• Renault 5 E-Tech electric crowned “Car of the Year” at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2025, widely considered as the motoring Oscars
  • Pure electric supermini beat every other new car to the award after impressing What Car? with its technology, drive and value
  • Renault 5 E-Tech electric available to order now, priced from £22,995 OTR
  • Available in evolution, techno and iconic five trim levels with a choice of 40kWh or 52kWh batteries
  • Renault Clio named “Small Car of the Year” for the second year running, impressing the judges with its smart interior, ride and handling

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric has been crowned “Car of the Year” at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2025.

The all-electric supermini, which went on sale earlier this month, took the highly influential Awards’ most prestigious honour after notably impressing the renowned magazine and website’s expert judging panel with its infotainment, competitive price and driving dynamics.

The Renault Clio made it a double celebration for the brand, winning the Small Car of the Year award for the second consecutive year. It defended its title following praise for its generous specification, interior and well-balanced drive.

On awarding the Renault 5 E-Tech electric the ultimate Car of the Year trophy, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, said: "Given the affection that people have for the R5's design, Renault could have penny-pinched on the engineering and still sold as many as it could make. But instead, it's clearly thrown everything at the car, with this resulting in something that's comfortable, good to drive, very well priced, and equipped with an infotainment system that shames those in some far more expensive machines."

The What Car? judges were equally complimentary of the latest generation of the long-established Clio, adding: "The Clio is another small Renault that makes its rivals look expensive – especially in 1.0-litre petrol form – yet in Techno trim and above it comes with a smarter interior than most. It's generously equipped, too, and this is one of the best small cars to drive, striking a fine balance between comfort and agility."

Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “The expert team at What Car? test and evaluate hundreds of cars each year, so for the Renault 5 E-Tech electric to be their number one is further proof that R5 is a special car. With Clio also retaining its “Small Car of the Year” title, it’s clear that Renault has class-leading credentials with two of the very best small cars available, whether customers are looking for an electric, hybrid or petrol car.”

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is available to order now with prices starting from £22,995 OTR. The much sought-after award comes only days after the Renault 5 E-Tech electric won another of the industry’s most prized accolades – Car of the Year 2025, which was determined by over 60 journalists from 23 countries. It also follows the Renault 5 E-Tech electric being voted the Readers’ Choice in the same awards last year.

There are five versions to choose from across three trim levels – evolution, techno, and iconic five – and either a 40kWh urban range battery with 120hp or a 52kWh comfort range battery with 150hp and a range of up to 253 miles.

The latest generation Renault Clio boasts bold, fresh styling and a choice of powertrains, including an innovative full hybrid, plus a winning combination of good ride and handling, a smart interior packed with the latest technology and excellent value for money – with prices starting from £18,595 OTR.