It’s the time of year when I look back on my motoring 2025, and an interesting one it has been, writes Brian Byrne. One key takeaway is that electric cars saw another surge. Of the more than 50 cars I reviewed in 2025, 23 were electric. The national market share of EVs is almost one in five.
That came home to roost in the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2026 voting when, for the first time, there were more electric cars in contention than those with traditional combustion engines. Also, continuing a recent trend, the 2026 winner was electric, in the form of the regenerated Renault R5. I voted in eight of the ICOTY categories, and as usual, my choices didn’t always align with the eventual winners. But this is how and why I voted for my favourite cars.
Hyundai’s Inster was my choice for Small Car, and we were all in agreement here. The small EV, available with two battery options, is the best people-packaging vehicle in its class. It also beats its competition hands-down in style and quality, with the cabin ergonomics particularly clever. That it is slightly more expensive than the other contenders only reflects the thought and execution that also made it an inevitable winner amongst my ICOTY jury colleagues.
When it came to the Compact Car of the Year, my choice was the new Citroen C3. It’s available in both electric and combustion versions, but most importantly, it's a significant step up from its previous generation in style and comfort. Although my colleagues chose the retro-inspired R5 in this space, I was more drawn to the people space and the ease of entry and exit for my older frame. And it drives well.
There was clear overall unanimity for my choice of the Kia EV3 in the Medium Car/Crossover category, as it won easily. This electric-only car is stylish, both clever and practical, and epitomises where the Korean brand sees itself now and in the coming years. A place where its customers increasingly see themselves, too.
I went a bit against the posse in my choice of Ford’s Capri for the Irish Medium SUV category, where the Dacia Bigster won. That the Ford electric car is based on VW underpinnings wasn’t an issue; the Capri, for me, shows style, roominess, and a nice level of performance to satisfy those who remember the original nameplate.
The Opel Grandland was my choice for Large Car. Given that the platform is used across several Stellantis brands, including Peugeot’s 5008, the Citroen C5 Aircross, and the upcoming Jeep Compass, I took the view that Opel has the best exterior design and, crucially, interior ergonomics in that set. Although it is an SUV in form, the Opel's styling more closely resembles the estate format I prefer, which was also my first car, an Opel Rekord Caravan in the 1960s. My colleagues selected the BYD Sealion 7 in that ICOTY category.
For the 7-Seater of the Year, there was no doubt about what would win in ICOTY: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV. In advanced styling, a high-quality finish inside and out, and the sheer capability to transport seven adults over long distances in serene comfort, it ticked enough boxes to run away with the accolade. It was my choice for all those reasons, too.
I chose the BMW X3 as my Premium Car favourite because, to me, it represents the best iteration of the Munich carmaker's current design theme: strong yet more neatly executed than some other models from the brand. The creamy leather and other premium elements are all there, as is the smooth, potentially quick acceleration from its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It was another category where my choice diverged from the pack, which plumped for the excellent but very expensive Volvo EX90.
My last vote was for the Compact Performance Car, and I chose the Cupra Born VZ for its outstanding acceleration delivered smoothly and in a controlled manner, and for its continued practicality for someone who aspires to both. In the ICOTY, my colleagues' choice was the MG Cyberster, which looks almost outrageously sexy but is, in many ways, impractical as a daily means of transport.
So there we have it—my top choices for 2025, and a few words on why I enjoyed them. Now we go through it all again for 2026. Happy New Year, everyone.
