2025 European Car Of The Year Finalists Announced

Key Highlights

• Seven finalists for the 2025 European Car of the Year have been announced.

• Finalists include models from Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Cupra, Hyundai, Dacia, Renault, and Kia.

• The cars range from superminis to hybrid and electric SUVs.

• Extensive testing will take place over the next eight weeks, covering safety, design, comfort, and performance.

• All cars will undergo joint testing at Belgium's Mettet Test Facility.

The 2025 European Car of the Year finalists have been revealed, with seven models selected, the majority of which are crossovers.

A panel of 60 experts from 23 European countries chose the top cars from about 42 models, with the first test drives held in Denmark in September. The 2025 European Car of the Year finalists are the Citroën C3/ë-C3, Alfa Romeo Junior, Cupra Terramar, Hyundai Inster, Dacia Duster, Renault 5/Alpine A290, and Kia EV3.

Hyundai's Inster is the smallest car on the list, while the Renault 5, Citroën e-C3, and Alpine A290 are superminis. The Alfa Romeo Junior, a crossover available in hybrid and electric variants, is related to the Jeep Renegade.

The Kia EV3 joins the list following the success of the EV9 and EV6. The Duster is the first Dacia model to reach the Car of the Year shortlist, alongside the Cupra Terramar, a hybrid SUV. The Renault Scenic electric SUV won the 2024 Car of the Year, with the Peugeot 3008 and BMW 5 Series in second and third place, respectively.

The seven finalists will undergo extensive testing by the Car of the Year jurors over the next eight weeks. They will be evaluated on safety, design, comfort, performance, and other factors. All cars will be jointly tested at Belgium's Mettet Test Facility before the final vote.

Verdict

The 2025 European Car of the Year finalists showcase a diverse range of models, from compact city cars to advanced electric and hybrid SUVs. With extensive testing ahead, these cars will be evaluated on various criteria, including safety, design, and performance. The final vote will determine which of these innovative vehicles will claim the prestigious title, setting the stage for future automotive trends in Europe.

Also Read: Lotus Shifts Focus To Hybrids As EV Sales Decline