Renault 4 and Dacia Bigster finalists for the 2026 Car of the Year award
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Of the 35 cars vying for the most coveted European title, the seven finalists have now been announced. Renault 4 and Dacia Bigster are in the final selection for the prestigious 2026 “Car of the Year” award. Two chances to win the prize for a third consecutive time for Renault Group, a second consecutive time for Renault or for the first time in its history for the Dacia brand.
Two finalist models
Dacia Bigster and Renault 4 occupy two of the seven finalists spots. This result keeps hopes alive for a Renault Group model to win the 2026 Car of the Year award.
This selection by the jury follows on from the European press's acclaim for the two new models unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, on 9 October 2024 for Dacia Bigster and on 14 October for Renault 4.
Renault Group is a finalist for the Car of the Year award for the fifth consecutive year. Renault 5 and Alpine A390 (considered as a single model) were finalists in 2025, Renault Scénic in 2024, Renault Austral in 2023 and Renault Mégane E-Tech electric in 2022. Such consistency highlights the qualities of the group's models.
Dacia Bigster, the brand's first C-segment SUV
True to the brand's DNA, Dacia Bigster provides affordable access to C-SUV segment features. Well-equipped and comfortable, its interior offers excellent space for five occupants and a boot with a maximum capacity of 702 litres.
With a full range of electrified engines, Dacia Bigster introduces two new features:
- Hybrid 155 is a powertrain consisting of a 109 ch 4-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (a 50 hp motor and a high-voltage starter/generator), a 1.4 kWh (230 V) battery and an electrified automatic gearbox.
- Mild hybrid-G 140 is the first powertrain to combine dual fuel and 48V mild hybrid technology.
Dacia Bigster has been available to order since 9 January 2025.
Renault 4, the compact and versatile ‘car for living’
The original model's adventurous DNA has been reinvented in the form of a 100% electric, connected compact car with a retro-futuristic and adventurous design.
Renault 4 is the everyday ‘car for living’. Thanks to its interior modularity, 420-litre boot, Extended Grip function and 750-kilogram towing capacity, it adapts to everyone and every use.
Renault 4 E-Tech electric puts technology at the service of safety (with driver assistance features), the driving experience and life on board with OpenR Link with Google integrated and the Reno avatar.
Renault 4 E-Tech electric went on sale last June, initially in France.
A historic double in 2025
In January 2025, Renault Group made automotive history by becoming the second manufacturer since the award's creation in 1964 to win “Car of the Year” for two consecutive years: Scénic E-Tech electric in 2024 and Renault 5 E-Tech electric, alongside Alpine A290, in 2025.
The Renault brand has won the Car of the Year award eight times: Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 in 2025, Scénic E-tech electric in 2024, Clio in 2006, Mégane in 2003, Scénic in 1997, Clio in 1991, Renault 9 in 1982 and Renault 16 in 1966.
For Alpine, the 2025 award is a first, recognising A290, the brand's first 100% electric model.
The Car of the Year award will be presented on 9 January at the Brussels International Motor Show by the Car of the Year jury, made up of 60 motoring journalists from 23 European countries.
