The 60 jurors from 23 European nations had to select the 42 models they believed had the best chance of winning the continental prize from the list of the seven finalists for the 2025 edition, which was just released. At the Brussels International Motor Show on January 10, the winner of “The Car Of The Year” award will be revealed.
After the first vote was closed, the seven selected were (in alphabetical order) Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroen C3/e-C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster, Kia EV3, and Renault 5 / Alpine A290 (all considered to be the same model). The first significant test of the candidates was held in September at the Tannistest in Denmark.
The jurors will now have eight weeks to thoroughly evaluate the applicants and create a ballot that will enable them to select Europe’s top candidate. Up until the final vote for the title of The Car of the Year 2025, all seven car models will be combined for a joint test at the Mettet Test facility in Belgium.
Small electric vehicles dominate the 2025 Car of the Year shortlist. The Renault 5 (nominated alongside the Alpine A290) and Citroen’s e-C3 (similar to the petrol C3) are B-segment vehicles, while Hyundai’s new Inster city car is the smallest vehicle on the list.
Closely linked to the 2023 Car of the Year, the Jeep Renegade, is the Alfa Romeo Junior, a crossover that comes in both electric and hybrid configurations.
The most recent electric Kia to be shortlisted is the EV3. The Kia EV9 finished fourth last year, and the Kia EV6 took home the 2022 Car of the Year title.
Regarding the non-electric variants, the Cupra Terramar is a hybrid SUV that rivals the rapidly expanding Cupra brand in a new market and is closely related to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Interestingly, the Duster SUV is the first Dacia vehicle to ever be shortlisted for Car of the Year.
Cars must be brand-new in order to be eligible for Car of the Year. Both derivatives and facelifts are prohibited.
According to Car of the Year rules, “General design, comfort, safety, economy, handling and general roadworthiness, performance, functionality, general environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price are the main criteria on which a car should be judged.” Value for money and technological innovation are important considerations.
Car of the Year, which was originally awarded in 1964 when the Rover 2000 won, is sponsored by Autocar UK and has a jury spot.