JK Tyre Presents ICOTY, IMOTY Awards. Where Excellence Takes Central Stage
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Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY)
Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) was instituted in 2005 by some of India's most respected and eminent automotive journalists with a clear and singular objective—to identify and honour the finest new car launched in the country through an independent, expert-led, and transparent evaluation process.
Over time, ICOTY has evolved beyond a industry recognition to become the definitive benchmark of automotive excellence in India. The winner is selected by a distinguished jury that today functions as an independent body known as the Automotive Journalists of India (AJAI). The awards continue to stand as trusted and unbiased indicators of innovation, performance, and consumer value.
Across the years, ICOTY has earned its reputation as the most credible and sought-after accolade in the Indian automotive industry, often referred to as the 'Oscar of the Indian Automotive industry.'
JK Tyre has been proudly associated with ICOTY since its formative years, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to innovation, performance, and the growth of India's automotive ecosystem.
ICOTY 2026 Winner
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been crowned the coveted Indian Car of the Year 2026. The 21st edition of ICOTY featured eight strong contenders: Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia Syros, Mahindra XEV 9e, Skoda Kylaq, Tata Harrier EV, and the winning Maruti Suzuki Victoris.
ICOTY 2026 Finalists
Hyundai Creta Electric
Hyundai Venue
Kia Carens Clavis EV
Kia Syros
Mahindra XEV 9E
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Skoda Kylaq
Tata Harrier EV
Premium Car Award 2026 - Winner
Premium Car of the Year was instituted by ICOTY in 2019 to recognise the rapid evolution, increasing aspiration, and expanding choice in the premium segment of the Indian automotive market. As luxury and high-performance vehicles gain stronger relevance among Indian consumers, this award serves as a credible benchmark of excellence.
It offers an expert and independent evaluation by India’s most respected automotive jury to help customers make well-informed decisions within the high-end vehicle space. It celebrates outstanding achievements across design, performance, technology, comfort, safety, and overall value in the luxury car category.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
After a rigorous evaluation by India’s leading automotive journalists, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has won the Premium Car of the Year 2026 at ICOTY, standing out for its performance, engineering, and driver appeal.
Premium Car Award 2026 - Finalists
BMW iX1 LWB
BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
MG Cyberster
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Octavia RS
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Green Car Award 2026 - Winner
Green Car of the Year was instituted by ICOTY in 2021 to recognize the rapid shift towards sustainable mobility and the growing adoption of alternative fuel technologies in the Indian automotive market. As environmental awareness increased and electric, hybrid, and low-emission vehicles gain stronger acceptance among Indian consumers, this award serves as a credible benchmark for responsible innovation.
It offers an expert and independent evaluation by India’s most respected automotive jury to help customers make well-informed decisions within the evolving green mobility space. The award celebrates excellence across efficiency, technology, sustainability, performance, safety, and real-world usability in the eco-conscious vehicle category.
Mahindra XEV 9E
The Mahindra XEV 9e has secured the Green Car of the Year 2026 title at ICOTY, recognised for its innovation and contribution to sustainable mobility.
Green Car Award 2026 - Finalists
BMW iX1 LWB
BYD Sealion 7
Hyundai Creta Electric
Kia Carens Clavis EV
MG Cyberster
Mahindra XEV 9E
Tata Harrier EV
Tesla Model Y
Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY)
Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) was instituted in 2007 by India's most respected and eminent automotive journalists, with the objective of recognising the finest new motorcycle launched in the country through a completely independent, expert-driven, and transparent evaluation process.
The IMOTY winner is selected by a highly experienced jury through a fair, robust, and tamper-proof voting system, based on key parameters such as price, fuel efficiency, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technological innovation, value for money, and suitability for Indian riding conditions.
Over the years, IMOTY has earned the distinction of being the most credible and prestigious two-wheeler award in India — widely regarded as the 'Oscar of the Indian Automotive industry.'
JK Tyre has been proudly associated with IMOTY since its formative years, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to innovation, performance, and the growth of India’s automotive ecosystem.
IMOTY 2026 - Winner
TVS Apache RTX
The TVS Apache RTX has been crowned the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2026 at the 19th IMOTY Awards. KTM 390 Adventure and Ultraviolette X-47 finished as first and second runners-up respectively, in a diverse and competitive field spanning multiple motorcycle segments.
IMOTY 2026 - Finalists
Honda CB 125 Hornet
Kawasaki KLX230
KTM 390 Adventure
KTM Enduro R
Royal Enfield Classic 650
TVS Apache RTX
Ultraviolette X47
Yamaha XSR 155
Jury Members
Dhruv Behl
Dhruv Behl
Dhruv founded autoX in 2006, driven by his passion for automobiles and a determination to build an honest, independent voice in automotive journalism. Over the years, he has led a team that stands for candid, objective, and soulful storytelling. Today, autoX reflects his vision of communicating the true essence of the automobile.
autoX
Ishan Raghava
Ishan Raghava
Ishan, Managing Editor of autoX, brings deep technical knowledge shaped by over 14 years in automotive media. His lifelong love for cars fuels his detailed understanding of everything mechanical. Beyond automobiles, he has strong interests in history, watches, music, audio systems and single malts.
autoX
Yogendra Pratap
Yogendra Pratap
Editor of Auto Today India, Yogendra Pratap is among the country’s most respected automotive journalists and a jury member for global awards like World Car and World Engine of the Year. Known for his sharp understanding of cars and tech, he is equally passionate about long road journeys across India.
