Kia launches 3 new electric GT models at Brussels Motor Show

World Car Awards 2026: the finalists revealed

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January 9, 2026

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Mercedes-Benz CLA is Car of the Year 2026

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has been named European Car of the Year 2026 in a presentation at the Brussels Motor Show.

The CLA beat six other finalists to the title after scooping a whopping 320 points – a full 100 points clear of the second-place Skoda Elroq. The Kia EV4 was third, just pipping the Citroen C5 Aircross.

It is the first time since 1974 that Mercedes-Benz has won the European Car of the Year award. 52 years ago, it was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that took top spot.

59 jurors from 23 European countries were given a shortlist of 35 cars to choose from. A first round of voting drew up the shortlist of seven, and each juror was able to award 25 points during final voting.

A maximum of 10 points could be awarded per car, and they had to vote on at least five of the seven finalists – including a winning model.

The 2026 finalists were:

Citroen C5 Aircross
Dacia Bigster
Fiat Grande Panda
Kia EV4
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Renault 4
Skoda Elroq

The Mercedes-Benz CLA succeeds last year’s winner, the Renault 5 (and sister Alpine A290). They beat six other finalists including the Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroen C3 and e-C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Instar and Kia EV3.

The Kia was second and the Citroen C3 and e-C3 were third; the Alfa Romeo Junior was last.

The European Car of the Year title has been awarded since 1964. The inaugural winner was the British Rover 2000.

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Kia EV2 small electric SUV revealed at Brussels Motor Show

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January 9, 2026

Kia PV5 sets new world record for electric vans

The new Kia EV2 compact SUV has been unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show. The latest electric Kia arrives in showrooms this summer, and will take on the best-selling Ford Puma Gen-E.

Offering a choice of two batteries and a range of up to 278 miles, the new Kia EV2 is likely to cost upwards of £25,000, making it the acclaimed South Korean brand’s most affordable electric car.

The new Kia EV2 has a similarly distinctive and unflinchingly modern design as Kia’s other recent models, with crisp lines on the outside and an appealing interior.

It will be built in Europe, at Kia’s plant in Slovakia, which should help with affordability, waiting times and availability. The firm anticipates this being a strong-selling new EV.

“The Kia EV2 represents a significant step in making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience,” said Soohang Chang, president and CEO of Kia Europe.

“As our most compact EV… building the EV2 in Slovakia reinforces our commitment to Europe and ensures this model reflects the needs and expectations of drivers across the continent.”

European production also makes it near-certain that the new Kia EV2 will qualify for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, offering a further saving on list prices.

Kia EV2 design and interior

The new EV2, which was previewed at the 2025 Kia EV Day, is another model that follows Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The four-metre-long EV2 has the same design cues as the World Car Award-winning Kia EV3, including vertical daytime running lights and robust wheelarches.

A choice of nine colours will be on offer, including solid, metallic, pearl and even matte shades. Wheel sizes range from 16 inches to 19 inches. The popular Kia GT-Line trim level will also be offered, complete with high-gloss black accents and large rims.

The Kia EV2’s interior follows a so-called ‘picnic box’ concept. There are plenty of fabric-rich materials, along with ambient lighting and a wraparound feel to the dashboard.

Kia’s latest triple-screen infotainment system is called ccNC. There are two 12.3-inch screens wrapped around a 5.3-inch climate control screen.

There’s a charming touch in the front and rear doorhandles, too…

Kia EV2 Have A Nice Day door handle wording

The Kia EV2 will offer a slide-recline rear seat, boosting rear legroom from 885mm to a ‘segment-leading’ 958mm. The seats can also slide and recline independently. With both seats fully forward, it has a 403-litre boot, which is supplemented by a 15-litre ‘frunk’.

Buyers can order the EV2 in either four-seat guise (with the sliding rear seat) or a five-seat format. The latter has a 362-litre boot.

Kia EV2 battery, range and performance

The new Kia EV2 offers a choice of 42.2kWh standard-range and 61.0kWh long-range batteries. The 42.2kWh version is estimated to have a range of 198 miles, with the 61.0kWh battery set to offer 278 miles.

A 400V architecture allows for DC rapid charging in around 30 minutes for both models. Kia will confirm the DC rapid charging rates closer to launch.

Kia EV Route Planner is built into the ccNC infotainment – and is linked to the Kia Charge app, offering convenient Tesla-style Plug & Charge functionality. Bi-directional charging capability means owners could potentially make money when plugged in at home by selling energy back to the grid.

Production of the new Kia EV2 standard-range will begin in February 2026, with long-range and GT-Line versions following in June. Timings for the UK launch of the Kia EV2 will be confirmed closer to its on-sale date.

