Auto Rádio: the cars set to define 2026

Happy New Year to start with. We’ve just entered 2026 and we’re kicking things off properly with a new episode of Auto Rádio. And there was only one possible subject: what’s new this year and, more precisely, the cars we already know will be talked about throughout 2026.

We’ve counted more than 100 automotive launches lined up for 2026, but the reality is that some will matter far more than others. It doesn’t matter whether they’re electric, hybrid or combustion. Nor whether they cost €20,000 or €200,000.

In this edition of Auto Rádio - a podcast from Razão Automóvel, supported by Pisca Pisca - we bring together the 2026 arrivals that will set the tone for discussions, trends and the market.

The cars that will shape 2026

Guilherme Costa, Fernando Gomes and Miguel Dias took a look at the “flood” of new models landing in 2026, picked out the ones that really count, and grouped them in a way that makes sense.

Auto Rádio’s most affordable 2026 newcomers

They began with the releases that should avoid costing an arm and a leg. Here, expectations include not only a fresh wave of more attainable electric cars, but also a range of even cheaper combustion-powered options: from the electric Renault Twingo to the new combustion Renault Clio; from the Volkswagen ID. Polo to the FIAT 500 Hybrid - which returns to combustion and which we’ve already driven.

SUVs everywhere: from the “Portuguese” Volkswagen T-Roc to premium EVs

It’s also impossible to ignore SUVs. They’re not usually the type of car that gets enthusiasts most excited… but they dominate the market, and in 2026 - as you’d expect - they’ll make up a sizeable share of the planned launches.

From the “Portuguese” Volkswagen T-Roc to the new premium electric trio - BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo EX60 - plus a new-generation Nissan Juke and Bentley’s all-new electric SUV, it looks as though there will be a model for every need… and every budget.

Petrolheads and performance: Toyota GR GT, Audi RS 6 Avant and Bugatti Tourbillon

Enthusiasts and petrolheads haven’t been left out, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year. Leading the charge is the Toyota GR GT, a “proper” sports car from the Japanese giant, developed from scratch - no partnerships with other manufacturers - and also debuting a new twin-turbo V8.

Staying with high octane (but with a dose of electrons in the mix too), look out for a new Audi RS 6 Avant and, among the exotics, the epic Bugatti Tourbillon, pairing the talents of an unusual V16 with three electric motors.

Electric hot hatches and hyper saloons: Peugeot e-208 GTI and Mercedes-AMG GT XX

Electric performance cars haven’t had an easy time in the market - despite the speed, they’ve struggled to persuade petrolheads to become electroheads - yet the line-up will keep expanding in 2026: from the pocket-rocket Peugeot e-208 GTI to the all-powerful Mercedes-AMG GT XX, which could exceed 1360 cv.

These are just a handful of the most significant launches for 2026, and you can discover many more by listening to Auto Rádio. The new year looks set to be just as turbulent for the industry as 2025 was, but the sector isn’t throwing in the towel: the 100-plus announced new models prove it.

See you on Auto Rádio next week

There’s no shortage of reasons, then, to watch/listen to the latest episode of Auto Rádio, which returns next week on the usual platforms: YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.