▷ The Lithuanian jubilee elections for "Car of the Year" have begun

Half a thousand cars

This year, for the twentieth time, the Lithuanian “Car of the Year” will be selected. In the previous 19 races, Lithuanian journalists tested 511 car models. This year, another 35 cars will be added to the list:

Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A5, Audi Q2, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XT5, Citroen C3, Fiat Tipo, Ford Edge, Ford Focus RS, Ford Kuga, Hyundai i20 Active, Hyundai Ioniq, Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar X, Peugeot 3008, Renault Megane Grandtour, Renault Megane GT, Renault Scenic, Seat Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, Toyota C-HR, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo S90.

All these models compete not only for the Lithuanian title of “Car of the Year 2017”. The sportiest, safest cars with the most beautiful design, the best SUV, the “Passion of Women” car will also be selected. Šiaulių bankas, partner of the competition, established the “Achievable Dreams” nomination. The second most important title, “Nation’s car 2017”, will be chosen by all the inhabitants of the country, voting for the best on the 15min.lt portal.

The commission will be assisted by professionals

All cars will be tested and evaluated by an authoritative commission composed of 10 automotive journalists: Dainius Leonavičius (“Not One on the Road”), Dina Sergijenko (“Verslo Žinios”), Ilona Steponėnė (lrytas.lt), Jurgis Paplaitis (Delfi.lt), Paulius Sviklas (15min.lt), Ramūnas Fetingis (“Autopilotas”), Renaldas Gabartas (alfa.lt), Valdas Juozas Vilūnas (“Roads. Cars. People.”), Valdas Valiukevičius (“Keturi Raiai”) and Vitoldas Milius (“Autobild Lietuva”).

This year’s innovation is that the commission chooses the best car among the best experts and professionals in their fields. Automotive engineer Domas Zinkevičius will evaluate the design features of the latest models. Professional drivers with many years of experience will help you choose the sportiest car. Off-road specialist Audrius Sutkus will evaluate the suitability of the contenders for the title of “Off-Road Vehicle of the Year 2017” on his modern built off-road test platform.

Test calendar

It is from the off-road tests on November 12th that the month-long tests and the real search for the “Car of the Year” will begin. On November 19, at the autodrome of the Labor Market Center in Šiauliai, the commission will practice driving skills on slippery surfaces, test how the car’s gearboxes and driver assistance systems work, and on November 23, all cars submitted to the competition and all members of the commission will arrive in Druskininki, where the “Car of the Year 2017” test field will be held for the whole week. There, all cars will be tested under the same conditions, wear the same latest-model Continental winter tires and burn the highest quality Finnish Neste fuel.

After all the tests, the seventh year of the best models will be announced on December 1st. The Lithuanian “Car of the Year 2017” will be chosen during the competition final on December 10, which, symbolically, will take place in the same place where the first Lithuanian “Car of the Year 1998” was announced, at the Vilnius Grand Resort Hotel.

Lithuanian “Car of the Year” – 20th Edition

This year marks the twentieth edition of the Lithuanian “Car of the Year” competition, a milestone that reflects two decades of automotive evaluation and industry evolution. Over the previous 19 editions, Lithuanian automotive journalists have tested an impressive 511 different car models, assessing them based on design, innovation, performance, comfort, safety, efficiency, and overall value for drivers.

In this юбилей edition, 35 additional vehicles join the prestigious list, representing a wide range of segments—from compact city cars to premium sedans and versatile SUVs. Among the contenders are the stylish Alfa Romeo Giulia, the refined Audi A5, and the compact urban-focused Audi Q2. The premium segment is further strengthened by entries such as the Cadillac CT6 and Volvo S90.

SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate the lineup, reflecting market trends and consumer demand. Notable participants include the Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca, Škoda Kodiaq, Toyota C-HR, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Performance enthusiasts will also be interested in models like the Ford Focus RS and the dynamic Renault Megane GT.

Environmentally conscious innovation is represented by vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq and the hybrid pioneer Toyota Prius.

With such a diverse and competitive lineup, the twentieth Lithuanian “Car of the Year” promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet, highlighting not only technological progress but also changing consumer priorities in performance, sustainability, and versatility.