The prestigious annual awards recognized excellence across 25 categories, with Mahindra claiming Manufacturer of the Year for third consecutive time.
The Tata Sierra and TVS Apache RTX 300 secured the Car of the Year and Bike of the Year titles respectively at the 2026 Autocar India Awards held in Mumbai on Thursday. The annual awards ceremony, regarded as one of India’s most prestigious automotive honours, evaluated 19 cars and 21 motorcycles across multiple categories.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Tata Sierra bags four awards including Car of the Year and Best Design
- TVS Motor takes home three honours with Apache RTX 300 leading the charge
- Mahindra named Manufacturer of the Year for record third year running
The Sierra impressed the jury with its blend of retro-inspired design and modern engineering. The SUV offers a well-appointed premium cabin, multiple powertrain options including petrol, diesel, and electric variants, and styling that commands attention on Indian roads. Industry sources in Bengaluru indicate strong customer interest, with several dealerships reporting booking numbers exceeding initial expectations.
Meanwhile, the TVS Apache RTX 300 claimed the Bike of the Year honour as the Hosur-based manufacturer’s first adventure motorcycle. The RTX 300 delivers punchy performance from its 312cc single-cylinder engine, boasts big-bike styling at an accessible price point, and features a capable chassis suited for both urban commuting and weekend touring.
Sierra Sweeps Multiple Categories
Beyond the overall Car of the Year recognition, the Tata Sierra dominated proceedings by winning Best Design and Styling of the Year, beating premium rivals including the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, Vinfast VF6, and Volvo EX30. The jury appreciated the Sierra’s successful marriage of the iconic 1990s silhouette with contemporary design elements and modern proportions.
The Sierra also claimed the Midsize SUV of the Year title and the Viewers’ Choice Car of the Year award, the latter determined through public voting. Customer feedback from Karnataka dealerships highlights particular enthusiasm for the diesel variant, with buyers praising the combination of modern features and traditional SUV proportions.
Value and Innovation Take Centre Stage
The Vinfast VF6 emerged as a surprise winner in the Value for Money Car of the Year category, edging out strong contenders like the Skoda Kylaq, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, and BMW iX1 LWB. The Vietnamese automaker’s competitive pricing strategy, combined with robust build quality and strong performance from its electric powertrain, convinced judges of its exceptional value proposition in the growing electric SUV segment.
In the 4-wheeler Variant/Update category, Citroen achieved a rare joint victory with both the Aircross X and Basalt X sharing honours. The French brand’s aggressive variant rejig added substantial features while maintaining competitive pricing, demonstrating how strategic product updates can rival all-new launches. The updated models defeated the Kia Carens Clavis, MG Windsor Pro, and facelifted Renault siblings Kiger and Triber.
Two-Wheeler Excellence Across Segments
The two-wheeler categories showcased India’s evolving motorcycle market. The Aprilia Tuono 457 won Viewers’ Choice Bike of the Year, with enthusiasts appreciating its accessible yet engaging performance from the 457cc parallel-twin engine. The naked streetfighter’s upright ergonomics and characterful motor paired with responsive handling made it a popular choice among riders seeking big-bike experiences without extreme power outputs.
TVS continued its winning streak with the Ntorq 150 claiming Scooter of the Year. The sporty scooter balances peppy performance with practical features and comfortable ergonomics, all while undercutting rivals on price. Ground reports from metro cities indicate the Ntorq 150 remains particularly popular among young professionals seeking stylish yet practical urban mobility.
The Electric 2-wheeler of the Year award went to the Ultraviolette X47, India’s first motorcycle equipped with radar-based safety technology. The electric crossover blends cutting-edge electronics with real-world usability and comfortable ergonomics, marking a significant technological leap for Indian two-wheelers.
Performance and Luxury Winners
Premium categories saw predictable yet deserving winners. The Porsche 911 Turbo S claimed Sportscar of the Year with its explosive 650 bhp twin-turbo flat-six engine delivering supercar acceleration combined with everyday usability. The iconic sports car beat rivals including the Ferrari 12Cilindri, Lamborghini Temerario, and Maserati MCPura.
The Skoda Octavia RS took Performance Car of the Year honours, pairing a potent 265 bhp turbocharged engine with practical sedan versatility. Meanwhile, the Land Rover Defender Octa’s combination of blistering speed, surprising agility, and genuine off-road capability earned it the Performance SUV crown.
In the electric performance segment, the MG Cyberster impressed judges with its scissor doors, convertible roof, and strong acceleration, all packaged at a price significantly lower than traditional sports cars. The British-branded roadster secured the Performance EV of the Year title ahead of the Lotus Emeya and Maserati GranTurismo Folgore.
Mahindra’s Dominance Continues
Mahindra’s third consecutive Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes the homegrown automaker’s remarkable product offensive. The company launched multiple electric vehicles including the XEV 9e and BE 6, while maintaining strong sales across its SUV portfolio. The XEV 9e itself won Premium EV of the Year, praised for world-class refinement, engaging driving dynamics, and a feature-packed cabin that rivals global competition.
TVS Motor Chairman and Managing Director Sudarshan Venu received the Person of the Year honour for steering TVS through successful portfolio diversification, spanning entry-level electric scooters to ultra-premium Norton motorcycles.
Market Impact and Consumer Trends
The awards reflect broader shifts in India’s automotive landscape. Electric vehicles claimed multiple category wins, signaling accelerating EV adoption. Value-focused products like the Vinfast VF6 demonstrate that competitive pricing combined with solid execution can challenge established players.
Customer interactions at dealerships across major cities reveal growing interest in feature-rich products regardless of powertrain type. Buyers increasingly prioritize technology integration, safety features, and premium cabin experiences alongside traditional considerations like fuel efficiency and reliability.
The 2026 Autocar India Awards ceremony once again highlighted India’s position as a crucial global automotive market, where manufacturers must balance affordability with aspirational features, traditional preferences with emerging technologies, and local requirements with international standards.
For complete award winners list and detailed category breakdowns, visit Cardunya.in’s automotive awards coverage.
COMPLETE WINNERS LIST:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Car of the Year | Tata Sierra |
| Bike of the Year | TVS Apache RTX 300 |
| Best Design and Styling | Tata Sierra |
| Value for Money Car | Vinfast VF6 |
| Viewers’ Choice Car | Tata Sierra |
| Viewers’ Choice Bike | Aprilia Tuono 457 |
| Scooter of the Year | TVS Ntorq 150 |
| Electric 2-wheeler | Ultraviolette X47 |
| Performance Car | Skoda Octavia RS |
| Performance SUV | Land Rover Defender Octa |
| Sportscar | Porsche 911 Turbo S |
| Performance EV | MG Cyberster |
| Luxury EV | BMW iX1 LWB |
| Premium EV | Mahindra XEV 9e |
| Midsize SUV | Tata Sierra |
| Compact SUV | Hyundai Venue |
| Manufacturer of the Year | Mahindra |
| Person of the Year | Sudarshan Venu, TVS Motor |
TUONO 457 was also nominated.