The winners of India's most prestigious automotive accolades, the 2026 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY), have been officially declared. These awards, established in 2005 and 2007 respectively, are decided by a national jury of expert automotive journalists who conduct rigorous real-world evaluations.
Victoris Edges Out Fierce Competition for Top Honour
In a nail-bitingly close contest, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris emerged victorious as the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026. The jury, which included seasoned journalists like Arpit Mahendra, conducted an exhaustive assessment of shortlisted models based on performance, safety, technology, value, and fuel efficiency. The Victoris narrowly pipped the Skoda Kylaq to the top spot, with the Mahindra XEV 9e securing third place in one of the tightest races in the award's history.
The initial shortlist for the main award was packed with strong contenders, featuring models like the Hyundai Creta Electric, Kia Syros, Tata Harrier EV, and the Kia Carens Clavis EV.
Category Winners: GTI's Premium Appeal and XEV 9e's Green Credentials
In the Premium Car of the Year category, the Volkswagen Golf GTI took the crown. The jury praised the hot hatch for its masterful blend of thrilling performance with everyday comfort and usability, allowing it to triumph over a formidable field that included the BMW iX1 LWB, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the Skoda Octavia RS.
The Green Car of the Year 2026 title was awarded to the Mahindra XEV 9e. The electric SUV scored the highest aggregate points, impressing judges with its driving range, technology, comfort, and overall value proposition. It faced stiff competition from a dedicated lineup of eco-friendly models, including the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y, and the Hyundai Creta Electric.
TVS Apache RTX Rides Away with IMOTY 2026 Crown
On the two-wheeler front, the TVS Apache RTX secured the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026 award. The motorcycle fought its way to the top from a diverse shortlist of eight models, showcasing the variety in the Indian market. The finalists spanned segments from sporty commuters and modern classics to adventure tourers and electric bikes, including the Royal Enfield Classic 650, KTM 390 Adventure, and the Ultraviolette X47.
The judging process for all awards is renowned for its integrity and comprehensiveness, supported by JK Tyre since inception. The results reflect the collective expertise of India's leading automotive journalists who put these vehicles through their paces to determine the very best offerings for Indian consumers.
