The 2025 Car of the Year award has been bestowed upon the Renault 5/Alpine A290, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the electric vehicle market. The announcement was made at the prestigious Brussels Motor Show, where Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive proudly accepted the honor.
“Renault 5 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,” Cambolive stated.
The Renault 5/Alpine A290 emerged as the winner with an impressive 353 points, outshining six other finalists in a highly competitive field. The award, which has been celebrated since 1964, is considered Europe’s most respected accolade for automotive excellence. A jury of 60 leading automotive journalists from 23 countries evaluated the vehicles based on stringent criteria.
A Winning Formula: Design Meets Functionality
The success of the Renault 5/Alpine A290 can be attributed to its perfect blend of nostalgia and modern innovation. Inspired by the legacy of the original Renault 5, the new model incorporates retro aesthetics alongside state-of-the-art electric technology.
Jurors were particularly impressed by its refined suspension, ergonomic interface, and exceptional value for money. One juror remarked, “The R5 delights nostalgists while captivating those unfamiliar with its history. Beyond its charm, it excels in refinement, agility, and overall functionality. The R5 is fun; the A290 even more so.”
Stiff Competition from Kia and Citroën
In second place, the Kia EV3 garnered 291 points, earning praise for its unique design and comfort-oriented engineering. Jurors appreciated its relaxed steering and supple suspension, tailored for real-world driving conditions.
The Citroën C3/ë-C3, with 215 points, secured third place. Known for its simplicity, robust build, and affordability, the ë-C3 stood out as an excellent entry-level electric vehicle, offering unmatched value for money in its segment.
Dacia Duster: The Family Hero
Finishing in fourth place with 172 points, the Dacia Duster proved to be a favorite among families. Its practicality, spacious interior, and affordability made it a standout contender. Described as “a proper family vehicle for the price of a supermini,” the Duster delivered comfort and charm despite a few compromises in materials and technology.
Hyundai Inster and Cupra Terramar Fall Short
The Hyundai Inster, scoring 168 points, offered features like sliding rear seats and relaxed driving dynamics, catering to urban users. However, its high-end configurations were deemed too expensive, limiting its appeal.
Meanwhile, the Cupra Terramar earned 165 points, showcasing stylish design and practical features. Despite these strengths, it struggled to differentiate itself in the crowded crossover market.
Alfa Romeo Junior: A Mixed Bag
The Alfa Romeo Junior finished last among the finalists with 136 points. While its Veloce variant offered thrilling performance, the overall package lacked innovation, and the interior quality failed to meet expectations.
What Makes the Car of the Year Award Special?
The Car of the Year award evaluates every new car launched in Europe based on rigorous criteria, including design, safety, economy, innovation, and value for money. This thorough process ensures that the winner represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence.
The Renault 5/Alpine A290: A Symbol of Change
As Renault celebrates this significant victory, the Renault 5/Alpine A290 stands as a symbol of transformation in the automotive industry. With its blend of emotional appeal and technological advancement, it promises to redefine electric mobility.
The Renault 5/Alpine A290 is more than just a car; it’s a movement—proof that the future of motoring can be as exciting and innovative as its past.
