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The Renault 5 E-Tech electric has been named ‘Small Car of the Year’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026, marking yet another key milestone for the brand’s already highly decorated all-electric supermini.
Judged by a nationwide panel of more than 30 experienced motoring journalists, the UK Car of the Year (COTY) Awards recognise the most impressive new cars on sale today. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric stood out in a highly competitive category, earning the backing of a remarkable 21 judges from the expert panel for its blend of design, affordability, efficiency and driving appeal.
The ‘Small Car of the Year’ award confirms the Renault 5 E-Tech electric as one of the most significant new launches of the past year, and sees it progress to the final stage of judging for the overall UK Car of the Year 2026 title, where it will compete against winners from the other categories.
With its unmistakable retro-inspired design, compact footprint and accessible pricing, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric has struck a chord with judges and buyers alike. Beyond its visual appeal, the car was praised for delivering the qualities customers expect from a modern small car – from everyday usability and comfort to engaging handling and real-world electric efficiency – while injecting a sense of fun and desirability often missing from the segment.
Comments from the experienced panel of judges were overwhelming in their praise:
“It does everything you want from a small car – it’s inexpensive (for an EV), efficient, good to drive, roomy enough and comfortable. But it has the want-factor in spades – not since the new Mini has a small car been so desirable and on-trend.”
James Batchelor, Car Dealer Magazine, Press Association, Electrifying
“Cleverly sampling various elements from multiple generations of the original Renault 5, the new all-electric version has struck a chord with buyers like very few other cars that went on sale in 2025. Fun, fresh and affordable.”
Guy Bird, CAR, Car Design News, Motor Trader, Wallpaper
“Driving is meant to be about fun and enjoyment – and the Renault 5 delivers that perfectly. The combination of retro design and current technologies is a masterstroke.”
John Challen, UK Car of the Year Awards, UK Driver, Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology
“At a time when we need more smaller EVs, the Renault 5 ticks all of the right boxes.”
Rob Clymo, Tech Radar, Stuff, T3
“Possibly the first small electric car that retail buyers will actually want to own.”
Matt de Prez, Fleet News
“The Renault 5 hits the sweet spot with fun driving, a good quality interior and great curb appeal all at an affordable price for a small EV.”
Trinity Francis, Autocar, Driving Electric, Pistonheads, The Road Rat
“Affordable, fun to drive, comfortable and retro cool, the Renault 5 E-Tech is a breath of fresh air.”
Gareth Herincx, MSN UK, HELLO!, www.automotiveblog.co.uk
“One of the best new EVs to ever be released. From the nods to the retro design, the French flair, the price – it’s all bang on. The Renault 5 drives like a fun little go-kart and feels more powerful than it actually is. It’s pure joy in a tiny package.”
Nicola Hume, Electrifying
“Simply the best all-rounder. Not just a desirable EV, but desirable in its own right.”
Paul Hudson, The Telegraph
“A small car people want to buy regardless of how it's powered — that factor will become more critical for car manufacturers over the decade to come.”
Keith Jones, Diesel & EcoCar
“A car that has revitalised Renault, the 5 looks irresistible, drives well and is priced affordably. The first truly desirable small EV.”
Tim Pitt, Motoring Research, Motoring Electric, MSN Cars, City AM
“The Renault 5 is an instant winner because it manages to be attainable and desirable at the same time, but not only for those reasons; it's also a brilliant car for the price, with good electric range and delightful driving dynamics.”
Alex Robbins, CarGurus UK, DriveTribe, Daily Telegraph
“This is how you do an ultra-desirable EV at an affordable level. The Renault 5 E-Tech is simply brilliant at everything. It looks brilliant. The interior is brilliant. The way it drives is brilliant. The way it carefully uses its reserves of electricity is brilliant. And then, to cap it all off, prices start from a barely believable £21,495. A quite exceptional car from a manufacturer rediscovering its mojo for the future, by looking lovingly to its storied past.”
Matt Robinson, Car Enthusiast
“Renault has succeeded in making EVs desirable again. With a retro design harking back to my mum’s ‘green bullet’ of the late 1980s, combined with a modern interior that is punching way above its price bracket, this is a proper class leader. It was the ride and handling that ultimately won my heart though, properly harnessing the best of Renault’s dynamic knowhow when it comes to hatchbacks.”
Tom Sharpe, The Rotherham Advertiser
“Renault has absolutely nailed it with the 5. It’s cheeky in the way the Super Cinq should be, practical, affordable and judges retro chic to perfection. It’s also just mighty fine to drive.”
Alisdair Suttie, PistonHeads, Autocar, Classic Car Business, Enable, Good Motoring
“Instant win, brilliant looks, value, driving experience, residuals and it has a turn-off-all-the-annoying-things button.”
Tristan Young, Auto Sunday, Auto Market Insight, Good Motoring
Accepting the award, Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “Renault 5 E-Tech electric was designed to reset expectations of what a small car can be, regardless of how it is powered. This award reflects how much it has impressed experts who drive and assess cars every day, and underlines that character, practicality, and affordability can – and should – go hand in hand.”
Now available with the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, prices for the Renault 5 E-Tech electric start from £21,495 on-the-road. For more information or to configure your own, visit: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric.html
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