Renault 5 wins coveted Car of the Year title as iconic model's return as an EV receives top honours at 'motoring Oscars'
The Renault 5 is the standout winner of the top motors in 2025, taking the top spot in a prestigious motoring award announced at the start of the year.
Amidst the high-profile award ceremonies, with celebrities like A-listers wearing designer gowns and tuxedos at the Golden Globes and Grammys, the car industry is now handing out awards for the best new models of the past year.
The red carpet was rolled out on Monday evening for the annual WhatCar? Awards, also considered the automotive equivalent of the Oscars within the industry.
Securing the most sought-after accolade of all, the highly regarded Car of the Year award, is the truly exceptional Renault 5.
Do take a sigh of relief, no stepping back in time ahead - the R5 you're referring to is the brand new battery-powered Renault 5 E-Tech.
This retro alternative of the popular French model - unveiled at the end of 2024 as a stylish, fashionable car for city driving, drawing inspiration from its namesake hatchback that was on sale from 1972 to 1996 - has been crowned number one in the consumer magazine's awards list.
This is partly due to its affordability; it has entered the UK EV market as the third cheapest electric car on offer, starting from as little as £22,995.
Want to see which other cars shone at the WhatCar? Awards? Scroll down to see which new models were picked as top picks for their classes.
Renault has taken this prestigious award for the fourth time in a row, winning What Car? Car of the Year.
It was the year 1997 when the first Scénic MPV, also recently revived as an electric vehicle, won the top award.
This victory also marks the fourth occasion when an entirely electric vehicle has received the award of Car of the Year, with the Renault 5 emulating the successes of the Kia e-Niro (2019), the Kia EV6 (2022) and the Volkswagen ID Buzz (2023).
It has also been awarded the title of Best Small Electric Car.
According to the judges, the new R5 earned praise for its comfort, manoeuvrability and remarkably competitive pricing.
The infotainment system, which is praised for saving expense in more costly models, is another significant factor in this decision.
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What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: "It's a car you can buy with your head and your heart, and one that shows you don't have to pay a lot to get a fantastic electric vehicle at a time when driving is more expensive than ever."
Renault's Chief Executive, Fabrice Cambolive was delighted when he accepted the award, remarking: 'The Renault 5 is designed to bring joy to the roads. And we're confident it's a game-changing electric vehicle, one that people will want to own regardless of its powertrain configuration.'
The 52kWh version jumps up to £29,000.
At present in the UK, the only more affordable brand new electric vehicles available are the very basic Dacia Spring, priced from £14,995, and the Citroen e-C3, valued at £21,035.
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For the R5's sub-£23,000 price tag, you get between 190 and 250 miles of range for the 40kWh and 50kWh models, respectively, five doors, five seats and a roomy 326-litre boot in a vehicle that occupies a mid-size position between a Twingo and a Clio in terms of its dimensions.
And a finish inside and out that's by no means budget friendly.
The car's entertainment system, which has the approval of a judge, also comes with internet access via Google and navigation tailored for electric vehicles, and adds a touch of French flair with features like a baguette holder.
Exterior design elements have been tailored to evoke the fun and lively spirit of the 80s and 90s with characterful colour options in Bright Yellow and Lime Green.
Huntingford suggests that Renault's commitment to upholding the R5's design guidelines has been a major factor in its impressive sales: 'The enduring affection for the 5's retro style means Renault could have cut corners on the engineering and still shifted as many units as it could produce.'
'But to be frank, it's poured every trick in the book at the car to create something down-right exceptional.’
The R5 has taken the top spot in France, surpassing the previously leading model, the Model Y.
Renault's Managing Director, Cambolive, stated: "The car industry is more competitive than ever, but at Renault we're delighted to demonstrate that European car manufacturers can still provide innovation, excitement, and a touch of magic."
The annual awards presented prizes to 23 winners across a range of categories, from Sports SUV to the Reader Award, on one occasion.
It was a particularly enjoyable evening for South Korean automotive manufacturers.
Three major success stories all originated there, with Kia boasting the most outstanding winning record.
The Hyundai Santa Fe, priced around £45,000, was awarded Seven-Seater of the Year, while three Kia models took top spots in respective categories.
The Kia EV3 received the Small Electric SUV of the Year award, the Kia Sportage was named the Family SUV winner, and the Kia EV4 secured the Reader's Choice award.
This recognition is particularly sought after, as it's the result of a public poll for the most anticipated upcoming electric vehicle.
The Lexus LBX, previous year's Overall Car of the Year, retained the Small SUV of the Year award.
Does the prestige of the What Car? Car of the Year award necessarily make the Renault 5 a major seller in 2025?
Let's examine the winners of the award for the best car since the millennium's beginning, and see if the automotive industry's most prestigious honour made an apt selection for its car of the year award.
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