.
It’s also one of the most practical cars in its class when it comes to boot space, with the Bigster providing 677 litres of room.
Fiat Grande Panda
The Fiat Grande Panda is full of character, charm and will be available in more than 60 countries across the globe.
The Grande Panda is one of the most distinctive-looking small cars around with lots of design elements taken from Fiat’s ‘Lingotto’ test track with a cylindrical theme found on the exterior and interior of the car.
If you go for the electric model, it’s equipped with a 44kWh battery pack with an electric motor that can do a claimed 199 miles between charges and it’s the first EV to feature an in-built charging cable located in the front grille of the car.
Kia EV4
Kia is on a roll with its electric model line-up and the EV4 has set a new benchmark when it comes to battery-powered hatchbacks.
The EV4 is one of the best cars to drive in its class, while packing lots of space inside for occupants and there is even a ‘Fastback’ four-door saloon version.
Under the bonnet, there is a choice of 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh battery packs, which deliver claimed electric ranges of 273 miles and 362 miles, respectively.
All models are compatible with 350kW DC rapid-charging, allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 31 minutes.
Mercedes CLA
The CLA has been nominated for Car of the Year 2026 for its class-leading efficiency and electric range.
The CLA features an 800-volt architecture and an 85kWh battery pack with an electric motor, which gives the car a claimed range of up to 462 miles between trips to the plug and can be charged at speeds of 320kW, taking the car from a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 22 minutes.
Behind the wheel, the CLA is refined, composed and has a sporty touch to it, thanks to its low-driving position, making this one of the best compact electric saloons around.
Renault 4
The new R4 continues Renault’s roll on producing some of the most interesting, quirky and likeable EVs on the market.
The latest model is a hark back to the original Renault 4 of the 1960s with its bold body lines that run down the side profile, three-part taillights and C-pillar rear window sitting directly on top of the wheel arch, which are all nods to the original car’s design.
The R4 sits on the same AmpR platform as the smaller R5, and is available with a 52kWh battery pack with an electric motor to provide a claimed electric range of 247 miles.
Skoda Elroq
The Skoda Elroq is a sensible, practical and efficient EV that is perfect for a small family.
The Elroq rivals the likes of the Kia EV3 and is equipped with several handy features such as the charging cable net located under the parcel shelf.
Behind the wheel, the Elroq provides a smooth, comfortable and refined driving experience, while there is a sporty ‘vRS’ model that features beefier exterior and interior styling, and there have been tweaks made to its suspension and powertrain.
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