Volkswagen Golf GTi wins Premium Car Award 2026 at ICOTY
The ICOTY is the most prestigious automotive award in India and the winners have been selected by 19 decorated judges representing esteemed publications which also include Kranti Sambhav, Editor at OVERDRIVE and Rohit Paradkar, Assistant Editor at OVERDRIVE.
The panel consist of seasoned experts from esteemed publications that will evaluate the nominations on the basis of key factors such as performance, practicality, frugality, and safety to name a few.
Every year the ICOTY jury picks out eight contenders in each of the categories. This year's nominees for the Premium Car Award 2026 were – BMW iX1 LWB, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, MG Cyberster, Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Octavia RS, Toyota Camry, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
And the Premium Car Award by ICOTY went to the Volkswagen Golf GTI
The hot hatch emerged on top in a competitive category that featured several luxury and performance-oriented models. The ICOTY jury, comprising senior automotive journalists from across the country, recognised the Golf GTI for its strong blend of performance, driving dynamics, build quality and everyday usability.
Long regarded as a benchmark in the performance hatchback segment globally. The Golf GTI brings together a legendary name and a legendary 2.0 litre TSI engine that produces 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. This topped with precise handling and a well-rounded chassis made it tough to beat among the long list of contenders. Its ability to deliver enthusiastic driving pleasure while remaining practical for daily use played a key role in its selection for the award.
The Premium Car of the Year category honours vehicles that stand out for their engineering excellence, innovation and overall ownership experience in the luxury and performance space. The Golf GTI's win underlines the growing appreciation for enthusiast-focused cars in India's premium market.