10:30 am, February 26, 2026
The UK Car of the Year 2026 is… the Renault 5.
The retro-tastic electric hatchback dominated the final round of the voting process, with 20 of the 33-strong judging panel giving the car their thumbs up.
Judges, one of whom was Car Dealer associate editor James Batchelor, appreciated the car’s style, packaging, and affordability.
Giving his vote to the Renault 5, Batchelor said: ‘It does everything you want from a small car – it’s inexpensive (for an EV), efficient, good to drive, roomy enough and comfortable. But it has the want-factor in spades – not since the new Mini has a small car been so desirable and on-trend.’
The crowning of the overall winner follows the revealing of the category winners in the UK Car of the Year, sponsored by Start Rescue, competition. The victors are listed below.
Commenting on the Renault 5 taking the overall spoils, UK Car of the Year Awards co-chairman, John Challen, said: ‘With its retro styling, the new Renault 5 tugs at the heart strings of those drivers who experienced the original.’
He added: ‘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 winner’s trophy, Adam Wood, Renault UK managing director, 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.’
The judging panel is made up of 33 motoring journalists and automotive experts.
UK Car of the Year Awards 2026 category winners
- Small Car – Renault 5 E-Tech
- Family Car – Kia EV4
- Small Crossover – Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
- Medium Crossover – Skoda Elroq
- Large Crossover – Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Executive Car – Audi A6
- Estate Car – Audi A6 Avant
- Performance Car – Alpine A290
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