The younger half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamiton, Nic Hamilton raced in the BTCC last year with the Un-Limited Motorsport team.
This year, however, Hamilton will drive a Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance operated by Team Vertu. Run by Excelr8 Motorsport, Team Vertu won both the BTCC drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2025.
Throughout his BTCC career, which has spanned seven seasons and 10 years, Hamilton has struggled with off-the-pace cars, frequently leaving him at the back of the grid. His best finish to date has been a sixth place at Donington Park.
Now, for 2026, Hamilton will have access to the same car used by two-time BTCC drivers’ champion, Tom Ingram.
An inspiration for disabled athletes
Hamilton is the only driver with a disability to have competed in the BTCC. The Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance has been specially adapted for his needs.
Justina Williams, owner of Team Vertu, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Nicolas into our team for the 2026 season, and to have him at the wheel of our Draper Tools car.
“The way Nicolas has battled against the odds to achieve his dream of competing on-track despite his disability is well documented. He is an inspiration to many for the way he has never given up on that dream.
“We feel we can give Nicolas the tools to really show what he can do this season and are looking forward to working with him to reach his goals during the year ahead – one of which is to stand on the BTCC podium with the team.
“We’ll be working hard with him to make that happen.”
Giving it everything for 2026
Draper Tools will be the title sponsor of Hamilton’s Hyundai. The partnership is intended to continue until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Nicolas Hamilton said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining such a strong outfit in Team Vertu and Excelr8 for this season. Throughout my career, I have struggled for funding and budget, which meant I found myself in less competitive equipment.
“Thanks to my 2026 partners and the team’s long-standing partner, Draper Tools, I can now step into a more competitive package, and that is a really special and exciting moment for me. I have worked harder than ever over the winter to build my strength and fitness to improve my disability and I will be giving absolutely everything I can to be as competitive as possible.”
Hamilton recently tested the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance at Snetterton, and will be back behind the wheel for the season launch event at Brands Hatch.
The 2026 BTCC season begins in earnest on Saturday 18 April at Donington Park, with a qualifying race ahead of Sunday’s main event.
New data reveals that Toyota is the leading car brand for reliability when it comes to buying used.
Vehicle warranty specialist Warrantywise examined more than 1.6 million data points, covering vehicle repairs made between 2023 and 2026.
This allowed the company to identify which used vehicles are the most dependable, along with typical repair costs, to produce a reliability score out of 100.
In the 2026 edition of the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, Toyota emerged as the standout marque, with four vehicles in the top 10. Making Toyota’s performance more impressive is that its result spanned a broad range of vehicles, from superminis to SUVs.
Keep reading as we count down the top 10 models in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index.
=9th. Suzuki Swift
We start with the Suzuki Swift, tied in joint ninth position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, with a score of 77.5 out of 100.
The Swift is a popular choice for new drivers, where reliability is often vitally important due to limited budgets. Last year, the Young Driver road safety training organisation ordered a fleet of 170 Suzuki Swifts, chosen to replace the unreliable Vauxhall Corsas it had used previously.
When it comes to repairs, a used Suzuki Swift had an average cost of £723.39 according to Warrantywise research. The most expensive repair claim was for a substantial £3,993.47.
=9th. Kia Ceed
Tied in ninth position with the Suzuki Swift is a family hatchback that helped to establish Kia in the UK, aided by its strong reliability.
Although the standard Ceed hatchback is no longer on sale (now replaced by the new K4), it proved a popular choice with British buyers. A standard warranty of seven years or 100,000 miles helped demonstrate the Korean marque’s confidence in its product.
Despite the long manufacturer warranty, older examples of the Kia Ceed will be well outside this window. Warrantywise’s Used Car Reliability Index shows the car should still prove a dependable choice, however, with a score of 77.5 out of 100.
Average repair costs for the Kia Ceed were £709.10, although the largest bill was for £5,069.30 – the highest of any car in this top 10.
=7th. Suzuki Vitara
Another Suzuki claims joint seventh position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, with the Vitara SUV sharing the spoils.