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New Tesla Model 3 Standard is Elon’s most affordable EV yet

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Fiat and Abarth slash EV prices by up to £4,000

The new Tesla Model 3 Standard is the American firm’s most affordable EV so far, with a headline price tag of £37,990.

What’s more, Tesla has optimised the car especially for the UK – meaning it should be the cheapest Model 3 to insure, too.

A headline PCP offer makes the Model 3 Standard relatively affordable to finance, with payments of £249 a month over five years (for those who can afford a £9,100 deposit).

Alternatively, the new entry-level Tesla is available for £299 a month over three years with a £3,588 deposit.

The Standard slots into the Model 3 range below the existing (and renamed) Model 3 Premium, which costs from £44,990 in Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive guise.

What is the new Tesla Model 3 Standard?

The new Tesla Model 3 Standard is a cheaper version of the existing Model 3. Money is saved by using fabric inserts for the seats, deleting the rear touchscreen for passengers, removing ambient interior lighting and fitting a manually-adjustable steering wheel.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard also loses the stereo subwoofer, auto-dim door mirrors and heated rear seats, while clever frequency-dependent suspension dampers are replaced with basic passive dampers.

Folllowing customer feedback, the latest Model 3 does, however, once again have an indicator stalk.

Unlike the larger Tesla Model Y Standard, it also retains a panoramic glass roof. The tailgate is powered, too.

Tesla’s lowest ever insurance rating

Tesla doesn’t disclose battery capacity figures, but the Tesla Model 3 Standard has a smaller battery than the Model 3 Premium. It still has a range of 322 miles, though, and the firm says WLTP-tested energy consumption of 20.9kWh per 100 miles betters many smaller city EVs.

It’s arguably still quick enough too, with a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds. Interestingly, Tesla has capped the car’s top speed to 110mph, which helps it achieve a lowest-ever Tesla insurance rating of group 32.

The 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels also promise cheaper replacement tyres, while still maintaining good retained values. Tesla says this was another specific adaptation for the UK.

Deliveries of the new Tesla Model 3 Standard will begin towards the end of February 2026.

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Volkswagen was the UK’s best-selling car brand in 2025

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More than 178,000 new Volkswagen models were registered during 2025, with the Golf leading the way

Volkswagen has cause to celebrate, with sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirming it as the UK’s favourite new-car brand.

A total of 178,607 new Volkswagens were registered in Britain during 2025, giving the German marque an 8.84 percent market share.

Compared to 2024, Volkswagen found homes for 12,303 more vehicles. It also boosted its market share from 8.52 percent the previous year.

Volkswagen shifted 55,884 more vehicles than its nearest rival, securing it the title of the UK’s most popular marque for the fifth year in a row.

With a host of new models planned for 2026, the company will hope to continue this success over the coming 12 months.

Electric models gaining ground

The evergreen Volkswagen Golf proved to be the marque’s best-seller, with 32,478 examples registered in 2025.

As a result, the Golf claimed sixth position in the overall ranking of new vehicle registrations last year. Along with the Vauxhall Corsa, it was one of only two non-SUVs in the top 10.

The Volkswagen Tiguan SUV was the brand’s second best-seller, with 29,857 registrations during 2025.

Following the launch of the government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme in July 2025, Volkswagen saw an increase in demand for its battery electric models. In addition, the marque also launched its ‘ID. Promise’, which allows customers to test-drive a Volkswagen EV for 100 days.

The ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer range of EVs accounted for more than 30,000 UK registrations last year – a 45 percent increase compared to 2024.

A ‘perfect start’ to 2026 for Volkswagen

Rod McLeod, director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The news that Volkswagen is once again the top-selling new-car brand in the UK is the perfect start to what will undoubtedly be a really exciting year for the brand.

“The results announced by the SMMT, which show a healthy gap between us and the number-two brand in the market, underline the enduring popularity and quality of Volkswagen cars, as well as the outstanding customer service provided by our fantastic network of Volkswagen retailers.

“The trends we are seeing with our electric ID. range are really pleasing. I can’t wait to see and drive the new models coming to market in 2026.”

New Volkswagens set for launch this year include the T-Roc SUV, which is available to order now, priced from £31,620.

The ID. Polo electric supermini will also hit the streets later in 2026, complete with a button-based dashboard designed in response to customer feedback.

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Fiat and Abarth slash EV prices by up to £4,000

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January 8, 2026

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The all-electric Fiat 600e SUV sees a cut of more than £3,000, taking its starting list price to below £30,000

Fiat and Abarth have announced major price reductions for electric models in the UK, taking effect immediately.

Intended to make switching to an electric car easier and more affordable, the new offers replace the previous ‘Fiat E-Grant’ scheme.

