The Car of the Year 2026 winners have been unveiled
The UK’s best new vehicles have been revealed, with Audi, Renault, Skoda and Kia topping the list at the UK Car of the Year Awards. Audi led the way, picking up wins in two categories with their A6 and A6 Avant models coming out on top. 
The popular Renault 5 continued its dominant run with another prize, while there were important wins for the Kia EV4 and Citroen C3. Skoda, Hyundai and Alpine secured prizes in the other three categories as a nationwide panel of more than 30 experienced motoring journalists selected the best picks on the road today.The stunning Renault 5 picked up numerous prizes last year, and the success keeps rolling into 2026. 
The panel was impressed by the Renault 5, with judges praising the model for its affordable price tag of just over £21,000 as well as its impressive handling. 
The model’s visual appeal is one of its standout features, with an unmistakable retro-inspired design wowing customers. 
One of the judges even claimed that the model is “one of the best new EVs to ever be released”, putting the model right on the map.The EV4 has become the brand’s first-ever electric family hatchback and saloon model and is part of Kia’s expanding electric model range. 
The model comes in two battery options, with motorists able to select from a 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh offering. 
The vehicle is capable of up to 388 miles of range from a single charge and can reach 10-80% charge in just 29 minutes.
Starting at just £34,745, the model comes with a spacious interior and flexible boot space with a capacity of up to 435 litres.Motorists on the lookout for a highly practical family SUV may have to look no further than the C3 or e-C3 Aircross. 
The model comes at a competitive price, with buyers likely to secure a new model for around £23,000. 
The electric e-C3 is designed for city driving, with the model equipped with a 44kWh LFP battery which can reach up to 199 miles on a single charge. The new Elroq is one of the standout models, becoming the second-best‑selling EV on the continent last year. 
The Elroq comes with a choice of three battery configurations, with road users able to select from 63 kWh 82 kWh and 84 kWh models. 
The model has been described as a more affordable version of the more pricy Skoda Enyaq, making it an ideal family EV for just over £30,000.
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