Renault 5 E-Tech electric was named ‘New Car of the Year’ with a triple award victory at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric was crowned Autotrader’s ‘New Car of the Year’ for 2026, taking the awards’ top honor as part of a triple triumph where it was also named ‘Best Car for Urban Drivers’ and ‘Most Fun to Drive’.

The Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards put car owners at the heart of the judging process and this year’s winners are informed by the opinions of more than 160,000 UK drivers who share their real-world experiences of buying, driving and living with their cars.

Owners rated their cars on 16 criteria, from reliability, performance and appearance to running costs, overall satisfaction and how likely they are to recommend them, ensuring the Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s headline gets strong support from the people who know it best.

Highlighting some of the reasons behind the success of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, Autotrader YouTube Director Rory Reid said: “The Renault 5 successfully blends distinctive retro-inspired design with modern technology to create a car that clearly resonates with drivers. Its strong blend of style, practicality and affordability has helped it stand out in a highly competitive market. Feedback from owners highlights how attractive it is for everyday living, combining comfort, driving pleasure and striking design. It is this character and practicality that has ensured its success.” Its balance won it not only New Car of the Year, but also Best Car for Urban Drivers and Most Fun to Drive.”

Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK, said: “Owner-judged awards are always of particular significance because they reflect the reality of living with a car every day. To see the Renault 5 E-Tech electric named New Car of the Year by UK drivers is a huge achievement in itself, but to also see it recognized as the best car for city drivers and the most fun to drive shows just how wide its appeal is and why it has captured the imagination and hearts of so many people since its launch.”

Renault has announced its second consecutive triple victory at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, after its outstanding performance in 2025 resulted in awards for the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, Scenic E-Tech electric and the Renault Group as a whole.

Priced from £21,495 OTR including the full Electric Vehicle Grant, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric reimagines one of Renault’s most iconic models for a new generation. Combining seamless design with accessible electric mobility, this vehicle brings the spirit of the original Renault 5 into the modern age and continues to receive critical acclaim from customers and critics alike.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric quickly became a best-selling product. It has topped the list of EV retail records for several months since its launch, and was ranked number one among the most popular EVs overall in April.

For more information on the Renault 5 E-Tech electric or to configure your own, visit: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric.html