Renault has claimed its first overall UK Car of the Year Awards title after the Renault 5 E-Tech dominated the final round of voting. In total, 20 of the 33-strong judging panel chose the French fancy after it prevailed in the Small Car category last month.
The top four spots in the final standings were all taken by electric vehicles, with Kia’s EV4 – winner of the Family Car category claiming the runner’s up prize. Joint third position went to the Škoda Elroq (named best Medium Crossover) and the Renault 5’s sister car, the Alpine A290 (Best Performance Car in the 2026 UK Car of the Year Awards).
But this year was all about the Renault 5, which won convincingly, as it had done in its category. “With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original,” said John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards and editor of UK Driver magazine. “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.”
Receiving the winner’s trophy, Adam Wood, managing director, Renault UK, said: “With so many experienced automotive journalists voting for R5 as the UK Car of the Year, the award is something we’re very proud of. 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.”
The UK Car of the Year Awards are sponsored by Start Rescue, which supports customers throughout the UK and has secured an impressive seventh Which? Recommended Provider rating in succession, underlining its status as a trusted and leading vehicle breakdown and recovery partner for motorists.
Lee Puffett, managing director, Start Rescue, commented: “Many congratulations to Renault from everyone at Start Rescue. The Renault 5 is a very worthy winner, absolutely full of character, affordable and fun to drive as well. We are delighted that our support for The UK Car of the Year Awards has begun with such an outstanding car.”
With so much appreciation for the Renault 5 E-Tech, there was no shortage of praise heaped on the popular French model. “Affordable, fun to drive, comfortable and retro cool, the new Renault 5 is a breath of fresh air,” commented Gareth Herincx. Meanwhile, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards – and editor-at-large of UK Driver magazine, Alisdair Suttie – added: “It's a car your head will thank your heart for choosing – and it will pull off that rare trick of a being a car that becomes part of the family.”
“It’s great value for money, it nods back to the original really well and Renault has smashed it out of the park,” enthused Electrifying’s Nicola Hume. “A cracking little thing – give it all the awards, all the diamonds and all the applause!”
David Ross, from honestjohn.co.uk, added: “Renault has rediscovered its mojo for making great small cars. The Renault 5 isn’t just a great EV, it’s one of the best cars on sale today.”
