The Renault 5 E-Tech and its Alpine A290 sister have just won the prestigious 2025 European Car of the Year title, awarded by the COTY jury. This internationally recognised award crowns the first model of a new electric generation for the Alpine brand and its Renault sister brand.
After the verdict of the 60 judges from 23 countries was revealed, the Renault 5 (and A290) was the most voted with 353 points beating the Kia EV3 with 291 points, followed by the Citroën C3-ëC3 with 215 points. Fourth place went to a surprising Hyundai Inster (172 points), fifth, just four points behind the Dacia Duster (168 points), sixth to the Cupra Terramar (165 points) and seventh to the Alfa Romeo Junior, with 136 points.
The Alpine A290 reinvents and modernises the hot hatch category with inspired styling and a state-of-the-art electric powertrain. With the A290, Alpine is reintroducing this category with a modern twist and cutting-edge technology while delivering Alpine’s characteristic driving pleasure.
Boosted by the Alpine DNA, the 5 E-Tech and A290 pack all the sensations of a genuine new-generation sports car into a compact car. Developed on the AmpR Small platform shared with Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the A290 is compact, agile and offers high performance easy to harness while guaranteeing comfortable day-to-day use.
With this victory, the Renault 5 takes over from its brother, the Renault Scenic, which won the top continental award last year. Jury president Soren Rasmussen acted as master of ceremonies, along with British juror Vicky Parrott. This is the second time in the 62-year history of the Car Of The Year that a brand has captured the crown two years in a row. The last time was in 1995 and 1996 when the Fiat Punto and Fiat Bravo won respectively. Since then this has never happened. The award, which this year had a new format, was collected by Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, and Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine.
The Alpine A290 marks a decisive step for the A-arrow brand, inaugurating in style Alpine’s 100% electric Dream Garage, presented in 2021 as part of Luca de Meo’s Renaulution plan.
This sporty city car, a symbol of modernity and performance, opens the way to a broader customer base while resurrecting the category of hot hatches, appreciated for their driving pleasure. The first of Alpine’s 100% electric era, the A290 is also the brand’s first vehicle to win Car of the Year.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
It was bound to happen because the Renault and Alpine cars are by far the best looking, most exciting cars to launch over the last 12 months, plus they offer a competitive EV powertrain and price structures. The Renault 5 E-Tech also won the Bast Cars of the Year award last August at the British Motor Show.