Renault 5 crowned UK Car of the Year 2026

The acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech electric has triumphed at the prestigious UK Car of the Year Awards, dominating the final round of voting.

In total, 20 of the 33-strong judging panel (including me!) voted for the retro-cool EV, which also won the Small Car category.

The victory marks Renault’s first overall UK Car of the Year title, and the top four spots in the final standings were all taken by electric vehicles, with Kia’s EV4 as runner-up. Joint third position went to the Škoda Elroq and Alpine A290.

#UKCOTY Awards 2026 – category winners:

• Small Car – Renault 5
• Family Car – Kia EV4
• Small Crossover – Citroën C3/ë-C3 Aircross
• Medium Crossover – Škoda Elroq
• Large Crossover – Hyundai IONIQ 9
• Executive Car – Audi A6
• Estate Car – Audi A6 Avant
• Performance Car – Alpine A290

“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.”

Lee Puffett, managing director of breakdown provider Start Rescue, which sponsors UKCOTY, added: “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.”

UK Car of the Year – roll of honour:

2014 – BMW i3
2015 – BMW i8
2016 – Mazda MX-5
2017 – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2018 – Volvo XC60
2019 – Jaguar I-PACE
2020 – Tesla Model 3
2021 – Toyota GR Yaris
2022 – Hyundai IONIQ 5
2023 – MG4
2024 – Kia EV9
2025 – Kia EV3
2026 – Renault 5 E-Tech