Car of the Year! Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is Top Gear's Top Pick as it Names its Favourite Cars

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the modern reinvention of the iconic original, has won one of the industry’s ultimate accolades after being named “Car of the Year” at this year’s TopGear.com Awards.

Designed to bring some sparkle to the world of small electric vehicles and available to order from January, the judges praised the Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s appealing design and sense of quality, while recognising the key role it plays in leading the charge for electric vehicle sales.

“When a car has been made by people who love it, it shows”

Jack Rix, Editor of TopGear.com, celebrated the victory, saying: 

“To people over 50, the original 5 is a memory bathed in golden sunlight, but to anyone younger it probably means little. So the new Renault 5 had to be an attractive and appealing car in itself. And it is, both to look at and as a detailed and quality object. Like the first 5 in 1972, it marks a pivot from one world era to another, and Renault feels like a company revived. When a car has been made by people who love it, it shows.”

Collecting the most prestigious accolade to be awarded by TopGear.com, Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, said: “Top Gear is renowned worldwide and it is a great honour to accept this award from such a well respected title. To win “Car of the Year” is an inspiration for us all to keep pushing, working to accelerate the momentum that has been generated by the Renaulution and continue to develop market-leading cars that bring joy to owners.”

Adam Wood, Managing Director and Country Head Renault Group UK, commented:

“This fantastic award is another milestone in Renault’s electrification journey. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a real game-changer that is set to brighten up the UK’s roads from the start of 2025.”

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric references the style of the original yet is also the epitome of modernity. With agile handling, heart-winning design and innovative touches such as the novel bonnet-mounted charging indicator and Reno, the helpful avatar, the Renault 5 is both fun to drive and fun to be around.

Filled with the latest technology, it features built-in Google services with EV-optimised navigation as well as bi-directional functionality with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. Available with a choice of two battery sizes and with a heat-pump as standard, it offers a driving range of up to 248 miles* and can recharge to 80% in only 30 minutes*.

*WLTP certification pending, expected early 2025.