Launched in 2023, the Italian company’s E-Grant offered reductions of up to £1,500 on electric vehicles.

However, the latest price cuts applicable to Fiat and Abarth models are more generous, with reductions of between £1,890 and £4,040 –depending on the vehicle chosen.

The offers come as Fiat prepares for the spring launch of the new Grande Panda, along with the 500 Hybrid later in the summer.

Making EV ownership more affordable

The biggest price cut is for the compact Fiat 500e, which sees a reduction of £4,040.

It means the entry level 24kWh version costs from £20,995, making it one of the cheapest new EVs on sale – and matching the electric Fiat Grande Panda Pop.

For those who prefer more performance from their electric city car, the Abarth 500e also gets a price cut. Opting for the base model sees £1,990 deducted, cutting the cost to £27,995. The 500e Turismo receives a larger reduction of £2,990, so it now starts from £30,995.

Fiat has also aligned the price of the 600e electric SUV with the 600 Hybrid, applying a £3,285 discount to the EV for a starting price of £26,750.

Award-winning Italian style on offer

Launched in the UK last year, the Abarth 600e is the most powerful production car ever from Fiat’s performance brand.

With a reduction of £2,990, the 240hp base Abarth 600e now costs £33,995. The range-topping 280hp 600e Scorpionissima receives a £1,890 discount, down to £37,995.

Fiat UK marketing director, Victoria Hatfield, said: “Fiat is passionately committed to making electrified driving more accessible to customers, and with this new pricing structure for our fully electric line-up of vehicles we are starting the new year by making this transition more affordable and straightforward for drivers.

“There are no complications with Fiat if you want a great value electric vehicle. With our transparent pricing policies, drivers can simply choose from our range of award-winning models to enjoy Italian style and affordable electric motoring.”

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Supercharged Ram SRT TRX returns with even more power

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January 7, 2026

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Discontinued in 2024 due to emissions regulations, the reborn Ram TRX sees the return of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8

Less than two years after it was discontinued, Stellantis has announced the return of the Ram 1500 SRT TRX performance pickup truck.

Dropped at the end of the 2024 model year due to emissions regulations, Ram will bring back its Ford F-150 Raptor rival later in 2026.

The 2027 model-year SRT TRX will boast even more horsepower than before, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 claiming best-in-class outputs.

In total, the reborn Ram SRT TRX will serve up a colossal 777 horsepower, combined with 680 lb-ft of torque.

These numbers represent increases of 75 horsepower and 30 lb-ft compared to the TRX withdrawn from sale in 2024. Significantly, this puts the Ram ahead of its F-150 Raptor arch-rival.

More power, more torque, more speed

According to Ram, the relaunched SRT TRX will be the most powerful production half-ton pickup ever made when it hits the street later this year.

It should also be the fastest half-ton truck on sale, with a top speed of 118 mph. Accelerating from 0-60 mph requires just 3.5 seconds, aided by the SRT TRX’s four-wheel-drive system, launch control, and eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

A complete stainless steel exhaust system, complete with a crossover-X pipe, is also fitted to the TRX. Dual five-inch double-walled black tips ensure the exhaust looks as ominous as it will surely sound.

Second-generation Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock absorbers are added to the TRX, following knowledge gained during development of the Ram 1500 RHO pickup truck.

Standard equipment includes 35-inch tires, which are combined with 18-inch satin black wheels. Beadlock rims are available as an option.

On sale later in 2026

To commemorate the return of its flagship performance truck, Ram will offer a special 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition.

This includes bespoke, hand-painted black and red paintwork, along with unique side graphics. Red-outlined TRX badges, a glass-encased emblem on the center console and beadlock wheels are all included on the Bloodshot Night Edition, too.

All SRT TRX models come with real carbon fiber interior trim, sports seats upholstered in leather and suede, and TRX-exclusive Ruby Red seat belts.

Sales of the Ram 1500 SRT TRX will begin in the second half of 2026. Prices for the performance truck will start from $99,995, plus a destination charge of $2,595.

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Nearly a quarter of new cars registered in 2025 were EVs

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The Ford Puma emerged as most-popular new car of 2025, retaining its crown for the third year in a row

More than two million new cars were registered in the UK during 2025: the strongest market performance since 2019.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new car registrations were up 3.5 percent compared with 2024, despite ongoing cost-of-living concerns.

Notably, electric cars witnessed a substantial rise in popularity, with 473,348 EVs registered during the year. Compared to 2024’s total of 381,970, this represents an increase of 23.9 percent.

Overall, EVs accounted for almost a quarter (23.4 percent) of total market share, with more new electric cars registered than in 2021 and 2022 combined.

This made the UK the second largest market for new electric cars in Europe. However, EV market share was still below the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target for 2025 of 28 percent.

