The Renault 5 and its hot hatch counterpart, the Alpine A290, have secured the prestigious Car of the Year award for 2025, marking Renault’s consecutive victory in the annual competition. Garnering 353 points from a panel of 60 esteemed journalists, the 5 and A290 triumphed over notable contenders such as the Kia EV3, Citroën C3/e-C3, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster, Cupra Terramar, and Alfa Romeo Junior.
This recent triumph follows Renault’s win with the Renault Scenic in 2024 and the Jeep Avenger in 2023. Notably, Renault has become the first automaker since Fiat in 1995 and 1996 to achieve back-to-back victories, with the Punto and Bravo respectively.
Autocar, a proud sponsor of Car of the Year, plays a pivotal role in the selection process, with editor Mark Tisshaw holding a prominent position on the jury. Each juror nominates seven new cars released and available for purchase in the previous calendar year, with the top seven vote-getters forming the final shortlist.
To be considered for Car of the Year, a model must be entirely new, excluding mere facelifts like the recent updates to the Tesla Model 3 or Renault Clio. Additionally, new derivatives do not qualify as separate entries, as evidenced by the joint evaluation of the Alpine A290 alongside the Renault 5 on which it is based.
In assessing the contenders for Car of the Year 2025, Mark Tisshaw allocated his points as follows:
– Renault 5/Alpine A290: 9 points
– Dacia Duster: 6 points
– Citroen C3/e-C3: 4 points
– Kia EV3: 4 points
Tisshaw commended the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 for their groundbreaking approach to electric vehicle design, blending desirability and affordability seamlessly. The Dacia Duster received praise for its significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a compelling blend of value and performance. The Citroën C3/e-C3 earned recognition for its simplicity and driving experience, although it was overshadowed by the Duster’s impressive evolution. The Kia EV3 also garnered praise for its innovative design and features.
In conclusion, the Car of the Year award for 2025 celebrates innovation, performance, and affordability in the automotive industry, with Renault’s triumph showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence.
