About the Awards
The Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year awards is the most comprehensive automotive awards programme in Ireland. The awards are designed to:
- Reward and recognise the best new cars and vans of each year
- Showcase new automotive, mobility and safety technology
- Inform the car-buying public about the best cars for the Irish driving environment
The programme has been running continuously since 1978, when the inaugural Irish Car of the Year awards were held. There are currently a total of 10 categories within the awards programme, plus the overall title, as follows:
Medium Crossover/SUV of the Year 2023
Large Crossover/SUV of the Year 2023
Large Executive Car of the Year 2023
Performance Car of the Year 2023
Compact Car of the Year 2023
Compact Crossover/SUV of the Year 2023
Compact Executive Car of the Year 2023
Small Car of the Year 2023
Luxury Car of the Year 2023
MPV of the Year 2023
The current Irish Car of the Year for 2022 is the Kia EV6.
The awards are spearheaded and judged by a group of 32 of Ireland’s foremost motoring journalists representing the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI).
Each year, the judging panel assesses all new vehicle models that have been launched in Ireland before shortlisting a selection to go forward into the awards programme.
Awards Event
Awards night is the most prestigious event on the Irish automotive calendar, bringing together representatives of all leading Irish car brands, importers, distributors, mobility providers and other stakeholders together with the cream of Ireland’s motoring media – from print, broadcast and online outlets – plus special guests.