EVERY year a European Car of the Year is crowned and plenty of well-known models have taken the prize in the past.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA took the crown for the 2026 title, with a price tag of more than £38,000.
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The Ford Focus won European Car of the Year in 1999 Credit: BNPS
Fiat has won the award nine times Credit: Handout
But look back to motors that have taken the title before and you’ll find many that are well worth buying used if you’re after a great deal.
Top Gear‘s roundup of 17 used European Car of the Year winners that boast bargain prices features everything from Ford and Fiat to VW and Kia.
The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, which won the award in 2001, is included in the list.
Known for its curved yet sleek design and reliability, the Italian hatchback can be snapped up second hand for around £8,000.
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Second-hand COTY winners with bargain prices
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (2001 winner) – Around £8,000
Alpine A110 (2019 winner) – Around £35,000
Porsche 928 (1978 winner) – Around £19,000
Kia EV6 (2022 winner) – Around £30,000
Toyota Yaris (2021 winner) – Around £22,000
Volkswagen Golf (2013 winner) – Around £12,000
Peugeot 308 (2014 winner) – Around £6,000
Ford Focus (1999 winner) – Around £1,500
Vauxhall Ampera (2012 winner) – Around £5,000
Vauxhall Insignia (2019 winner) – Around £7,000
Ford S-Max (2007 winner) – Around £4,000
Fiat Panda (2004 winner) – Around £1,000
Renault Clio (2006 winner) – Around £6,000
Alfa Romeo 156 (1998 winner) – Around £4,000
Lancia Delta (1980 winner) – Around £40,000
NSU Ro80 (1968 winner) – Around £15,000
Rover P6 2000 (1964 winner) – Around £5,000
The iconic Ford Focus made it, too. It was crowned in 1999 and screams nostalgia, with older used models going for as little as £1,500.
The VW Golf is a reliable German classic and popular for a reason. It won European Car of the Year in 2013 and used models are available for around £12,000 nowadays.
Fiat, known for its compact cars and Italian charm, has won European Car of the Year nine times and the Panda was crowned in 2004.
A 2009 Fiat Panda will set you back around £1,000 if you wanted to get your paws on one.
Also in the ranking is the beloved Renault Clio, which won in 2009, plus 2007’s winner, the Ford S-Max.
Older winners includes the Lancia Delta, which nabbed it in 1980, along with the NSU Ro80, which took it in 1968.
