Overview
- The Car of the Year jury of 59 members from 23 countries awarded the Mercedes‑Benz CLA 320 points, with Škoda Elroq second and Kia EV4 third on 208 points.
- The 102nd Brussels Motor Show runs January 9–18 at Brussels Expo, consolidating its role as Europe’s main auto exhibition after Geneva’s closure.
- Toyota unveiled the ninth‑generation Hilux, pairing a 2.8‑litre diesel mild‑hybrid with an all‑electric dual‑motor version using a 59.2 kWh battery and a claimed 240 km range, with a fuel‑cell variant planned for 2028.
- Kia presented the production‑intent EV2 small electric model with an expected starting price around €25,000 and production slated for 2027 in Žilina, while Opel gave the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer a world premiere with combustion and electric options targeting up to about 454 km of range.
- Organizers highlight a strong commercial focus with on‑stand ordering, while Chinese brands expand their presence, including BYD’s broad lineup and Leapmotor’s B03X crossover debut and B10 range‑extender showcase; the seven Car of the Year finalists were Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes‑Benz CLA, Renault 4 and Škoda Elroq.