The highly anticipated and prestigious 2025 Car of the Year award found its owner at a ceremony held during the Brussels Motor Show. This year’s winner is Renault’s compact and fully electric model, the Renault 5. The sporty sibling of this model, Alpine A290, also played a key role in this success, drawing significant attention. With this achievement, Renault has repeated the triumph of its fully electric Renault Scenic, which won the same award last year.
The Road to the Car of the Year Award
Renault 5 outperformed six other finalists to secure the 2025 Car of the Year title, receiving a total of 353 points from the jury. The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 duo left the runner-up KIA EV3 behind with a 62-point lead. Here are the top seven contenders and their scores:
- Renault 5/Alpine A290: 353 points
- KIA EV3: 291 points
- Citroën C3/e-C3: 215 points
- Dacia Duster: 172 points
- Hyundai Inster: 168 points
- Cupra Terramar: 165 points
- Alfa Romeo Junior: 136 points
This award highlights Renault’s recent advancements in electric vehicle technology. Last year, the fully electric Renault Scenic won the 2024 Car of the Year title, further demonstrating the brand’s leadership in this domain.
Technical Specifications of the Renault 5
The new Renault 5 is built on the CMF-B EV platform, also known as AmpR Small, with a compact design measuring 3.92 meters in length. It offers three different motor and battery options to cater to various needs:
- 110 kW/150 hp motor with a 52 kWh battery:
- Range: 410 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8 seconds
- Top speed: 150 km/h
- 90 kW/120 hp motor with a 40 kWh battery:
- Range: 312 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9 seconds
- Top speed: 150 km/h
- 70 kW/95 hp motor with a 40 kWh battery:
- This budget-friendly version will hit the market in 2025.
Alpine A290: Where Power Meets Elegance
The sporty version of the Renault 5, Alpine A290, captures attention with its powerful engine options and bold design. Offered in two configurations, Alpine A290 is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of performance and style:
- 130 kW/180 hp motor with a 52 kWh battery:
- Range: 380 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- 160 kW/220 hp motor with a 52 kWh battery:
- Range: 364 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.4 seconds
- Top speed: 170 km/h
Renault’s Electric Future
The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 reaffirm the French automaker’s innovative and eco-friendly approach. With user-friendly design, exceptional performance, and advanced range options, these models set a new benchmark in the electric vehicle industry. Renault continues to lead the transformation of the automotive sector, strengthening its position as a pioneer in electric vehicle technology.
Crowned with the 2025 Car of the Year award, the Renault 5 stands out as a practical and economical choice for urban mobility, appealing to a broad range of users. For Renault, 2025 is not just a year of recognition but a milestone that promises a bright future in the realm of electric vehicles.