If 2024 was our launch year, 2025 was the year of confirmation. Confirmation that we are doing a good job, that the project is well received, and that we are managing to leave a mark as a media outlet (as also demonstrated—something I say with pride—by the awards and media partnerships we continue to secure).
A mark is also left by the cars we test and that, as every year, impress us to varying degrees. Here is our Top 10 of 2025 (five picks from me, Robin, and five from Christian).
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Robin’s Vision
1. New Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid
As I said in the review, this is much more than a facelift. It is a completely new car, and in the VZ e-Hybrid version it really impressed me. The new VAG Group plug-in system works extremely well: it offers fast charging, good electric range, and genuinely low consumption, which makes such a performance-oriented car even more enjoyable.
But the setup is truly fantastic. The car is incredibly fun, smooth, a real hot hatch like we haven’t seen in years. That’s why it sits at the top of my list.
2. Zeekr 7X
A surprise, this Zeekr 7X—and almost an instant love affair.
This premium electric D-SUV features innovative design, a level of quality that—sadly—has largely disappeared in this segment, and plenty of technology. Above all, it is genuinely pleasant to drive and offers ultra-fast charging that puts it straight among the SUVs worth considering. Zeekr’s rapid success in Denmark over just a few months does not surprise me.
3. Alpine A290
As you will see by reading on, the AmpR Small platform convinced us. It already had with the Renault 5, and it does so again with the Alpine A290, its sporty interpretation.
It can truly be called a hot hatch. In fact, at Top Gear Italia (another magazine I write for), I placed it among my top three at last summer’s Electric Awards. It is genuinely fun, light (for an electric car), and capable of drawing attention. All of this makes its less-than-stellar range forgivable.
4. Polestar 3
Once again this year, there is a Polestar on the list. Because despite the issues the brand has faced, its cars are genuinely good (and as shown by our latest review, the Polestar 4 has also redeemed itself).
The Polestar 3, however, is a very welcome surprise (read more here): a huge and very heavy SUV that handles like a city car and accelerates even better than the Alpine mentioned above. The driving experience is extremely smooth and aerodynamic, and since the MY26 adds an 800-V system for ultra-fast charging, the number of real drawbacks is very small.
5. Toyota Hilux
Maybe it was the experience in Cappadocia, but I have never liked a pickup this much.
The Toyota Hilux (which will also be electric from 2026) is tough and solid, with a 48-V diesel system that also makes it particularly efficient. The GR Sport II version, however, is the funniest.
Christian’s Vision
Once again, it has been a busy year for us, and in 2025 I managed to drive more test cars than ever before. What stands out the most when I look back is the beginning of the year, when Robin and I tested the new Zeekr 7X in Portugal – a car that truly surprised me in a very positive way.
I also had the chance to see, feel, and drive the new electric Nissan Micra, and towards the end of the year I drove two new electric models from Subaru: the Solterra and the Uncharted, both of which will not reach the market until 2026.
2025 was also the year when plug-in hybrids from China truly entered the European market. This meant we encountered even more new car brands across Europe. At the same time, some cars disappointed me – while others made me fall in love.
The new brand Omoda and its electric E5 did not impress me particularly much. On the other hand, I became very fond of driving both the Dacia Duster and the Bigster Hybrid. Unfortunately, both cars have become far too expensive in the Nordic markets – but my, do they have charm.
What I’m Looking Forward to in 2026
Even though I have already driven the Subaru Uncharted, it is a car I am very much looking forward to spending more time behind the wheel of, as it drives exceptionally well. In general, Subaru’s upcoming model lineup looks very interesting, especially with the forthcoming e-Outback.
The Nissan Leaf is also a model I hope to test next year (Robin testet it already in Copenhagen). However, the cars I am most excited about are the Volvo ES90, Polestar 5, and the all-new Renault Clio Hybrid.
My Top Five – The Cars I Enjoyed the Most in 2025
1. Nissan Micra / Renault 5
The Renault 5 and Nissan Micra are essentially the same car, and having driven both, I can confidently say that they perform almost identically. Personally, I prefer the design of the Micra.
Unsurprisingly, both cars won the title of Car of the Year 2025 in Denmark as well as Car of the Year 2025 in Europe. Although the range is not the longest, the car drives comfortably and is impressively quiet for its price and size. I have also driven the Renault 4, which offers the same technology but with more space.
2. Lynk & Co 02
At first, I thought it was simply another rebadged version of the Volvo EX30, but that turned out to be far from the truth. Not only does it look good, it also drives better than both the Volvo EX30 and the Zeekr X.
It is also cheaper than both – although the range is somewhat disappointing.
3. Kia EV6 GT
Last year I drove the previous EV6 GT, which was mainly fast – and not much more than that. The new version is even faster, but also significantly better overall.
This means it now works as a comfortable long-distance cruiser with a range that can actually be used in everyday driving.
4. Ford Puma GEN-E
I initially thought the small electric Ford would be boring and far too expensive. Expensive it is – but Ford has managed to create a compact electric car that is genuinely fun to drive.
The artificial sound from the audio system works surprisingly well and adds to the overall driving experience. The Puma GEN-E reminds me of a classic GTI from the old days, with sharp driving dynamics.
Unfortunately, it does not charge quickly, nor does it offer an impressive range. On top of that, it is simply too expensive compared to its competitors. A shame.
5. Dacia Bigster Hybrid
The car of the year for me was without a doubt the Dacia Bigster. Even though it is a car that does not really make much sense to buy in our market, it won me over with its charm and soul.
The Bigster offers plenty of space and is pleasantly easy to drive. The hybrid version is clearly the powertrain I would choose, ideally combined with the so-called Sleep Pack, which allows the car to be transformed into a mini camper – making it possible to sleep inside the vehicle.