Auto Today
Dipayan Dutta
Dipayan Dutta
Dipayan, Senior Special Correspondent at Auto Today, has worked across evo India, Express Drives and now Auto Today. He covers both cars and bikes with equal passion and often spends his time talking rally cars, tinkering with motorcycles or playing with puppies.
Auto Today
Aspi Bhathena
Aspi Bhathena
Editor of BIKE India and CAR India since 2007, Aspi has shaped credible vehicle testing standards in India. A former racer with victories at home and abroad—including a Bronze replica at the Isle of Man TT—he brings unmatched technical insight to the ICOTY and IMOTY jury.
Car India
Sirish Chandran
Sirish Chandran
Sirish began his career at Overdrive in 2000, becoming its youngest editor and conceptualising the award-winning TV show. After a brief stint at Porsche India, he founded evo India and ThrillOfDriving.com, returning to his core passion for automotive storytelling
Evo India
Aatish Mishra
Aatish Mishra
Aatish joined evo India in 2015 and is now Assistant Editor, with a brief stint at BBC TopGear India. Passionate about storytelling, he travels widely to capture India's most compelling automotive tales, and remains committed to keeping print journalism alive.
Evo India
Pablo Chaterji
Pablo Chaterji
A filmmaker-turned-journalist, Pablo has spent 17 years in automotive and lifestyle media. His work has taken him around the world-driving, riding, photographing and sampling global cultures-after stints including Managing Editor at Man’s World.
Motoring World
Kartik Ware
Kartik Ware
Kartik has spent nearly a decade capturing automotive stories and the bond between humans and machines. He believes the automobile offers some of the greatest stories ever told and continues to explore them with curiosity and keen observation.
Motoring World
Kranti Sambhav
Kranti Sambhav
With over two decades of reviewing cars and bikes, Kranti’s journey spans TV, digital, and now print as Editor of OVERDRIVE. He created long-running shows like Wheelocity and Raftaar, later launching Times Drive before joining Network18.
Overdrive
Rohit Paradkar
Rohit Paradkar
Rohit began his career in 2008 with Car India & Bike India, later co-founding Motoroids. Now Assistant Editor at Overdrive Digital, he leads content and appears across Overdrive’s print, TV, and video platforms
Overdrive
Vikrant Singh
Vikrant Singh
With over 15 years of experience, Vikrant has reviewed nearly every new car and bike in India. He now serves as Editor of CarWale, BikeWale and CarTrade, bringing practical and unbiased insights to millions of readers.
CarWale
Arpit Mahendra
Arpit Mahendra
Editor of TOI Auto, Arpit has spent over 13 years in automotive journalism with prior roles at Express Drives, Auto Tech Review and S&P Global. He specialises in industry analysis and vehicle reviews
TOI Auto
Kushan Mitra
Kushan Mitra
Kushan brings over two decades of automotive expertise, reviewing cars for India’s leading platforms. He currently writes for The Print, offering seasoned insights backed by years of industry observation.
The Print
Abhay Verma
Abhay Verma
An automotive journalist since 2007, Abhay has reviewed nearly every major two-wheeler launched in India. Known for his sharp evaluative skills (and wheelies), he now leads TURBOCHARGED as its Editor and Publisher
Turbo Charged
Bob Rupani
Bob Rupani
Bob is one of India’s most senior automotive journalists, with editorial roles across major publications since 1986. A skilled evaluator, racer and off-road driver, he is a Founder Member of ICOTY and drafted its constitution. His attention to detail makes his opinions widely respected.
Overdrive
Sagar Bhanushali
Sagar Bhanushali
Sagar, Associate Editor at CarWale and CarTrade, has been an automotive journalist since 2011. Known for his truthful evaluations, he has a strong love for classic cars and equally appreciates modern vehicles packed with technology.
Car Wale
Gaurav Davare
Gaurav Davare
A former karting champion, Gaurav moved into automotive journalism with ZigWheels, Turbocharged, and now Car India. Passionate about cars and motorsport, he brings racer-level insight to his reviews and commentary.
Car India
Tushar Kamath
Tushar Kamath
With over a decade of testing cars across all segments, Tushar is now a leading video host at CarDekho Group. He has grown CarDekho and ZigWheels' digital presence, driven by a mission to turn even non-enthusiasts into automotive fans.
Car Dekho
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ICOTY & IMOTY