Auto Monthly showcases the seven finalists for Car of the Year 2026
The finalists of the most coveted award in the automotive industry are on display until 8 December in Milan CityLife. In addition to seeing them up close, there will also be exclusive test drives.
Key points
Auto, the Italian automotive magazine that is among the organisers of the prestigious award The Car of The Year 2026 every year offers enthusiasts the opportunity to see up close and above all drive the finalist cars. Once again this year the cars are on display in Piazza Tre Torri in the heart of the Milan CityLife Shopping District for a total of 11 days from 28 November to 8 December.
The proclamation on 9 January at the Brussels Salon
Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes CLA, Renault R4 E-Tech and Škoda Eniaq. The 62 jurors from 23 European countries chose them out of more than 30 new entries this year. Ahead of the election of the Car of the Year which will take place at the Bruxcelles Motor Show on 9 January, thanks to the monthly magazine Auto it will be possible to drive them in preview on the streets of Milan.
Driving tests after registering on the site or at the desk
The Car of The Year award honours the most interesting car of the year since 1964. Enthusiasts and the curious can register on the website https://www.auto.it/eventi/coty or directly at the desk in the centre of the exhibition will be able to see them. On the scheduled days, the editorial staff of Auto will also be present at Milano CityLife for explanations about the cars and the moment in the car industry.
From the Citroen C5 Aircross to the Dacia Bigster
The Citroen C5 Aircross is a 4.65 metre suv available with a 213 hp electric motor or petrol electrified mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid and power ratings from 145 to 195 hp. The Dacia Bigster represents an evolution in a more important segment for the brand. Also this car is a 4.57 metre suv with mild hybrid petrol engines with 131 and 140 hp, full hybrid with 158 hp and LPG petrol with 140 hp.
Eyes on the new Fiat Grande Panda
The Fiat Grande Panda is the car that brings the Turin-based manufacturer back into a market segment of models that are among the most competitive on the market today, and with a design that echoes its 1980s progenitor. At 4.00 metres long, it offers 100 hp petrol engines with manual transmission, 110 hp mild hybrid with automatic transmission and 113 hp full electric.
