Maruti Suzuki Victoris wins ICOTY 2026, TVS Apache RTX wins IMOTY: All details here

The much-awaited 2025 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards have been announced. Established in 2005 for ICOTY and 2007 for IMOTY, the awards are judged by a nationwide jury of automotive journalists who collectively evaluate and vote for the winners based on their expertise and real-world assessments.The decision process takes into account key parameters such as performance, safety, fuel efficiency, technology, overall value and other relevant factors. Since its inception, the awards have been supported by JK Tyre. ICOTY honors are presented in three categories: Indian Car of the Year, Premium Car of the Year and Green Car of the Year. The final results were determined by the ICOTY jury after a detailed evaluation of the shortlisted models. The judging panel comprised of experienced automotive journalists from across the country, including our editor Arpit Mahendra, who was part of both the ICOTY and IMOTY juries.Indian car of the year 2026

At this year’s ceremony, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris was crowned the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 after a close evaluation process conducted by a jury of leading automotive journalists. The Skoda Kylaq was the first runner up, while the Mahindra XEV 9E took the third position to complete the podium. The shortlist for ICOTY 2026 included Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia Ciros, Mahindra Premium car of the year 2026 Volkswagen’s Golf GTI has been named Premium Car of the Year at the ICOTY 2026 awards, one of the most competitive categories this year. The jury was impressed by how the hot hatch manages to balance performance-driven character with day-to-day comfort and utility, making it an attractive all-rounder.

The Golf GTI ultimately finished ahead of rivals such as the BMW ix1 LWB, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, MG Cyberster, Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Octavia RS and Toyota Camry. Each model was judged on a number of criteria including driving performance, build quality, technology, safety, comfort, luxury and value, with the breadth of the GTI’s capability being in its favor. Green car of the year 2026

Mahindra’s The electric SUV finished with the highest overall score, underscoring its strong performance in key areas such as driving range, onboard technology, comfort and overall value. The competition proved to be quite close, with the XEV 9e beating a diverse lineup of rivals from both Indian and international brands. Competing for the Green Car of the Year title were the BMW iX1 LWB, BYD Sealion 7, Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG Cyberster, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Harrier EV and Tesla Model Y.

Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2026TVS Apache RTX has won the title of Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026. The Apache RTX made it to the final round from a shortlist of eight motorcycles that covered multiple segments like sporty commuter, modern classics, adventure tourer and an electric offering. The diverse lineup highlights the breadth of two-wheelers introduced in the Indian market last year. The final shortlist of motorcycles included a diverse mix that included the Honda CB 125 Hornet, Kawasaki KLX 230, KTM 390 Adventure, KTM Enduro R, Royal Enfield Classic 650, TVS Apache RTX 300, Ultraviolette X47 and Yamaha XSR 155.