Developed across numerous generations, the Vitara is a no-nonsense SUV, typically chosen by drivers who depend on them. Such is Suzuki’s pride in its reliability, the company now offers a warranty of up to 10 years for vehicles that are serviced regularly at its franchised dealers.
With a score of 78 out of 100, even older used examples of the Suzuki Vitara are reliable according to Warrantywise research. The most expensive repair request was for £2,753.84, but the average cost was a more reasonable £689.70.
=7th. Citroen C1
Sharing joint seventh position with a score of 78 out of 100 is the Citroen C1. This is the first of three city cars based on the same platform – all of them made in the same factory in the Czech Republic – to feature in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index top 10.
A joint project between Toyota and PSA (Peugeot and Citroen – now both part of Stellantis) led to the C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo. Great reliability should make all of them very affordable to run.
Average repair costs for the Citroen C1 came in at £659.87, although the most expensive request submitted to Warrantywise was for £4,356.
6th. Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux has a reputation for being virtually impossible to break, as highlighted by its starring roles on Top Gear. The versatile pickup truck claimed sixth position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index.
Typically used as a workhorse by farmers and tradespeople, livelihoods can literally depend on a Hilux being reliable. A score of 78.4 out of 100 suggests it certainly is.
Given the size of the Hilux, a highest repair request of £6,503.57 is not so surprising. Average repair costs were also the second highest across the top 10 here, at £1,436.72.
5th. Peugeot 108
Entering the top five, here is the next of the Czech-made city car trio. The Peugeot 108 scored 78.9 out of 100 in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index for 2026.
The 108 ceased production in early 2022, when Toyota took full control of the factory. This means even the youngest examples are now over four years old, and therefore outside their factory warranty period.
Average repair costs recorded by Warrantywise for the Peugeot 108 are consistent with the Citroen C1, with a typical request of £702.29. The most expensive repair request was slightly lower for the Peugeot, at £3,546.
4th. Toyota RAV4
One of three Toyotas in the top four, the RAV4 also lays claim to being the most reliable used SUV. Considering the complexity of the modern RAV4 and its hybrid drivetrain, its dependability is impressive – with a score of 79.9 out of 100.
A RAV4 did accrue the highest average repair cost of the whole top 10, with a typical bill of £1,731.04. Yet a peak repair bill of £4,750.34 suggests that, when the RAV4 does go wrong, it can be expensive.
Across the Toyota vehicles in the top 10, electrical systems and clutch trouble were the most frequently reported reasons for a repair. Nonetheless, Toyota still recorded the best result of any car brand.
3rd. Toyota Aygo
Despite sharing a platform with the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, the Toyota Aygo emerges as the most reliable of the three related models.
However, it was not the most dependable city car in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, nor even the top-rated Toyota.
Aiding the Aygo’s performance was the second-lowest average repair cost, at £480.64. A maximum repair request of £1,587.60 is one of the lowest here as well.
2nd. Kia Picanto
Trying to find a new city car to buy in 2026 is no mean feat; manufacturers have culled many of their smallest offerings in recent years. Buying used may thus be more appealing for UK drivers who want a compact car.
The Kia Picanto is one of the few remaining new city cars on sale, and it demonstrates the potential to be a dependable secondhand purchase. It scored 86.8 out of 100 in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, just missing out on the top spot.
Average repair costs of £403.49 for the Kia Picanto were the lowest of any car in the top 10, as was a most expensive repair request of £1,316.16.
1st. Toyota Yaris
Leading the way in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index is the Toyota Yaris, with a score of 89.2 out of 100. It marks the second year in succession the Yaris has emerged on top, and crowns an exceptionally strong showing for Toyota.
On the rare occasions it does go wrong, the Toyota Yaris has an average repair cost of £888.90. The most expensive request was for £2,334.55.
Antony Diggins, managing director of Warrantywise, said: “When looking at the total cost of ownership for a used vehicle, it’s very important to consider reliability within this. Our Reliability Index helps give consumers a clearer picture of how different used vehicles perform over time, using real-world insights drawn from the used cars we support every day.
“Toyota continuing to lead the rankings shows how consistent some brands can be over time. Models like the Toyota Yaris build a strong reputation for reliability year after year, which is why they remain such popular choices in the used car market.”
