The 2025 Car of the Year Shortlist Dominated by Small Electric Cars
The Car of the Year shortlist for 2025 has been announced, and it is dominated by small electric cars. Among the seven shortlisted models are the Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën ë-C3, Hyundai Inster, and Renault 5. The list is completed by the Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, and Kia EV3.
The winner of the prestigious award will be revealed at the Brussels motor show on 10th January. Sixty jurors from 23 countries have selected these seven cars from a longlist of 42 eligible candidates launched in 2024.
Hyundai’s new city car is the smallest vehicle on the shortlist, while the Renault 5 and Citroën ë-C3 are superminis. The Alfa Romeo Junior is a crossover available in both electric and hybrid versions, closely related to the Jeep Renegade.
The Kia EV3 is the latest electric Kia model to make the shortlist, following in the footsteps of the award-winning Kia EV6 and the Kia EV9. The Cupra Terramar is a hybrid SUV, competing in a new market for the Cupra brand and closely related to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
In a surprising turn of events, the Dacia Duster SUV becomes the first Dacia model to ever make it to the Car of the Year shortlist.
In 2024, the Renault Scenic electric SUV took home the Car of the Year award, with the BMW 5 Series and Peugeot 3008 following closely behind on the podium. To qualify for the Car of the Year award, cars must be all-new, with facelifts and derivatives not being permitted.
The main criteria on which the cars are judged include general design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price. Technical innovation and value for money also play a significant role in the selection process.
Car of the Year, which was first held in 1964, has Autocar as a sponsor and a jury member. The prestigious award has a rich history, with the Rover 2000 being the inaugural winner.
