Renault has won its first ever UK Car of the Year title with the new 5 E-Tech taking the award for 2026. It is also the first time in seven years that a European brand has won the title when the Jaguar I-Pace succeeded.
With the Renault 5 having already won the Small Car category, its styling, performance and driving experience impressed the judges to declare it the 2026 winner.
“With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original,” said John Challen, co-chair of the UK Car of the Year awards and editor of UK Driver magazine as he handed the trophy to Adam Wood, Renault UK Managing Director, alongside Lee Puffett, Start Rescue MD, sponsor of the awards. ”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 Car of the Year 2026.”
“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,” said Adam Wood. “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.”
Start Rescue’s Lee Puffett, 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. We are delighted that our support for the UK Car of the Year awards has begun with such an outstanding car.”
Four of the UK Car of the Year shortlist were EVs, while it is the fifth year in succession that an EV has taken the overall win.