Some of the UK’s most popular vehicles have been crowned in the 2026 UK Car of the Year Awards, with eight models taking home accolades.
Electric vehicles took home five of the eight awards, with drivers and experts marking a clear market shift away from petrol and diesel.
Audi collected two of the eight awards, with the A6 saloon ranked as the best Executive Car, while the A6 Avant won the Estate category.
Another Volkswagen Group brand, Skoda, picked up the gong in the Medium Crossover category with all-electric Elroq, with SUVs remaining popular among British drivers.
Almost two-thirds of judges gave the Small Car award to the Renault 5. The sleek electric vehicle offers up to 254 miles in range, with prices starting at just £21,495.
John Challen, Director of the UK Car of the Year Awards, praised the new partnership with Start Rescue, adding that it was a “fascinating time” for the UK automotive market.
He said: “It is great to have Start Rescue onboard, they’re just as passionate about keeping motorists informed as we are, and they are experts in their own right.”
GB News has rounded up the eight cars crowned as winners from the 2026 UK Car of the Year Awards.
Small Car – Renault 5
Renault 5 E-Tech | RENAULT
Family Car – Kia EV4
Kia EV4 | KIA
Small Crossover – Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
Citroen e-C3 Aircross | STELLANTIS
Medium Crossover – Skoda Elroq
Skoda Elroq
| SKODA
Executive Car – Audi A6
Audi A6
|
AUDI
Large Crossover – Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai IONIQ 9
| HYUNDAI
Estate Car – Audi A6 Avant
Audi A6 Avant
|
AUDI
Performance Car – Alpine A290
Alpine A290 | ALPINE