- Shortlist announced for Car of the Year 2026
- European awards decided by 60 jurors from 23 European countries
- Full list: Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4, and Skoda Elroq.
- Lease the affordable Renault 4 and Fiat Grande Panda with Select Car Leasing
- Winner announced January 9, 2026
A group of seven vehicles have been shortlisted for the coveted ‘Car of the Year 2026’ award - and you can lease TWO of the contenders for less than £250-a-month*.
The annual European Car of the Year gong is decided upon by a team of 60 expert jurors from 23 European countries.
Last year’s winner was a joint award for the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Alpine A290, close siblings which share the same electric platform.
Now 2026’s line-up has been revealed. Here’s everything you need to know:
What cars have been shortlisted for Car of the Year 2026?
The full list of contenders for the European Car of the Year 2026 award are as follows: Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4, and Skoda Elroq.
The most affordable car to lease from that list (at the time of writing) is the hybrid version of the Fiat Grande Panda (below, and which is also available as a fully-electric model).
The plucky little hybrid SUV sees the Panda reinvented for the modern age and is available with Select for just £237.73 pm, inc VAT*. That’s on a 48-month lease, with a limit of 5,000 miles per year, and with a £2,139.57 initial payment.
The electric Renault 4 E-Tech (below) also weighs-in at less than £250-a-month.
Lease one with Select and you’ll pay £239.92 per month*. Again, that’s on a 48-month lease, with a limit of 5,000 miles per year, and with a £2,159.28 initial payment.
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The Renault 4 E-Tech is already a multi award-winner, having already taken home ‘Car of the Year’ silverware from the likes of Parkers, TopGear.com, and the New Car World Championships.
The Skoda Elroq (below) is another fully-electric SUV that could work for families on a budget, with prices (at the time of writing) beginning at £263.68 per month*.
What’s good about the 2026 Car of the year contenders?
Check out our latest reviews of some of the models on the Car of the Year 2026 list. Here’s what our test pilots thought of them:
Citroen C5 Aircross (lease with Select from £432.52 pm, inc VAT*)
Our review of the electric e-C5 Aircross variant of this well-styled SUV said: “It’s got good looks, a much-improved interior, decent infotainment and a solid amount of performance, even if you opt for the lower-powered Standard Range version – and even the inferior range of that model is pretty good.”
Dacia Bigster (Lease with Select from £301.14 pm, inc VAT*)
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Our review of the practical Dacia Bigster said: “The Dacia Bigster is a car that delivers exactly what it promises: lots of space, respectable efficiency, and a strong list of standard features, all at a price that undercuts much of the competition. For families on a budget, or simply those who want maximum practicality without overpaying for brand image or gimmicks, it’s an incredibly appealing proposition.”
Fiat Grande Panda (Lease with Select from £237.73 pm, inc VAT*)
Our review of the cheaper hybrid variant of the Fiat Grande Panda said: “Nobody was sure what to think when Fiat announced it was overhauling the Panda that we knew. The Fiat Grande Panda has provided the answer with a wonderfully quirky, personality-filled replacement that's loveable inside and out. It is practical for a supermini, too, and the leasing price is right on point to attract plenty of interest.”
Renault 4 E-Tech (Lease with Select from £239.92 pm, inc VAT*)
Our review of the retro-futuristic Renault 4 E-Tech said: “Launching on the back of the award-winning Renault 5 and with a name that’s steeped in history, the all-electric Renault 4 has a great deal to live up to – we think it succeeds on all counts.”
Skoda Elroq (Lease with Select from £263.68 pm, inc VAT*)
Our review of the affordable Skoda Elroq EV said: “The Elroq is yet another fine example of just how far Skoda has come over the years. It is well-refined and roomy, has a decent boot, a nice infotainment system, and a pleasant cabin design. It also offers a variety of options in terms of range and performance."
The winner of the Car of the Year award will be announced on January 9, 2026, during the Brussels International Motor Show.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 03/11/25.
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