Voting is now open for the inaugural AUTOBEST Conquest. The award gives car buyers the same opportunity as motoring journalists to decide on the Best Buy Car of Europe 2026.
The motoring public now has 50 percent of the vote, with the AUTOBEST jurors from more than 30 European countries accounting for the other 50 percent.
It means that, for the first time, drivers across Europe can help decide what will be the Best Buy Car of Europe 2026. “Equal vote, equal voice,” said AUTOBEST founder and chairman Dan Vardie.
The six AUTOBEST Conquest 2026 finalists
These are the six cars in competition for the title of AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026:
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- Citroen C3 Aircross
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Ford Puma Gen-E
- MG S5 EV
- Renault 5
AUTOBEST is already the world’s largest independent motoring media jury, with 32 jurors across the European continent. The rules state one country, one juror. Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock represents the UK.
Journalists have already conducted an exhaustive two-day analysis of the finalists at the AUTOBEST Ultimate Test late last year. Now, the focus shifts to car buyers, who are encouraged to visit local dealers and test-drive the finalists for themselves.
‘Excellence in usability, design and tech’
Public votes are also open for three other categories in the AUTOBEST awards:
- Best Users’ Car of Europe
- Best Car Design of Europe
- Best Affordable Tech Package
The aim is to promote excellence in real-life usability, design and technology, “all shaped together by the public and the professionals”.
Voting is open now and run until the evening of 28 March 2026, when the winners – including the AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026 – will be announced live during the AUTOBEST Conquest Show.
“This pioneering format marks AUTOBEST’s transition from the traditional Gala Awards into a modern entertainment broadcasting concept,” said Vardie.
“It is a first in the motoring world.”
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