BYD Dolphin Surf, CITROËN C3 Aircross, FIAT Grande Panda, FORD Puma Gen-E, MG S5 EV and RENAULT 4 are the finalists for the AUTOBEST 2026 award. These six models will compete for the coveted motoring accolade Best Buy Car of Europe 2026, the most influential and affordable-value recognition on the European market.
The AUTOBEST jury—comprising 32 independent motoring journalists from 32 countries—will conduct the Final Test and evaluation sessions next week in Teesdorf, Austria, before casting their votes in the coming weeks.
After several years of consistent success, AUTOBEST returns to the ÖAMTC Driving Center in Teesdorf, near Vienna, on November 27th & 28th, 2025, where the Final Test will take place. Here, the jury will thoroughly evaluate all six finalists across a wide range of real-life criteria.
For the 25th edition, AUTOBEST is introducing the most significant transformation in its history: the classic AUTOBEST concept evolves into the brand-new AUTOBEST CONQUEST.
For the first time ever, the public will actively participate in selecting the Best Buy Car of Europe and 3 new more awards, voting alongside the professional AUTOBEST jury.
Beginning January 2026, consumers across Europe will be able to vote online for their preferred finalist. Public voting will remain open until the end of March 2026, concluding live during the AUTOBEST Conquest Show.
Public votes will represent 50% of the final score, with jury votes representing the remaining 50%. The winners will be decided live and announced during the show’s grand finale.
Brands are strongly encouraged to activate their communities and fans to vote.
Replacing the traditional Gala Awards, the AUTOBEST Conquest Show marks a major leap into a modern entertainment-broadcasting format — a first in the automotive world.
During the Conquest Show, AUTOBEST will announce four major prizes live on stage:
More details about the AUTOBEST Conquest Show will be revealed early next year.
In the coming weeks, AUTOBEST will also reveal the winners of the ECOBEST, COMPANYBEST, MANBEST, DESIGNBEST, SAFETYBEST, SMARTBEST, SPORTBEST and TECHNOBEST awards.
Founded in 2001, AUTOBEST introduced the revolutionary concept of identifying the “Best Buy Car” on the European market — the model that delivers the best value for most European customers. Each car is assessed through a transparent voting system based on 13 criteria, including price, service network, spare parts availability, versatility, design, and new technologies.
The AUTOBEST jury represents 32+1 European countries (Russia remains suspended), making it the largest independent motoring jury both in Europe and globally in terms of represented nations. The AUTOBEST jury pays close attention to the automotive industry’s efforts. Investments, new automotive job opportunities, funds for green cars and technologies, the support for different regions of Europe are all carefully checked by the jury. New in-car technologies and connectivity are also under scrutiny.
ENDS
Contact
Andreea Oglan
PR Coordinator, AUTOBEST
pr@autobest.org
