The automotive industry in India celebrated a milestone as the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards marked their 20th edition in 2025. Known as the “Oscars of the Indian automotive sector,” these awards honor the best cars and motorcycles launched during the year.
This year’s winners reflect innovation, performance, and sustainable mobility, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Indian Car of the Year 2025: Mahindra Thar Roxx
The Mahindra Thar Roxx was crowned the 2025 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY). It narrowly beat the Maruti Suzuki Dzire by just two points, making it the closest competition in the award’s history. The Maruti Suzuki Swift secured third place as the second runner-up.
Final Rankings for ICOTY 2025
| Rank | Model | Manufacturer | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Mahindra & Mahindra | Rugged off-roader with premium features |
| 2 | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Maruti Suzuki | Affordable sedan with advanced tech |
| 3 | Maruti Suzuki Swift | Maruti Suzuki | Stylish hatchback with sporty performance |
The competition included eight finalists, showcasing diverse offerings from different segments, including electric vehicles (EVs), SUVs, and sedans.
ICOTY 2025 Finalists
| Model | Segment | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| BYD eMAX 7 | Electric MPV | BYD |
| Citroen Basalt | Compact SUV | Citroen |
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | Off-road SUV | Mahindra & Mahindra |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | Hatchback | Maruti Suzuki |
| MG Windsor EV | Electric Sedan | MG |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Compact Sedan | Maruti Suzuki |
| Tata Curvv/Curvv EV | Electric Coupe | Tata Motors |
| Tata Punch EV | Electric Micro-SUV | Tata Motors |
Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025: Aprilia RS 457
The Aprilia RS 457 emerged victorious as the 2025 Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY). This high-performance bike outshone its competitors with its sleek design and advanced engineering. The Hero Xtreme 125R secured the second position.
Final Rankings for IMOTY 2025
| Rank | Model | Manufacturer | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aprilia RS 457 | Aprilia | Performance Motorcycle |
| 2 | Hero Xtreme 125R | Hero MotoCorp | Commuter Motorcycle |
Special Awards at ICOTY 2025
1. Indian Green Car of the Year 2025: MG Windsor EV
The MG Windsor EV was recognized as the Green Car of the Year for its commitment to sustainability. This electric sedan impressed the jury with its eco-friendly features, excellent range, and modern technology.
| Award | Winner | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Green Car of the Year | MG Windsor EV | Zero-emissions, luxurious interior |
2. Indian Premium Car of the Year 2025: Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB
In the luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB clinched the Premium Car of the Year title. The sedan blends luxury, performance, and space, catering to the elite customer base in India.
| Award | Winner | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Car of the Year | Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB | Spacious cabin, cutting-edge technology |
Evaluation Process
The winners were decided by an experienced jury comprising India’s top automotive journalists. The jury included editors and industry veterans from leading automotive publications. Key criteria included:
- Design and styling
- Innovation and technology
- Safety features
- Value for money
- Overall driving experience
ICOTY and IMOTY: History and Legacy
- ICOTY started in 2005, while IMOTY began in 2007.
- These awards are backed by JK Tyre and are among the most prestigious honors in the Indian automotive sector.
- The jury includes professionals like Sirish Chandran and Aatish Mishra, ensuring fairness and credibility.
Significance of the 2025 Awards
The 2025 ICOTY and IMOTY awards reflect key trends in the Indian automotive market.
- Focus on Electrification
- Customer-Centric Innovations
- The Mahindra Thar Roxx and Aprilia RS 457 showcase how manufacturers are focusing on unique customer needs, from off-road enthusiasts to sportbike lovers.
Conclusion
The 2025 Indian Car and Motorcycle of the Year awards highlight the best in innovation, design, and performance. The Mahindra Thar Roxx and Aprilia RS 457 have set new benchmarks in their respective categories. Meanwhile, special awards for the MG Windsor EV and Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB underline the growing importance of sustainability and luxury in the market.
As the automotive sector evolves, these awards continue to celebrate excellence and inspire manufacturers to push boundaries. Stay tuned for next year’s competition as new innovations emerge in this dynamic industry!
