Mahindra Thar Roxx and Aprilia RS 457 Crowned ICOTY and IMOTY 2025 at Prestigious JK Tyre Awards
Mahindra Thar Roxx Wins Indian Car of the Year 2025, Celebrating Innovation and Performance; Aprilia RS 457 Named Motorcycle of the Year for Its Exceptional Agility and Design.
Bengaluru : The 20th edition of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards, presented by JK Tyre, celebrated India’s evolving automotive excellence in a grand event at the Levitas Lounge, New Delhi. Marking two decades of recognizing top-performing vehicles, this year’s ceremony witnessed leading automotive figures and experts coming together to honor innovation and performance in the Indian auto sector.
The much-anticipated ICOTY 2025 title was awarded to Mahindra Thar Roxx, while the IMOTY 2025 award went to Aprilia RS 457. Both winners stood out for their cutting-edge features and superior performance, making a significant impact on the jury of experienced automotive journalists.
Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in the Auto Industry
Delivering a keynote at the event, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, emphasized the importance of the awards in reflecting the achievements of India’s automotive sector. He said:
“The ICOTY and IMOTY Awards highlight the relentless drive for innovation and progress in India’s dynamic automotive landscape. These accolades recognize the efforts of manufacturers to push boundaries and deliver world-class products suited to Indian roads and consumers.”
ICOTY 2025 Winner – Mahindra Thar Roxx
The Mahindra Thar Roxx secured the coveted Indian Car of the Year 2025 title for its impressive off-road capability, rugged design, and cutting-edge technology. The vehicle impressed the jury with its well-rounded package, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and city drivers alike.
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra’s Automotive Sector, expressed his gratitude:
“Winning the ICOTY 2025 award is a testament to the engineering and innovation behind the Mahindra Thar Roxx. This recognition reflects our dedication to delivering vehicles that inspire new adventures and bring joy to our customers.”
IMOTY 2025 Winner – Aprilia RS 457
In the two-wheeler category, the Aprilia RS 457 emerged as the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025, thanks to its performance-driven design, agility, and premium Italian styling. The motorcycle’s perfect blend of power and comfort made it a standout choice for the jury.
Diego Graffi, MD & CEO of Piaggio Vehicles, commented:
“The Aprilia RS 457 represents the best of performance and innovation. This recognition as IMOTY 2025 reinforces our commitment to delivering motorcycles that offer a thrilling riding experience while embodying the spirit of Aprilia.”
Special Categories: Green Car and Premium Car Awards
With the growing focus on sustainability and premium offerings in the Indian market, the awards also recognized standout vehicles in two special categories:
- Premium Car of the Year 2025: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Wheelbase
- Green Car of the Year 2025: MG Windsor
Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, highlighted the significance of the Premium Car Award:
“The E-Class continues to set benchmarks in luxury, technology, and performance. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating the most desirable luxury cars for our customers.”
Meanwhile, Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus of JSW MG Motor India, celebrated the Windsor’s win in the Green Car category:
“The MG Windsor is a game-changer in the electric vehicle space. This award recognizes our efforts to make EVs more accessible and affordable through innovative solutions like Battery-as-a-Service.”
A Rigorous Evaluation Process
The ICOTY and IMOTY awards are renowned for their credibility, with vehicles undergoing a thorough evaluation by a jury of 28 seasoned auto journalists. The judging criteria included design, performance, safety, innovation, and adaptability to Indian conditions. The jury’s collective experience of over 400 years adds unmatched expertise to the decision-making process.
Dhruv Behl, Chairman of ICOTY, expressed pride in the awards’ legacy:
“Over the past 20 years, ICOTY has become the most respected automotive award in India. It’s a privilege to lead a jury that upholds the highest standards of fairness and integrity in evaluating the best cars on Indian roads.”
Similarly, Kartik Ware, Chairman of IMOTY, reflected on the competitive landscape in the two-wheeler segment:
“This year’s IMOTY saw some of the best motorcycles ever launched in India. The Aprilia RS 457 emerged as the winner for its perfect balance of style, performance, and rider engagement.”
Key Highlights of the ICOTY and IMOTY 2025 Awards
🏆 Indian Car of the Year 2025: Mahindra Thar Roxx
🏍️ Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025: Aprilia RS 457
🌱 Green Car of the Year 2025: MG Windsor
🚗 Premium Car of the Year 2025: Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB
The awards continue to uphold their legacy of celebrating innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the Indian automotive landscape. With a focus on the evolving needs of consumers, the ICOTY and IMOTY awards remain a benchmark for automotive achievement in the country.