A record year for electric cars

The government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, launched in July 2025, will undoubtedly have contributed to increased uptake for electric vehicles.

A number of car manufacturers created their own incentives to attract customers, too. With eligibility for the ECG taking time to be confirmed, this may have resulted in the 32.2 percent market share for electric cars in December 2025.

Across the EV market, the Tesla Model Y emerged as the most popular new vehicle, with 24,298 examples registered. Just behind was the Tesla Model 3, with 21,188 hitting the road during 2025.

It proves that Tesla retains a considerable share of the electric vehicle market, despite research suggesting Elon Musk’s activities have negatively impacted the marque’s image.

Ford Puma beats Kia Sportage again

Despite the December sales surge, electrified vehicles (which includes hybrids) just missed taking a majority market share during 2025. Hybrid models accounted for 13.9 percent of new registrations, with plug-in hybrids the fastest-growing powertrain choice, on 11.1 percent.

Petrol-powered cars claimed 46.4 percent of the new car market, down by eight percent compared to 2024. Diesel models represented just 5.1 percent of sales, continuing the fuel’s ongoing decline in popularity.

For the third year in a row, the Ford Puma emerged as the most popular new car of all. Some 55,488 examples were registered throughout 2025, an increase of more than 7,000 Pumas from the year before.

Yet again, the Kia Sportage family SUV made do with the silver medal, with 47,748 cars finding homes across the country. This also represented a small growth in sales compared to 2025.

The Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa and Nissan Juke completed the UK top five. Again, SUVs and crossovers dominated the automotive sales chart, making up eight of the top 10 cars. Only the Corsa and Volkswagen Golf bucked the trend.

Government should ‘act urgently’ on EVs

The SMMT notes that, at present, only around a quarter of electric cars are eligible for the ECG. Automotive manufacturers subsidised the sale of EVs to the tune of around £5 billion during 2025.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “The new car market finally reaching two million registrations for the first time this decade is a reasonably solid result amid tough economic and geopolitical headwinds. Rising EV uptake is an undoubted positive, but the pace is still too slow and the cost to industry too high.

“Government has stepped in with the Electric Car Grant, but a new EV tax, additional charges for EV drivers in London and costly public charging send mixed signals.

“Given developments abroad, government should bring forward its review and act urgently to deliver a vibrant market, a sustainable industry and an investment proposition that keeps the UK at the forefront of global competition.”

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World Car Awards 2026: the finalists revealed

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Ten vehicles from eight different car brands have been named as finalists for the prized 2026 World Car of the Year Award.

A total of 98 jurors from 33 countries – including Motoring Research’s own Richard Aucock – have whittled down the 58 contenders for the top prize down to 10 finalists. These cars will now go forward for a further round of judging, ahead of the Top Three in the World being announced on 3 March.

Notably, last year’s victor, the Kia EV3, has two newer sister models represented in the top 10: the new Kia EV4 and Kia EV5. The EV3 followed its bigger brother, the Kia EV9, in being voted World Car of the Year in 2024. Can the EV4 or EV5 make it a World Car Awards hat-trick for Kia?

Fellow Korean marque Hyundai also has two models in the top 10: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Hyundai Palisade.

Hyundai scooped the overall World Car of the Year award in 2023 with the Ioniq 6, and previously in 2022 with the Ioniq 5.

Here are the 10 in cars with a shot at WCOTY glory this year:

2026 World Car of the Year finalists

Audi Q5
BMW iX3
BYD Seal 6 DM-i
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai Palisade
Kia EV4
Kia EV5
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Nissan Leaf
Toyota RAV4

“The World Car Awards are a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the automotive industry,” said Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, which is powering the World Car Finals.

“We are proud to support this prestigious initiative and congratulate all the finalists on their outstanding achievements.”

The 2026 World Car of the Year will be announced live at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.

World Car category finalists

A red BMW vehicle displayed alongside a "World Car Awards" sign, indicating it's a finalist for World Car of the Year.

Other World Car category finalists have also been announced. Again, a subsequent vote will decide a Top Three in the World for each one.

2026 World Electric Vehicle finalists

Audi A6 E-Tron
BMW iX3
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Nissan Leaf

2026 World Luxury Car finalists

Audi A6 E-Tron
Audi A6
Cadillac Vistiq
Lucid Gravity
Volvo ES90

2026 World Performance Car finalists

BMW M2 CS
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Land Rover Defender Octa
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro

2026 World Urban Car finalists

Alfa Romeo Junior
Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
Firefly
Hyundai Venue
Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly

2026 World Car Design of the Year finalists

Firefly
Kia PV5
Lynk & Co 08
Mazda 6e
Volvo ES90

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