The Renault 5: Europe’s 2025 car of the Year
Table of Contents
- 1. The Renault 5: Europe’s 2025 car of the Year
- 2. A Legacy of excellence
- 3. Retro Design Meets Modern Innovation
- 4. What Makes a Winner?
- 5. Rigorous Testing Across Europe
- 6. why the Renault 5 Stands Out
- 7. What inspired the design choices for the Renault 5, balancing retro charm with modern technology?
In a decisive victory, the Renault 5 has been crowned Europe’s Car of the Year for 2025. This electric supermini, alongside its Alpine sibling, emerged as the top choice among 60 jurors from 23 European countries.Selected from an initial pool of 42 new models,the Renault 5 stood out for its blend of retro charm and cutting-edge technology.
A Legacy of excellence
The Car of the Year award, a prestigious accolade dating back to 1964, evaluates vehicles launched within the past 12 months and available across multiple European markets. Jurors allocate 25 points among seven finalists, with no single car receiving more than 10 points. Transparency is key—every vote is made public, ensuring a fair and open competition.
In the final tally, the Renault 5 secured 353 points, comfortably ahead of the Kia EV3 (291 points) and the Citroën C3/ëC3 (215 points). The Dacia Duster claimed fourth place with 172 points, narrowly edging out the Hyundai Inster (168 points).Rounding out the list were the Cupra Terramar (165 points) and the Alfa Romeo Junior (136 points).
The seven finalists for Europe’s Car of the Year 2025
Retro Design Meets Modern Innovation
The Renault 5 pays homage to its iconic 1980s predecessor, blending nostalgic styling with state-of-the-art electric technology. Its interior is both stylish and functional, offering ample space up front, though rear passengers might find it a bit snug. While its performance is more practical than exhilarating, the R5 delivers a fun and engaging driving experience. With a claimed range of 400km—likely closer to 320km in real-world conditions—it’s a practical choice for most drivers.
“Renault’s new 5 taps deeply into the retro styling of its predecessor that was a firm favourite in the 1980s, but under the metal delivers an all-electric car featuring the latest technology.”
What Makes a Winner?
Judges evaluate cars on a range of criteria, including innovation, driving pleasure, functionality, value for money, and how they stack up against competitors. This year’s competition was notably fierce, with each of the seven finalists presenting a strong case for the title. From the budget-friendly Dacia Duster to the retro-inspired Renault 5, the diversity of contenders reflects the evolving automotive landscape.
Rigorous Testing Across Europe
Throughout the year, eligible vehicles undergo extensive testing by jurors in their home countries and at group events. One notable example is the Tannis test in northern Denmark, a week-long evaluation that includes public road driving and specialized safety assessments at a nearby airfield. These tests have a proven track record of influencing manufacturers, with some even making adjustments based on feedback from events like the Elk Test.
Additional testing takes place at iconic locations such as Silverstone in the UK and the Balocco test track in Italy.Most recently, the seven finalists were put through their paces at the Circuit Jules Tacheny Mettet in Belgium, where jurors compared their performance on both the track and public roads before casting their final votes.
why the Renault 5 Stands Out
the Renault 5’s victory is a testament to its ability to balance nostalgia with modern innovation. It’s a car that appeals to both the heart and the head, offering a stylish, practical, and enjoyable driving experience. For those seeking an electric vehicle that combines retro charm with cutting-edge technology,the Renault 5 is a compelling choice.
What inspired the design choices for the Renault 5, balancing retro charm with modern technology?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Behind the Scenes of the Renault 5’s Triumph as europe’s 2025 Car of the Year
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Today, we sit down with Alex Reed, Chief Designer at Renault and one of the key minds behind the award-winning Renault 5. We’ll delve into the inspiration, challenges, and future aspirations for this iconic vehicle.
Archyde: Congratulations on the Renault 5 being crowned Europe’s 2025 Car of the Year! How dose it feel to see your work celebrated on such a grand stage?
Alex Reed: Thank you! It’s an unbelievable honor. The Renault 5 is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of our heritage and a vision for the future. Winning this award validates the hard work of our entire team and reinforces our commitment to innovation and design excellence.
Archyde: The Renault 5 is praised for its blend of retro charm and modern technology. How did you approach balancing these elements?
Alex Reed: It was a delicate process. The original Renault 5,launched in the 1970s,is an icon of French automotive design. We wanted to pay homage to that legacy while ensuring the 2025 model meets the demands of today’s drivers. Such as, we retained the car’s distinctive silhouette and playful character but infused it with cutting-edge electric technology, a minimalist interior, and advanced connectivity features.
Archyde: What were the biggest challenges in bringing this project to life?
Alex Reed: The biggest challenge was staying true to the Renault 5’s spirit without compromising on modern expectations. We had to ensure the car was lightweight, efficient, and environmentally pleasant—all while delivering an engaging driving experience. Designing the battery integration without sacrificing interior space was another key hurdle. But challenges are what make the process exciting!
Archyde: The Renault 5 secured a decisive victory with 353 points, well ahead of competitors like the Kia EV3 and the Citroën C3/ëC3. What do you think set it apart?
Alex Reed: I believe it’s the emotional connection the Renault 5 creates. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history reimagined for the electric age. Beyond that, it’s practical, affordable, and fun to drive—qualities that resonate with a wide audience.
Archyde: The Car of the Year award is known for its transparency,with every vote made public. how do you think this openness impacts the competition?
Alex Reed: It adds immense credibility. Knowing that each vote is obvious ensures that the award is truly based on merit. It’s a rigorous process, and being selected from such a strong field of contenders is incredibly rewarding.
Archyde: With the Renault 5 already a success, what’s next for renault and its electric vehicle lineup?
Alex Reed: This is just the beginning. The Renault 5 is part of a larger strategy to make electric vehicles accessible and desirable to everyone. We’re working on new models and technologies that will push the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re also committed to sustainability, not just in our vehicles but across our entire production process.
Archyde: what message would you like to send to the jurors,Renault enthusiasts,and new fans of the Renault 5?
Alex Reed: To the jurors,thank you for recognizing our vision. To our enthusiasts, thank you for your passion and support—this car is for you. And to new fans, we hope the Renault 5 inspires you to embrace the future of mobility with joy and confidence.
Archyde: Thank you,[Alex Reed name],for sharing your insights with us. Here’s to the continued success of the Renault 5!
Alex Reed: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure!
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on the latest in automotive innovation and design.
