The Renault 5 and its hot-hatch sibling, the Alpine A290, have been crowned as the Car of the Year (COTY) for 2025, marking Renault’s second consecutive victory in the prestigious competition. The duo received a total of 353 points from a panel of 60 judges hailing from 23 different countries, with 25 jurors ranking them in first place.
In a close race, the Kia EV3 secured the runner-up spot with 291 points, followed by the Citroën C3/ë-C3 in third place with 215 points. The Hyundai Inster, Dacia Duster, Cupra Terramar, and Alfa Romeo Junior rounded out the top eight positions.
Renault’s back-to-back wins make them the first manufacturer to achieve this feat since Fiat in 1995 and 1996. The Renault Scenic clinched the title last year, while the Jeep Avenger took home the honors in 2023.
The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 impressed the judges with their exceptional interior quality and engaging driving dynamics. The retro-futuristic design of the Renault 5, coupled with its performance and comfort levels, set it apart from the competition. The Alpine A290 added further excitement to the mix, showcasing Renault’s commitment to creating desirable and affordable electric cars.
Autocar, a proud sponsor of COTY, played a significant role in the selection process, with editor Mark Tisshaw serving as a juror. Each juror nominated seven new cars that were available for purchase before the end of the previous year. The top seven vote-getters formed the final shortlist, with only all-new models eligible for consideration.
Mark Tisshaw’s voting choices reflected the innovative nature of the Renault 5/Alpine A290 duo, earning them the highest points in his rankings. The Dacia Duster, Citroën C3/ë-C3, Kia EV3, Cupra Terramar, Hyundai Inster, and Alfa Romeo Junior also received points based on their performance, design, and overall appeal.
In conclusion, the Renault 5 and Alpine A290’s victory in the Car of the Year 2025 competition highlights Renault’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional vehicles that resonate with both critics and consumers. Their win cements Renault’s position as a leader in the automotive industry and sets a high standard for future contenders.