The April event will celebrate the vee engine, with displays of both road and race cars, while Hangar 113 will mark a century of the Bicester Technical Site. A pioneering aircraft will be flanked by period cars.
20-21 June: Icons of Porsche, Sunstede Silverstone Edition
A festival dedicated to Porsche, to mark 75 years of the brand in the UK. It will be hosted at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone and will include demonstrations of Porsche race and road cars on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. You can buy tickets here.
27-28 June: Heveningham Concours, Suffolk
28 June: Ford Nationals, British Motor Museum
July 2026
3-5 July: British Grand Prix
5 July: National Metro & Mini Show, British Motor Museum
Look back at the 2026 events calendar so far… which of the below events will be on your radar for 2027?
20-22 February: Race Retro
For many enthusiasts, Race Retro marks the start of the annual events calendar. This year, there’s live action from 120 rally cars, historic race exhibits, celebrity motorsport talks and more. There’s also a flagship auction on Saturday 21st February, with cars once owned by Richard Hammond, Richard Hamilton and even King Charles II!
20-22 March: Classic Car & Restoration Show
Rustic gems, resto projects and pristine classics is the promise of the NEC Classic Car & Restoration Show. Over 1,300 classics are expected, from 160 car clubs, and more than 230 cars will be on sale, too. Meet star experts including Derek Mathewson, Mike Brewer, Paul Cowland, Sheldon Nichols, Steph Holloway and more.
28 March: AUTOBEST Conquest Live Show
This is something all-new for 2026. AUTOBEST, the largest independent automotive awards jury in Europe, is holding its first live AUTOBEST Conquest event on 28 March – where the 2026 winner will be revealed. You can vote now from the six finalists… Motoring Research director and UK juror Richard Aucock has already cast his vote. Tune in on the night to find out which of the six will be crowned AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026.
11 April: Food & Fuel, Bicester Motion
12 April: GTI Spring Festival, Santa Pod
16-18 April: Salon Privé London
18 April: Pride of Longbridge, Cofton Park, Longbridge
A wider range of Kia vehicles have gained eligibility for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.
Last year, the Kia EV4 hatchback and PV5 Passenger van both qualified for the discount, which is intended to make EVs more affordable.
Further versions of the EV4 hatchback have now been added to the list of vehicles covered by the ECG – and the award-winning Kia EV3 compact SUV is eligible for the first time.
Based on the UK Government’s criteria for the ECG, both the EV3 and new versions of the EV4 qualify for a £1,500 discount off their respective list prices.
Kia EV3 priced from £31,555
The EV3 is one of the most successful Kia models of recent years, winning both the World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year titles in 2025.
Becoming eligible for the ECG scheme should further boost the appeal of the EV3.
Entry-level ‘Air’ versions of the Kia EV3, in both 58.3kWh Standard Range and 81.4kWh Long Range specifications, will receive the £1,500 discount.
This will see the EV3 Air Standard Range priced from £31,555, with the Long Range Air variant starting from £34,555.
For those who want something a bit sportier, the EV3 GT-Line in Long Range battery guise also qualifies for the £1,500 discount, reducing its starting price to £37,995.
New Kia EV4 Motion added to lineup
Following the launch of the EV4 hatchback last year, Kia has added a further special edition that meets the ECG criteria.
Sitting between the GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels in the EV4 lineup, the new Motion model makes use of the 81.4kWh Long Range battery pack, combined with a 201hp electric motor.
A set of 17-inch alloy wheels is included, along with body-coloured door mirrors, black wheelarches and silver window trims.
The interior of the EV4 Motion features a combination of cloth and leather upholstery, plus heated front and rear seats, an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and surround-view parking cameras.
Taking the £1,500 ECG discount into account, the Kia EV4 Motion – which is only available in hatchback guise – will be priced from £38,995.
The Jaecoo 7 outsold the Ford Puma in March 2026 to top the official UK new car registrations chart.
The smash-hit Chinese SUV also became the only new car to clock up more than 10,000 registrations – a hefty 871 monthly registrations head of the second-placed Puma.
