Car of the Year 2026: the new Citroën C5 Aircross takes on the Balocco proving ground

The automotive year of 2026 could begin in the best possible way for the double chevron brand. The new Citroën C5 Aircross has been officially confirmed as one of the seven finalists for the prestigious Car of the Year (COTY) award. While the automotive world eagerly awaits the Brussels Motor Show, where the results will be unveiled on January 9th, the selection process has entered its most critical phase. To determine the winner, the European jury recently traveled to the legendary Balocco proving ground in Italy. It was on this demanding terrain that the jurors assessed the dynamic capabilities and comfort of this new SUV, the flagship of a completely renewed Citroën lineup.

Balocco: the ultimate judge for the seven finalists

The selection for Car of the Year is not decided solely by design or spec sheets, but on the asphalt. In this context, the event organized by the monthly magazine Auto gathered the seven finalist cars at the Balocco proving ground (Vercelli), attended by international jurors and manufacturer representatives. The choice of this location for these crucial tests is significant.

Opened in 1962, the Balocco test center is a true institution in the automotive industry. Built around a traditional 19th-century farmhouse surrounded by greenery, this complex combines historical charm with state-of-the-art facilities. It has become an international reference, expanding over the years to currently offer 27 tracks spread over 5.5 km². Thanks to the variety of its infrastructure, Balocco allows for the simulation of every conceivable road condition, providing the jury with an ideal playground to push the new C5 Aircross to its limits.

On December 11th, the dynamic tests were conducted with absolute rigor. The vehicles were first subjected to the famous "elk test" at a speed of 50 km/h. This dreaded trial aims to evaluate vehicle stability and safety when avoiding a sudden obstacle, involving abrupt braking followed by two rapid changes of direction. This was followed by a slalom exercise between cones at 30 km/h, designed to measure steering responsiveness and chassis agility during constant trajectory changes.

For a brand like Citroën, which prioritizes comfort, the rough surface test was undoubtedly the most significant. Jurors drove the finalists over sections imitating the formidable Belgian blocks (pavés), as well as undulating surfaces. These sections are unforgiving: they instantly reveal build quality, sound insulation, and, above all, the suspension's ability to filter out irregularities. The session concluded with a six-kilometer course reproducing the "Langhe road," a track typical of the Piedmontese hills featuring climbs, descents, and tight corners. This mixed route allowed for the assessment of the SUV's overall behavior, from acceleration to braking and cornering balance.

Citroën and Car of the Year: a history of innovation

The presence of the new Citroën C5 Aircross in the finals is not an isolated event but a confirmation of the French brand's return to the forefront of the European stage. Selected from fifty initial models by a jury representing 23 countries, this SUV illustrates Citroën's positive momentum. This marks the second consecutive year a Citroën has reached this final stage of the competition, following the new C3, which secured a podium finish last year.

Looking further back, the brand has become a regular in the finals, with the C4 also appearing among the seven contenders in 2021. This consistency testifies to the coherence of the new range, which now extends from the Ami quadricycle to the C-segment with the C4 and C4X, including the compact C3 Aircross. The new C5 Aircross, presented as the largest, most comfortable, and most technologically advanced SUV ever produced by the brand, carries the ambition to turn these nominations into a victory.

Citroën's history with the Car of the Year award is rich and marked by memorable successes. The manufacturer now aims to follow in the footsteps of its legendary models: the XM (winner in 1990), the CX (1975), and the GS (1971). Analyzing this track record reveals a clear common thread: technological innovation and sovereign comfort have always been key to the brand's success. These are precisely the characteristics, combined with a renewed stylistic boldness, that the new C5 Aircross highlights to woo the jury. Facing sharp competition, the French SUV plays the card of versatility and interior hospitality, values cherished by both families and the European jury.

On the road to the Brussels verdict

The countdown has begun. On January 9th, at the Brussels Motor Show, we will know if Citroën will start 2026 in style by winning this coveted title. The intensive tests conducted at Balocco provided the ultimate opportunity for the new C5 Aircross to demonstrate its road qualities.

Beyond pure performance, it is the alchemy between habitability, onboard technology, and the renowned Citroën suspension comfort that could make the difference. Awaiting the verdict, one thing is certain: by consistently placing its models in the finals, Citroën reaffirms its position as a key player in the European automotive landscape.