Renault has once again proven its prowess in the automotive world, securing the prestigious European Car of the Year 2025 title for not one, but two vehicles—the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290. This dual accolade, announced on 10th January at the Brussels Motor Show, underscores the brand’s commitment to electrification and innovation.
The win marks Renault’s eighth Car of the Year title and its second consecutive victory, following the success of the Scenic E-Tech electric in 2024. For Alpine, this recognition is a historic first, reflecting the brand’s evolution under the broader Renaulution strategy.
A Platform for Success: AmpR Small
Both the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 are built on the revolutionary AmpR Small platform, developed by Ampere. Unique in Europe, this platform enables both models to deliver exceptional value to customers while maintaining their distinct identities.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric embodies charm and accessibility with its retro-modern design and intuitive technologies, while the Alpine A290 offers a more dynamic, performance-oriented experience. Together, they make electric mobility not just sustainable, but genuinely desirable.
A Resounding Victory
The journey to this award began in November when the duo was shortlisted as finalists alongside formidable competition, including the Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën ë-C3/C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster, and Kia EV3.
Ultimately, 60 motoring journalists from 23 countries awarded the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 an impressive 353 points, securing first place and reinforcing Renault’s leadership in the electric vehicle market.
CEO Fabrice Cambolive on the Win
Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive expressed immense pride in the achievement:
“Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a real game changer in Europe. It makes electric vehicles desirable as well as inspiring an emotional response. If there’s one car with the potential to transform the electric market, it’s this one.”
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric: Leading the Charge
Renault’s reinvention of the iconic R5 has electrified the automotive market. Designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric combines nostalgic charm with cutting-edge electric and digital technologies.
Its entry-level model, priced from €25,000 (excluding government incentives), aims to make electric mobility accessible to all. Locally manufactured in northern France at the Ampere ElectriCity hub, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric exemplifies sustainable production practices.
Renault’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
This latest victory reflects Renault’s unwavering commitment to electrification, a journey it began over a decade ago. Building on the success of its C-segment offerings, such as the Megane and Scenic, Renault is now extending its E-Tech electric range to the B segment with the Renault 5 and the upcoming Renault 4, both of which are poised to set new benchmarks in the EV market.
As Renault continues to lead the charge towards sustainable mobility, the recognition of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 as Cars of the Year 2025 stands as a testament to its vision: making electric vehicles both innovative and inspiring.
