In a significant achievement for Renault, the Renault 5 and its sporty counterpart, the Alpine A290, have secured the prestigious Car of the Year (COTY) award for 2025. This marks Renault's second consecutive victory in this highly competitive contest, solidifying the brand's dominance in the automotive industry. The duo earned an impressive 353 points from a panel of 60 judges representing 23 countries, with 25 of them ranking the vehicles at the top. The Kia EV3 followed closely as the runner-up with 291 points.

Achieving Automotive Excellence: Renault's Dominance in 2025

The Renault 5 and Alpine A290's success is particularly noteworthy in the context of a fiercely competitive field. The judging process involved evaluating seven new cars that were available on the market before the end of the previous year. To be eligible, models had to be entirely new, excluding minor updates or derivatives. This stringent criterion highlighted the Renault 5's innovative design and performance, which set it apart from other contenders.

The Renault 5's interior design and driving experience were praised for their excellence, offering comfort and well-balanced performance without significantly increasing costs. The Alpine A290 added an extra layer of excitement with its enhanced features, though the Renault 5 alone was strong enough to capture attention. The Dacia Duster, while also making significant improvements over its predecessor, could not match the Renault 5's impact. Similarly, the Citroën C3/ë-C3 offered simplicity and value but lacked the flair seen in the Renault 5. The Kia EV3, Hyundai Inster, Cupra Terramar, and Alfa Romeo Junior each brought unique qualities to the competition but ultimately fell short in comparison to Renault's offerings.

This victory underscores Renault's commitment to producing electric vehicles that are both appealing and affordable. It sets a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating that innovation and affordability can coexist in the world of electric cars.

From a journalist's perspective, Renault's back-to-back wins signify a pivotal moment in the automotive industry. The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 represent a shift towards more sustainable and enjoyable driving experiences. Their success challenges manufacturers to rethink traditional approaches and prioritize consumer satisfaction. For readers, this achievement highlights the growing importance of electric vehicles and suggests that Renault is leading the way in this transformative era of automotive technology.