The seven finalists for the Car of the Year 2025 award have been revealed, with the winner set to be announced on January 10, during the Brussels International Motor Show.

The 60 judges from 23 European countries have whittled 42 models to seven finalists in a quest to determine the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the last 12 months. The organisers value technological innovation and value for money, amongst other requirements when judging each car. The car must also be new, with no mid-cycle facelifts allowed.

The 2024 award went to the Renault Scenic, which beat the BMW 5 Series, BYD Seal, KIA EV9, Peugeot 3008, Toyota C-HR and Volvo EX30.

Judges will now have eight weeks to put each car through its paces before all seven models are brought together at the Mettet Test facility in Belgium for a final joint test.

The Seven Finalists

Dacia Duster

This is Dacia’s first time as a finalist for the Car of the Year prize, and it is no wonder the judges were impressed, with the third-generation Duster offering the best value for money for British customers at a starting price of £18,745.

It is environmentally friendly too, using recycled materials for its exterior and operating as a hybrid, with the ability to drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in cities.

Added features include Dacia’s YouClip system and the chance to personalise the interior with various accessories, such as a smartphone holder and 3-in-1 cupholder.

With 2.5 million sales of the Duster since its first launch in 2010, Dacia will surely continue to push out further generations in future years.

Kia EV3

With a segment leading range for the compact SUV market of 375 miles, the all-electric Kia EV3 has impressed the judges to be listed as a Car of the Year 2025 finalist. It also marks the fourth consecutive year that a Kia EV has been shortlisted for the award, including the 2022 winning Kia EV6.

Charging from 10-80% takes just 29 minutes using 400V fast charging technology and 125 miles can be added in around 15 minutes. Prices start from £32,995.

Renault 5 E-Tech / Alpine A290

Built on the same AmpR Small platform, the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 are in the running for Car of the Year as co-finalists.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Renault has been among the finalists, following the Megane E-Tech, Austral in 2022 and 2023, before the Scenic E-Tech secured victory at the 2024 awards.

Both cars are 100% electric. And while the Renault 5 E-Tech is a nod to the 1972 Renault 5, the Alpine A290 is the brand’s first hot hatch and was first seen in action in the UK at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Cupra Terramar

Cupra has previous experience reaching the final stage of the Car of the Year award with its Formentor and Born being recognised in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Launched during this year’s America’s Cup, the Terramar is a sporty SUV which has a new exterior design language, while its interior is focused on sustainability using upcycled polyester and leather.

Five different powertrain options are available, including petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid, delivering between 150hp to 272hp and up to 62 miles of electric range. Prices start from £37,290.

Hyundai Inster

Unveiled at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show, the Hyundai Inster is a compact EV that comes with 229 miles of range.

Its futuristic design is based on the petrol-powered Casper introduced in 2021 and has a tardis-like effect, feeling more roomy on the inside than it appears from the outside. Hyundai released the Inster intending to have it punch above its weight compared to its rivals as a more efficient choice.

There are two different options available, one with 96bhp paired to a 42kWh battery and the other with 113bhp and a larger 49kWh battery. Prices start from £23,495 for the smaller version.

Alfa Romeo Junior

What was originally intended to be called the Milano, a legal threat from the Italian city soon put a stop to that and so Alfa Romeo dipped into its basket of names and the Junior was born.

It is the Italian brand’s first all-electric vehicle and shares the same platform as Stellantis stablemates the Abarth 600e and Jeep Avenger. Charging from 10-80% with a 100kW rapid charger takes less than half an hour and three electric trim levels are available.

The Junior Elettrica and Speciale feature the 156hp powertrain, while the Veloce pushes 240hp. Prices start at £33,895.

It is now also available in Ibrida configuration as a 136-hp 48V Hybrid.

When do we find out the winner?

The winner will be announced at the Brussels Motor Show on 10 January 2025.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: