Car of the Year 2025: The official finalists

The list of the seven finalists for the 2025 edition has just been published, and the 60 jurors from 23 European countries have had to choose from among 42 models those they consider most likely to win the continental award. The winner of The Car Of The Year award will be announced on January 10, during the Brussels International Motor Show.

In September, the first big test of the candidates took place at the Tannistest in Denmark, and now, after the first vote was closed, the seven chosen were (in alphabetical order) Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster, Kia EV3 and Renault 5 / Alpine A290 (considered as the same model).

From now on, the jurors will have 8 weeks to thoroughly test the candidates and forge a vote that will allow them to choose the best in Europe. Finally, all seven car models will be brought together for a joint test at the Mettet Test facility in Belgium right up to the final vote for the title The Car of the Year 2025.

For the final choice, each jury can distribute 25 points, offering a maximum of 10 points to a car, and being obliged to vote at least five vehicles of the seven finalists with a winning model.

Last year's continental crown went to the Renault Scenic, which won the final vote over six other contenders - BMW 5 Series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot 3008, Toyota C-HR and Volvo EX30.

The Renault was the most voted with 329 points, beating the BMW 5 Series that got 308 points, followed by the Peugeot 3008 with 197 points. Fourth place went to the Kia EV9 (190 points), fifth to the Volvo EX30 (168 points), sixth to the BYD Seal (131 points) and seventh to the Toyota C-HR with 127 points.

The seven finalists for the Car of the Year 2025: