Renault has made history once again. The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric has been named the overall Parkers Car of the Year 2026, following hot on the heels of last year’s winner, the Renault Scenic E-Tech. This marks the first time in the awards’ history that the same brand has claimed the top prize two years running—a testament to Renault’s mastery of electric vehicle design, value, and everyday practicality.
But the Renault 4 E-Tech’s success doesn’t stop there. It also clinches the Best Small Family Car title, while the Renault 5 E-Tech takes Best First Car and the Scenic E-Tech retains Best Medium Family Car. Together, these victories represent a clean sweep of the mainstream family categories, underlining Renault’s dominance in 2026 and its knack for producing electric cars that truly resonate with modern drivers.
Small Car, Big Personality
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric embodies a winning formula: take everything that made the Scenic E-Tech so compelling and reimagine it in a smaller, more playful package. It builds on the foundations of the Renault 5 E-Tech, offering more space, practicality, and refinement—without losing the charm or clever engineering that has made its sibling a hit.
Inside, the 4 E-Tech feels thoughtfully designed and refreshingly honest. Space is maximised where it counts, materials are neatly finished, and a host of clever details make everyday life easier. The Google-based infotainment system remains among the slickest in the business, while the vibrant mix of textures and colours keeps the cabin feeling cheerful without ever becoming gimmicky. As a successor to last year’s Scenic E-Tech, it proves Renault’s winning streak is no fluke.
Keith Adams, Editor of Parkers, enthuses:
“Renault has absolutely nailed it this year. The 4 E-Tech takes everything we loved about the 5 and adds more space and maturity, while the Scenic and 5 E-Tech continue to inject desirability into their classes. Across the range, Renault proves that EVs can be desirable, attainable, and practical—perfectly tuned into everyday life.”
Electric Cars Lead the Charge
The 2026 Parkers New Car Awards clearly highlight a turning point: electric vehicles are now mainstream. Every major category winner—apart from Best Fun Car—is fully electric, and these results were achieved without separating cars by fuel type. EVs have beaten petrol and diesel rivals on a completely level playing field.
“The results speak for themselves,” Adams adds. “Electric cars now meet real-world needs, whether you’re choosing a first car, a family SUV, or a luxury limousine. Range anxiety is rapidly fading, and the cost gap between ICE vehicles and EVs is closing fast.”
This year also saw the introduction of the Disruptor Award, celebrating cars that redefine expectations. The inaugural winner, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, does exactly that. Boasting more than 400 miles of real-world electric range and AI-driven infotainment, it outperforms even the flagship EQS while remaining far more affordable. Its additional accolade as Best Company Car underscores Mercedes’ bold, game-changing approach to EVs.
Volkswagen and the Luxury Sector Shine
Volkswagen Group also had a strong showing, with the ID.7 Tourer taking Best Family Car, and both the Audi A6 Avant and Cupra Terramar earning high commendations. This dual approach of long-range EVs alongside efficient plug-in hybrids continues to resonate with buyers.
In the luxury segment, electric power continues to reign supreme. The BMW i7 and its hybrid 7 Series sibling retain Best Luxury Car honours for a third consecutive year, while Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is recognised as Best Seven-Seater. Vauxhall claims Best New Car Finance, a nod to its efforts to make EV ownership simple, attainable, and competitive with petrol and diesel alternatives.
Finally, a nod to driving enjoyment: the Mazda MX-5 earns Best Fun Car, celebrating not just the 2026 model but Mazda’s decades-long commitment to affordable sports cars that deliver pure driving joy.
Keith Adams concludes:
“This year’s results show just how far carmakers have come in producing electric vehicles people genuinely want. From city cars to family hatchbacks to luxury limos, the best new models of 2026 prove electrification isn’t the future—it’s here, and it’s exciting.”
