- Renault 5 E-Tech is UK Car of the Year 2026
- Accolade from UK Car of the Year Awards
- Voted by panel of 33 motoring journalists
- Top four spots in final standings were EVs
The Renault 5 E-Tech has been crowned overall winner at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026.
It’s yet another significant scalp for the appealing EV as it continues to pick up industry gongs like they’re going out of fashion.
And let’s also raise a croissant to affordable motoring with French flair, as you can lease the Renault 5 with Select Car Leasing right now from just £209 per month*.
The UK Car of the Year Awards were established in 2014 and are decided by a panel of 33 motoring journalists.
In total, 20 of the 33-strong judging panel picked the Renault 5 as their winner.
Runner-up was the Kia EV4. Meanwhile the joint third position went to the Skoda Elroq and the Renault 5’s sister car, the Alpine A290.
The UK Car of the Year winner in 2025 was the Kia EV3.
Why was the Renault 5 E-Tech named UK Car of the Year 2026?
Overall, the panel of judges praised the Renault 5 for being fresh, fun, and for instilling a sense of fondness that means it’ll become a bona fide member of the family.
John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards, said: “With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original. By adding an immensely fun and entertaining drive, desirability and affordability to that nostalgic element, the French favourite pulled off a resounding victory to be crowned UK Car of the Year 2026.”
Fellow co-chairman Alisdair Suttie added: “It's a car your head will thank your heart for choosing – and it will pull off that rare trick of being a car that becomes part of the family.”
Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, commented: “It has really hit the spot with retail and fleet customers, and with 2026 being the first full year of sales, plus it being one of the very few EVs to qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, R5 is well on its way to being a very common sight on our roads.”
Which other cars were nominated in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026?
The UK Car of the Year Awards involves several rounds of voting before a list of eight potentials are narrowed down into different categories.
An overall winner is then chosen from those groups.
Here’s how this year’s shake-down went:
- Small Car – Renault 5 E-Tech
- Family Car – Kia EV4
- Small Crossover – Citroën C3/ë-C3 Aircross
- Medium Crossover – Skoda Elroq
- Large Crossover – Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Executive Car – Audi A6
- Estate Car – Audi A6 Avant
- Performance Car – Alpine A290
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 26/02/26.
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