It means the Jaecoo 7 is now 559 cars ahead of the Ford Puma in the year-to-date registrations, with both cars pulling clear of the Kia Sportage in third place.
The best month since 2019
Registrations rose by 6.6 percent in March – typically the busiest month of the year for new-car deals. It was the best month overall since 2019, too.
Electric car sales also rose by almost a quarter compared to 2025, reaching a record high.
However, pointed out the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the EV market share of 22.6 percent is still a long way off the 33 percent demanded by the government’s ZEV Mandate.
Overall, electrified cars – that’s EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids – accounted for more than one in two new car sales, with a 51.4 percent share.
‘Headlines belie the costs’
“The strongest new car market since 2019, with the highest ever volume of EV registrations, is a boost to the industry and the economy,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“However, the headlines belie the costs incurred and the challenges involved.
“Much of March’s performance will be from orders placed before the start of the Iran conflict, which threatens to raise the cost of living, undermining consumer confidence.
“Against this backdrop, and with the EV market falling further away from mandated levels despite record levels of incentives, an urgent review of the transition is required to secure a sustainable market, economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Urgent ZEV Mandate review
Last month, the car industry called for an urgent review of the ZEV Mandate, due to the electric car transition not happening as quickly as expected.
“The destination to electric has not changed and will not change,” said Hawes at the SMMT Electrified event in Westminster.
However, the ZEV Mandate is proving “just too far ahead of the market and the consumer… recognising the world of 2026 is not the one envisaged five years ago is not a retreat from ambition, it is a necessary step to achieving it”.
BMW has expanded its iX3 electric SUV lineup, with the announcement of a new, more affordable ’40’ version.
Recently voted World Car of the Year 2026 by an international panel of expert judges, including Motoring Research’s own Richard Aucock, the iX3 debuted in all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive guise. The new, rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 joins it later this year.
As the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse (‘new class’) range of cars and SUVs, the iX3 is a hugely important model for the German marque.
In his review of the iX3 50 xDrive, our Tim Pitt awarded the electric SUV a full five stars, saying it ‘goes straight to the top of a very crowded class’.
One of his few areas of criticism was the premium EV being limited to a single version – an issue now resolved by the cheaper iX3 40.
Almost 400 miles of range
Powering the BMW iX3 40 will be an 82.6kWh battery: smaller than the 108kWh item in the flagship iX3 50 xDrive.
The entry-level model thus won’t match the iX3 50 xDrive’s impressive WLTP-tested battery range of 500 miles – the furthest of any electric car currently on sale.
However, the new BMW iX3 40 will be capable of covering up to 395 miles when fully charged, which still makes it one of the longest-range EVs available.
Making use of the same 800-volt technology as the 50 xDrive, the iX3 40 is compatible with rapid-charging speeds of up to 300kW. This potentially allows for 186 miles of range to be added in only 10 minutes. Replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent requires 21 minutes.
Available in the UK from summer2026
The iX3 40’s electric motor generates 320hp and 369lb ft of torque. It can accelerate the five-seat SUV from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, and on to a 124mph maximum.
Although this is slower than the existing iX3 50 xDrive, the two cars will look virtually indistinguishable – and offer the same level of standard specification. This includes an illuminated front kidney grille, along with the innovative Panoramic iDrive dashboard display.
UK prices for the BMW iX3 40 will start from £53,250, marking a substantial saving compared to the £58,755 asked for the cheapest iX3 50 xDrive.
The new entry-level iX3 will be available in the UK from summer 2026.
The Renault 4 has been named AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026 in a groundbreaking pan-European Grand Finale.
In a live ceremony, the Renault 4 emerged victorious after winning the votes of both the AUTOBEST jurors and, for the first time, the European motoring public.
The new AUTOBEST Conquest format saw the awards opened up to Europe’s drivers, with jurors and the public each getting 50 percent of the votes.
The 32 AUTOBEST jurors – of which Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock is the UK representative – all voted late last year. However, their votes remained a secret until the public ballot closed half-way through the AUTOBEST Conquest show.
The Renault 4 emerged victorious with 39,676 points, edging ahead of the second-placed Citroen C3 Aircross on 38,259 points. The Fiat Grande Panda was third, with a total of 35,405 points.
