Citroën C3 Aircross named finalist for AUTOBEST 2026: The public will have the power to decide

It is a particularly prosperous time for the double chevron brand. While we recently discussed the C5 Aircross being a finalist for the coveted Car of the Year 2026 award, it is now time for another major new addition to the range to shine. The Citroën C3 Aircross has officially been named as one of the six finalists for the AUTOBEST 2026 award.

This nomination places the brand's new compact SUV in the running for the title of "Best Buy Car of Europe 2026." While recognition from experts is customary for Citroën, this edition marks a historic turning point in how automotive awards are granted: for the first time, the voice of enthusiasts and consumers will carry as much weight as that of the journalists.

The 6 contenders for best buy car of Europe 2026

The AUTOBEST award is renowned for recognizing vehicles that offer the best price-to-performance ratio, a niche where Citroën traditionally excels. For this 2026 edition, the competition promises to be particularly tough with a selection of finalists reflecting the diversity and electrification of the current market.

The Citroën C3 Aircross will face five serious competitors: the BYD Dolphin Surf, the highly anticipated FIAT Grande Panda, the FORD Puma Gen-E, the MG S5 EV, and finally the RENAULT 4. These six models are competing for what is often considered the most influential and commercially advantageous accolade on the European market: the title of Best Buy Car of Europe 2026.

To decide between these vehicles, the organization relies on a jury of recognized experts. This jury is composed of 32 independent automotive journalists, representing 32 different European countries. This geographic diversity ensures a balanced evaluation, taking into account the specificities of each national market.

The selection process will enter its decisive phase very soon. The jurors will meet on November 27 and 28, 2025, for the final test in Teesdorf, Austria. Staying true to its tradition, AUTOBEST returns to the ÖAMTC driving center near Vienna for these crucial tests. During these two days, the jury will meticulously evaluate the six finalists. Unlike glossy paper reviews, these tests are conducted according to a wide range of criteria in real-world conditions, allowing the relevance of the vehicles to the daily lives of European drivers to be judged. However, to celebrate the 25th edition of this award, a major difference is shaking up habits: the jury will no longer be the sole decision-maker.

A revolution for the 25th anniversary: power to the consumers

To mark its quarter-century, the organization is implementing the most significant transformation in its history by launching the AUTOBEST CONQUEST concept. This evolution marks a break with the traditional format of automotive awards, which are often deemed too distant from actual buyers.

For the very first time, the public will actively participate in the selection of the "Best Buy Car of Europe" as well as three other major awards. In concrete terms, this means that European consumers will vote alongside the professional jury. The weight of this popular vote is considerable: it will count for 50% of the final score, with the remaining 50% being attributed by the 32 journalists. It is a true democratization of the election that gives power back to the end-user.

The schedule for this unprecedented election is already set. Starting in January 2026, internet users will be invited to vote online for their favorite finalist. The voting period will extend until the end of March 2026. This mechanism represents a major opportunity for a brand like Citroën. The manufacturer has a very active and engaged community of fans across Europe. The ability of the brand and its enthusiasts to mobilize could tip the scales in favor of the C3 Aircross against its competitors.

The announcement of the results will also take place in a new format. Forget the traditional hushed galas; make way for the AUTOBEST Conquest Show. This new format, designed as a modern entertainment broadcast aired live, will be the stage for the revelation of the winners. In addition to the supreme title, three other distinctions will be awarded live: "Best User Car of Europe," "Best Automotive Design of Europe," and "Best Affordable Tech Pack of Europe." I will be sure to get back to you as soon as voting opens to detail the exact procedure.

With the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross both finalists in major competitions, Citroën seems to be on the right track to collect prestigious awards next year. This testifies to the relevance of the renewal of the range. We remember that the C3 had already shone in the past by winning the Ecobest award last year.

Could the brand go even further this year by clinching the supreme title with the C3 Aircross? The answer will depend on the technical tests in Austria, but also—and this is the big news—on all of us. We will have the opportunity to participate concretely thanks to our votes starting next January. It is an appointment not to be missed for the community.