Golf GTI, XEV 9e, and Victoris are the top winners in ICOTY 2026
A celebration of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 winners in the luxury, green, and overall categories.
Highlights of each winning car and what sets them out in the crowded market for new automobiles.
In order to honour exceptional innovation, performance, and design, the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 awards brought together the most innovative cars in the country from mainstream, luxury, and green categories. This year's awards demonstrated the diversity of India's automotive market, which ranges from affordable family SUVs to high-end models with a lot of energy and innovative electric cars.
A jury of seasoned auto journalists judged the prizes, guaranteeing a comprehensive assessment of performance, safety, comfort, usefulness, and value.
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris, named Indian Car of the Year 2026, is the focal point of this year's festivities. Judges were delighted by this mid-size SUV's well-balanced package, which combines cutting-edge technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and widespread appeal for Indian drivers.
Among competitors that included electric and hybrid vehicles, the Victoris stood out. It won the top prize thanks to its several powertrain options, which included CNG, a powerful hybrid, and gasoline versions, as well as contemporary amenities including cutting-edge connectivity technology and driver aids.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI was the winner of the Premium Car of the Year award. The ICOTY judges were delighted by the Golf GTI's blend of sportiness, engineering refinement, and driver involvement. The car is well-known throughout the world for its dynamic performance and passionate driving attitude. The Indian market's increasing admiration for performance-oriented vehicles is reflected in this prize.
The Mahindra XEV 9e won the Green Car of the Year Award for its dedication to sustainability. Judges were delighted by this domestic electric car's technology, range, and environmental credentials. The victory demonstrates the growing popularity of electric cars in India and honours inventiveness that supports emerging mobility trends.
| Award Category | Winning Model | Why It Won |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Car of the Year | Maruti Suzuki Victoris | Well-rounded performance, tech, efficiency, broad appeal |
| Premium Car of the Year | Volkswagen Golf GTI | Sporty performance and premium driving dynamics |
| Green Car of the Year | Mahindra XEV 9e | Leadership in EV performance and sustainability |
The ICOTY 2026 awards show how the Indian auto sector is evolving, embracing electrification, premium aspirations, and traditional value all at once. In the coming years, buyers should anticipate even more exciting options on Indian roads as manufacturers expand and develop.
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