Other finalists included the BYD Dolphin Surf, Ford Puma Gen-E and MG S5 EV.
During the three months of open public voting, the first AUTOBEST Conquest reached and engaged more than 15 million people. They were mostly in Europe, but there was participation from all around the world, including Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa.
The AUTOBEST Conquest social media campaign also recorded over 5.3 million organic views.
Three more AUTOBEST 2026 winners
Three more awards were presented during the AUTOBEST Conquest 2026 live show.
The Fiat Grande Panda won the inaugural Best Car Design of Europe Award. A total of 7,996 points placed it ahead of the Renault 4 on 6,697 points and the Citroen C3 Aircross on 6,633 points.
Fiat head of design Francois Leboine accepted the award during the live show.
The MG S5 EV won the Best Affordable Car Technology Package of Europe 2026 award with 14,955 points – edging it ahead of the Renault 4 on 14,349 points. The Citroen C3 Aircross was again third, with 9,950 points.
The C3 Aircross did, however, win the Best Users’ Car of Europe 2026 award, “becoming the people’s strongest favourite and delivering one of the most impressive public endorsements of the evening”.
It scooped 21,676 points, ahead of the Fiat Grande Panda on 19,770 points and the Renault 4 on 18,630 points.
AnAUTOBEST landmark
“The first edition of AUTOBEST Conquest proved far more than a new event format,” said AUTOBEST founder and chairman Dan Vardie.
“It demonstrated that Europe is ready for live automotive storytelling, direct democratic participation, transparent continental voting and a stronger emotional connection between brands and audiences.
“The first edition is already considered a landmark success… and AUTOBEST Conquest has only just begun.”
Kia has announced UK prices and specifications for the new EV2, which is available to order now.
Prices will start from £24,245 for the smallest SUV in Kia’s growing electric car lineup. The EV2 offers one of the longest battery ranges for less than £25,000.
Unveiled earlier this year at the Brussels Motor Show, the EV2 is the electric alternative to the Kia Stonic. It means Kia buyers can choose between petrol or battery power in the important B-SUV segment.
Kia will offer multiple trim levels for the EV2 from the outset. All versions come with a strong level of standard equipment (detailed below).
The EV2 range will also include a special First Edition. Featuring a smaller 42Kwh battery pack, this has already entered production and will, as per its name, be the first variant sold in the UK.
EV2 First Edition leads the way
When fully charged, the Kia EV2 First Edition offers an official range of 198 miles. All other versions of the car will have a 61kWh battery pack, giving the potential for up to 281 miles.
As with Kia’s other electric SUVs, the EV2 will feature 400-volt technology. This allows the 42kWh battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes using a 150kW DC charger. The larger 61kWh battery pack needs an almost-identical 30 minutes.
Making use of Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV2 features a front-mounted electric motor. In the 42kWh version, this delivers 144hp: good for 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds.
To maximise range, 61kWh battery models will develop a reduced 133hp, lengthening the 0-62mph time to 9.5 seconds. All versions of the EV2 have a top speed of 100mph.
The EV2 provides five seats and 362 litres of boot capacity. Fancier versions add a 15-litre ‘frunk’, designed for the charging cables.
Kia EV2 Air is best value
Kia is kicking off the EV2 model hierarchy with the £24,995 Air. The price includes a £3,750 ‘Reservation Saving’. The Korean marque confirms it will be eligible for the Electric Car Grant, too.
LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, climate control air-con, parking sensors and a rear-view camera are all standard across the EV2 range. The Air adds 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome side accents, grey cloth upholstery and a six-speaker audio system.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 5.3-inch climate control panel are also included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and four USB-C ports.
Opting for the EV2 First Edition, with its 42kWh battery, will see prices start from £26,995. Marking these models out are 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and remote parking assistance.
Sporty GT-Line tops the range
The Kia EV2 GT-Line will cost from £28,995, and brings sportier styling with 19-inch alloy wheels and bespoke design touches. These include gloss black door mirrors, gloss black window surrounds and privacy glass.
On the inside, two-tone artificial leather, aluminium pedals and a grey headlining continue the sporty theme.
