The critically acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech has added to its growing trophy cabinet after being named UK Car of the Year for 2026.
The latest in a string of awards achieved by the compact electric hatchback, the neo-retro Renault 5 – which revives a nameplate originally phased out during the mid-90s – fought off competition from the Kia EV4 and Skoda Elroq to take the title.
The R5 had already been announced as a UK CotY winner in the Small Car category last month, which earned it an opportunity to go up for the main prize.
From here, the R5 charmed 20 of the 33-strong judging panel – comprising top motoring journalists from across the country – to land the overall title.
“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.”
Forming one-third of a nostalgic-themed small electric car line-up that also includes the rebooted Renault 4 E-Tech and the soon-to-arrive Renault Twingo, the R5 with its impeccable attention to detail, sporty character and funky interior has made a huge impression on press and buyers alike.
In a telling sign of shifting trends on the UK motoring scene, the top four comprised electric models with the Kia EV4 falling just short of emulating the success of sibling models – the EV3 and EV6 – by taking the runners-up spot, ahead of the Elroq in third.
Meanwhile, the Alpine A290 – a performance-oriented sister model to the R5 – was fourth.
- Renault