Renault 5 crowned UK Car of the Year 2026
The Renault 5 has continued its dominance of the automotive awards circuit by being named the UK Car of the Year 2026.
The French supermini scooped the prestigious title after previously being named the awards’ small car for the year.
The latest title joins 44 other major wins for the R5, including European Car of the Year, What Car? and Top Gear car of the year, and national car of the year titles in Scotland, Germany and Switzerland.
The Renault beat three other EVs to the title of UK Car of the Year, securing the top vote from two-thirds of the 33-strong judging panel. In second place was the Kia EV4 – winner of the Family Car category – ahead of the Skoda Elroq and Alpine A290 in joint third.
John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards and editor of UK Driver magazine commented: “With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original.
“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.”
Accepting the award, 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.”
Judges praised the Renault’s “retro cool” styling, engaging driving and its remarkable value, declaring it “not just a great EV, it’s one of the best cars on sale today”.
The UK Car of the Year Awards are sponsored by Start Rescue, whose managing director, Lee Puffett, commented: “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.”
