Dacia Hipster Concept Wins Design of the Year at the TopGear.com Awards 2026

Dacia is celebrating a major win after the newly revealed Hipster Concept was named Design of the Year at the 2026 TopGear.com Awards. The result is especially impressive given the competition, with the Hipster beating a wide range of eye catching supercars and high end SUVs to secure one of the ceremony’s most sought after honours.

​The award was announced in London on 25 November and recognises the Hipster’s distinctive, functional and refreshingly simple design philosophy. The concept has made a rapid impact on the industry, having been unveiled only a few weeks ago, yet already establishing itself as a standout vision for essential electric mobility.

A Bold New Direction for Accessible Electric Design

The TopGear.com judges were clear about why the Hipster rose above its rivals. Jason Barlow, Editor At Large for TopGear.com, highlighted the importance of the concept’s mission, noting that even the most affordable electric cars remain too expensive for true mass market adoption. He explained that the award was not only based on the Hipster’s characterful looks but also its shift in priorities. With a basic but thoughtful interior, meaningful weight saving and an urban appropriate electric range, the concept challenges the industry to rethink what modern electric mobility should be.

​Design that Prioritises Purpose

The Dacia Hipster Concept reflects the brand’s belief that great design does not need to be complex. At just three metres long, it offers real world usability with four proper seats, a flexible boot and lightweight construction, all wrapped in strong, easily recognisable proportions. Rather than emphasising luxury or excess, the Hipster focuses on relevance, practicality and affordability.

Its exterior features a simple horizontal front end, strap style door handles and recyclable Starkle body protection. Every detail has been created with purpose and function in mind. Inside, the same approach continues. Vertical glazing enhances space, a bench style front seat maximises flexibility and Dacia’s Bring Your Own Device philosophy keeps the cabin connected without unnecessary expense or hardware.

Simplicity That Stands Out

David Durand, Dacia Design Director, emphasised the significance of the award by noting that the Hipster triumphed over some of the most beautifully designed cars of the year. He said that the recognition proves that simplicity and honesty still have the power to stand out, adding that good design is not about adding more but about focusing on what truly matters to people.

A Clear Step Toward Essential Electric Mobility

​The Hipster Concept represents the next chapter in Dacia’s ambition to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. With its compact footprint, clever packaging and minimal environmental impact, it offers a refreshing alternative to the ever larger and heavier vehicles that dominate today’s roads. Its recognition at the TopGear.com Awards underlines the strength of Dacia’s vision and its commitment to creating electric vehicles that are practical, efficient and genuinely suited to everyday life.