2021 World Car Awards Contenders Announced

The coronavirus spread really brought us down to our knees and yes in some parts of the world crippled industries. But as we are all limping towards normalcy, carmakers are also getting their plans back on track and yes this means that the World Car Awards 2021, are back on the calendar. The World Car Finals countdown will begin in late January 2021 as the jurors vote for their favourites and their confidential ballots are tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG. First the Top 10 and Top 5 in each category will be announced on February 3, 2021; followed by the Top Three in the World finalists on March 2, 2021. The grand finale awards ceremony and press conference will officially declare winners in all five vehicle categories on March 31, 2020 in New York. This year marks the 16th year of the World Car Awards' partnership with the New York Auto Show.
Also Read: How Kia And Porsche Dominated The 2020 World Car Awards
All that said, it's time to see the cars that have made it to the list so far. The 2021 World Car Awards jurors have released the list of eligible vehicles and as always they'll be divided into five categories - World Luxury, World Performance Car, World Urban Can and World Car Design of the Year, the winners of whom will be announced in March next year.
This year, jurors will publish a series of videos showcasing each of the shortlisted cars and the first of those videos is out. Of course, this is just the provisional list and more will be added. Here are the cars that have made the cut for the 2021 World Car, World Luxury Car and World Performance Car.
Here is the complete of World Car Awards 2021 nominees
2021 World Car of the Year
Audi A3
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW 4 Series
Citroen C4 / e-C4
Ford Escape / Kuga
Genesis G80
Honda Jazz / Fit
Honda-e
Hyundai Elantra / Avante
Hyundai i10 / Grand i10
Hyundai i20
Kia K5 / Optima
Kia Sorento
Mazda MX-30
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Nissan Rogue / X-Trail
Seat Leon
Skoda Octavia
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Venza / Harrier
Toyota Yaris / Yaris Cross
Volkswagen ID.4
2021 World Luxury Car Nominees include Aston Martin DBX, Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2 & others
2021 World Luxury Car
Aston Martin DBX
BMW X6
Genesis GV80
Land Rover Defender
Polestar 2
Tesla Model Y
Toyota Mirai
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD
2021 World performance Car Nominees include Audi RS Q8, Mini John Cooper Works GP, Porsche 911 Turbo & more
2021 World Performance Car
Audi RS Q3
Audi RS Q8
BMW Alpina XB7
BMW M2 CS
BMW X5 M / X6 M
Hyundai Veloster N
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
Mini John Cooper Works GP
Porsche 718 GTS 4.0
Porsche 911 Turbo
Toyota GR Yaris
Here's the list of the 2021 World Urban Car Nominees
2021 World Urban Car
Honda Jazz / Fit
Honda-e
Hyundai i10 / Grand i10
Hyundai i20
Kia Sonet
Toyota Yaris / Yaris Cross
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jun 15, 2026E20 Fuel: ICICI Lombard Clarifies Insurance Coverage Remains UnaffectedThe insurer's statement comes after reports suggested E20-related damage claims could be rejected, with the company now stating that fuel type is not a determining factor in claim admissibility.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 15, 2026Hero Splendor+, HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Models Offered With Rs 4,000 DiscountHero MotoCorp has announced a Rs 4,000 discount on the newly launched Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel motorcycles.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 15, 2026Honda Elevate Facelift Spied Testing Ahead Of DebutThe facelifted Elevate is expected to launch in India later this year.1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Jun 15, 20262026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Launched In India At Rs 2.20 CroreThe S-Class arrives in a single S450e spec with prices topping out at Rs 2.38 crore (ex-showroom).3 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 15, 2026Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel Priced At Rs 7.24 LakhCalled the Wagon R BioFlex, the new variant is based on the top ZXi+ trim and costs almost Rs 86,000 more.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 13, 2026Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Offered With Rs 2.89 Lakh DiscountKawasaki has extended its Rs 2.89 lakh discount on the Ninja ZX-10R until the end of June 2026.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 15, 20262026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: The Update That Changes EverythingThe Yezdi Scrambler gets a comprehensive update with an updated engine, revised chassis, reduced weight and proper features list. Does it deliver? Here’s our take.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 10, 20262026 BMW F 450 GS Review: A True GS - But Should You Buy It?The GS badge on a BMW means something and always has. Can the new made-in-India BMW F 450 GS truly live up to that legacy? We spent a few days getting familiar with the F 450 GS to see if it’s worth a buy.12 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 10, 20262026 Tata Altroz Long-Term Review: Initial Impressions After 45 DaysTata’s premium hatchback brings a lot to the table, but some rough edges are still apparent.4 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 9, 2026Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough PerformanceThe Renault Duster's TCe100 engine is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that makes 99 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque. And it only comes with a 6-speed manual.6 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 8, 20262026 Tata Tiago EV Review: Small EV Gets Big ImprovementsThe 2026 Tata Tiago EV promises a sharper design, segment-first features at sub-Rs. 10 lakh price point, and better real-world range. But does it deliver?1 min read




















































































































