Renault has made Scottish motoring history, becoming the first manufacturer ever to win the prestigious Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) title two years running. Its all-new Renault 5 – a playful, modern reinterpretation of a beloved icon – was named the 2025 Scottish Car of the Year at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ annual gala, held in partnership with Arnold Clark at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Edinburgh.
A Modern Classic That Delivers
The Renault 5 won over judges with its charismatic blend of retro charm and cutting-edge electric technology. Echoing the spirit of the original 5 while embracing a thoroughly contemporary electric platform, it impressed with lively performance, agile handling, and an engaging, joyful character on the road.
Its compact footprint and nimble dynamics make it perfectly suited to Scotland’s mix of narrow rural routes, urban streets, and winding coastlines. With strong efficiency, smart practicality and a design that resonates emotionally, it rose clearly above a fiercely competitive field. The SCOTY jury praised it as a car that “makes financial sense in tough times” while still appealing “to our heart strings just as much as our wallets.”
Strong Showing From Chinese and Electrified Brands
This year’s awards showcased the continued rise of Chinese manufacturers, with BYD, Xpeng, and Jaecoo-Omoda all earning nominations. Jaecoo-Omoda, in particular, made its mark: the Jaecoo 7 secured both Family Car and Newcomer of the Year, signalling growing confidence in emerging brands.
Electrified models continued to dominate the conversation. Alongside its overall win, the Renault 5 claimed the Small Car award, while the Kia EV3 earned the Compact Crossover/SUV trophy. Genesis added to its electric momentum with the Premium/Executive Car-winning e-GV70.
Broad Recognition Across Market Segments
Mazda strengthened its presence with the new CX-80 winning Large Car of the Year, while performance enthusiasts celebrated the Alpine A290 – a thrilling Renault 5-based hot hatch – as Performance Car of the Year. This double victory marked a standout night for the Renault brand.
In the ever-important used car categories, the MG HS took the Under £18,000 title, reflecting its strong value proposition, while the Hyundai Tucson won in the Over £18,000 bracket. At the opposite end of the spectrum from performance models, the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser triumphed in the Utility category, reaffirming its reputation for toughness and reliability.
Praise From Industry Leaders
ASMW president Ally Ballingall highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s judging:
“After a whole year, scores of cars, and thousands of miles, our judges said the winning car had to make financial sense, be practical, capable, great to drive, and look the part. That’s a big ask – but the Renault 5 did it all and plenty more.”
Renault Group UK Managing Director and Country Head, Adam Wood, reflected on the significance of the achievement:
“It’s a huge honour to become the first manufacturer to win the overall Scottish Car of the Year title two years in a row. It’s a clear signal of the fun, accessibility, and sheer style that the Renault 5 brings to the UK market and underlines the strength of our new pure-electric line-up.”
With its fusion of nostalgia, innovation and delightful drivability, the Renault 5 has proven that heritage and modernity can not only coexist – but excel. Its victory cements Renault’s growing influence in the EV landscape and signals a bright, electrified future for one of Europe’s most recognisable nameplates.
