The automotive world never stands still, and 2026 has proven that once again. From clever, compact EVs that make city driving a breeze to high-performance supercars that get your pulse racing, this year’s vehicles show just how far innovation, design, and engineering have come.
The TopGear.com Awards shine a spotlight on the standout stars of the year, celebrating the cars that push boundaries, capture the imagination, and redefine what drivers can expect from their wheels. It’s a chance to see the very best the industry has to offer—and a reminder that the future of driving has never looked so exciting.
Design of the Year: Dacia Hipster
Although still officially a concept, the tiny 3m-long, 1.5m-wide Hipster grabbed Top Gear’s attention with its clever packaging—managing to seat four adults and offer a surprisingly generous 500-litre boot. It’s also 20 per cent lighter than Dacia’s all-electric Spring and aims to cut lifecycle carbon emissions in half compared with today’s best EVs.
Crucially, Dacia is tackling a problem the industry often tiptoes around: even “affordable” electric cars remain too expensive for true mass adoption. By channelling the spirit of classic people’s cars, the Hipster hints at the next big shift in simple, sustainable mobility.
Dacia claims the concept would deliver enough range for everyday use, needing just two charges a week—an approach that aligns with real-world habits, given that 94 per cent of French drivers cover under 24 miles a day (and just 19 miles in the UK). That logic allows everything to be smaller, lighter and genuinely essential, even if details like battery size remain under wraps.
Crossover of the Year: Renault 4 E-Tech Electric
TopGear.com judges were won over by the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric’s cheerful retro-inspired styling, clever packaging, relaxing yet entertaining drive, and standout value for money.
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric proves that accessible electric cars don’t have to sacrifice personality or practicality—offering a roomy cabin, a 420-litre boot (expanding to 1,405 litres with the seats folded), and plenty of comfort for everyday family use thanks to its stretched 2.62m wheelbase.
As TopGear.com editor Jack Rix put it, the R4 leaves few weak spots: lively looks, family-friendly space, engaging handling and a surprisingly plush ride, strong range and—perhaps most compelling of all—an attractive price tag.
With features like Renault’s OpenR Link system and rapid 100kW DC charging that boosts the battery from 15 to 80 per cent in half an hour, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric cements its place as one of the most joyful and well-rounded EV crossovers of the year.
Family Car of the Year: Kia PV5
As the first all-electric model born from Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy, the Kia PV5 impressed judges with its combination of smart design, strong value and impressive versatility—qualities that make it perfectly suited to modern family life.
The PV5 Passenger is the most affordable model in its class, yet still offers a choice of two battery options: up to 183 miles of range from the 51.5kWh pack or up to 256 miles with the 71.2kWh long-range version.
Inside, a spacious cabin, 12.9-inch navigation screen, clever storage and sustainable materials cater to both everyday family duties and commercial needs such as ride-hailing.
Supermini of the Year: Hyundai INSTER
Described by judges as a “heady mix of ability and sensible thinking, allied to a happy looking car,” the Hyundai INSTER edged out the competition thanks to its versatility, efficiency, faster charging, engaging driving experience and generous equipment. Hyundai’s first small EV for the European market, the INSTER combines compact SUV styling with effortless city driving and strong performance for longer trips, offering a potential range of up to 229 miles.
The range starts with the INSTER 01 42kWh 97PS (£23,505), followed by the INSTER 02 49kWh 115PS (£26,755), and the more rugged INSTER Cross (£28,755). All models currently benefit from a £3,750 discount through the Hyundai Electric Grant, introduced in July to encourage the switch to EVs.
Manufacturer of the Year: Renault
From small electric vehicles that are reshaping their segment to performance models proving that EVs can be thrilling, Renault has consistently surprised the industry with bold ideas and engaging designs. TopGear.com editor Jack Rix highlighted a year of standout moments: the R5 and R4 winning over drivers everywhere, the Clio revitalising the supermini segment, the Twingo making a triumphant return, and the R5 Turbo 3E injecting a touch of madness.
Meanwhile, Alpine advanced its EV journey with the A290 and A390, and Dacia impressed with the expansive Bigster and the compact, clever Hipster. This award recognises Renault Group’s commitment to making electric cars more accessible, more fun, and genuinely exciting for drivers.
Noise of the Year: Ford Mustang GTD
Ford’s new Mustang GTD has roared its way to Noise of the Year at the TopGear.com 2026 Awards, with UK customers now able to apply for the 800bhp supercar. Primarily engineered for the track, the Mustang GTD is currently under evaluation for road approval in the UK and Europe, though Ford notes it could remain a track-only car in some markets. Applications ended in July, shortly after its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Europe-bound production set to begin next spring, though right-hand drive availability has yet to be confirmed.
Top Gear celebrated the GTD’s sound as a standout feature, describing it as a “physical, lumpy” V8 roar that goes far beyond ordinary noise. While commonplace in the US, this rasping, muscular soundtrack lands elsewhere as a glorious middle finger to the quieter world of electric vehicles, combining sheer power with a delightfully childish sense of fun.
Super SUV of the Year: Aston Martin DBX S
The Aston Martin DBX S has been named Super SUV of the Year, offering a rare combination of luxury, performance and practicality. As the most powerful SUV in its class, it packs a 717bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels it from 0-62 mph in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph. Key upgrades include turbochargers borrowed from the Valhalla supercar, strategic lightweighting, and distinctive design touches such as a honeycomb grille and quad-stacked exhausts.
Top Gear praised the DBX S for its unique character: “The DBX is almost an archetype. With just a few adjustments, the S brings the edge that the 707 as a blunderbuss of a thing does not. It’s feral, noisy, brutish—but also precise enough, insanely fast, and perfectly practical.”
Excellence in Innovation
The 2026 TopGear.com Awards showcase the incredible diversity and innovation present in today’s automotive landscape. Each winner represents the pinnacle of achievement in its category, from ground-breaking electric vehicles to refined luxury automobiles.
These outstanding vehicles demonstrate how manufacturers respond to modern drivers’ needs with creativity and technical excellence. Whether prioritising sustainability, performance, practicality, or luxury, each award winner brings something unique to the automotive world.
Visit our Stoneacre showrooms today to experience these award-winning vehicles first-hand and find the one that suits your lifestyle.