As the flagship in the EV2 range, the GT-Line S sees Kia throw in the proverbial kitchen sink. Standard equipment includes ventilated front seats, a power-operated tailgate, customisable ambient lighting and a digital key. Prices start from £32,995.
Kia expects the first EV2 customer deliveries later this year. Cars will be available to test-drive at UK dealerships from 16 April.
If a beach holiday this August sounds a little unadventurous, or simply too hot, BMW might have the answer.
BMW Australia is operating its M Snow and Ice Experience again this year. Last held in 2024, the driving course makes use of BMW’s stunning Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground.
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, between the picturesque resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, the proving ground makes the most of the region’s winter weather.
The BMW M Snow and Ice Experience allows drivers to test a host of M performance models on low-friction surfaces, all done under the careful supervision of professional instructors.
A tale of fire and ice
Included as part of the M Snow and Ice Experience is the chance to drive the latest performance models from the German marque, including the BMW M3 in both saloon and Touring forms.
The BMW M440i will also be available in coupe and convertible guises, along with the X3 M50 performance SUV and Mini Countryman.
Two tiers of M Snow and Ice Experience are offered by BMW. Both include ‘motorkhana’ events, plus drag sprints, barrel races and drifting runs.
Participants will also be given a high-speed demonstration run, performed by one of the M Snow and Ice Experience instructors and making use of a BMW M3.
Time to plan your winter holiday
Prices for the M Snow and Ice Experience start from AUD $4,900 (equivalent to £2,545) for the Premium tier. This includes transfers in a four-wheel-drive bus to the proving ground, along with a BMW M-branded jacket.
Opting for the fancier Luxury tier, priced at AUD $7,600 (£3,950), adds accommodation for two nights at the Millbrook Resort, airport transfers and even a helicopter ride back from the proving ground.
For those happy to wait until winter in the northern hemisphere, or in search of shorter flight times, BMW also offers its Area M Winter experience. This makes use of test tracks in both Austria and Sweden, although there is no mention of a branded jacket…
Porsche, Volkswagen and McLaren all offer their own snow and ice driving experiences, too.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026 in New York. The acclaimed iX3 is the latest winner of the biggest automotive award in the world.
The BMW iX3 beat two other finalists: the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf.
The WCOTY jury comprises 98 international journalists from 33 countries, including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock representing the UK.
The competition began in earnest last November, at the annual Los Angeles test drives event. This 11th edition of the awards saw 35 jurors from 15 countries testing cars – again, including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock.
The first round of voting was completed in December, with the top 10 and top five cars announced in early January 2026. The 2026 World Car Person was announced in February, ahead of a second round of voting by the jurors – with the 2026 Top 3 in the World revealed in early March.
All votes were validated by KPMG, World Car Awards tabulation partner for more than two decades.
World Car Awards 2026
In the World Car Design category, 90 vehicles were eligible. A panel of seven design experts reviewed them all and established a shortlist, which the jurors then voted on.
The Mazda 6e emerged as the winner, pipping the Kia PV5 and Volvo ES90. It is the third time Mazda has won the World Car Design title.
When every penny counts, urban cars are essential transport – and the world’s best deliver so much more. The top three contenders were the Baojun Yep Plus/Chevrolet Spark EV, Firefly (Chinese marque NIO’s third brand) and the Hyundai Venue. And the winner for 2026 is the Firefly.
Global electric car sales grew by 20 percent in 2025 alone, and one in four new cars sold is now an EV. World Electric Car aims to find the best of them, and the top three for 2026 are the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Nissan Leaf.
The BMW iX3 – which Motoring Research has already awarded five stars in our recent review, beat its fellow finalists to be named World Electric Vehicle 2026. This made it a World Car Awards 2026 double-victor.
Performance cars are every motoring enthusiast’s dream. This year’s top three were more diverse than ever, with the BMW M2 CS, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N heading into the final.
And the 2026 World Performance Car winner? The outstanding Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It follows the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which was named 2025 World Performance Car.
The 2026 World Luxury Car category saw the Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity and Volvo ES90 named the top three finalists. It was the Lucid Gravity that emerged as the 2026 victor.
