Renault continues to make waves in the world of electric mobility, with two of its standout models—the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric and Alpine A290—being named finalists for the prestigious 2025 European Car of the Year (COTY) award. The announcement, made on 15 November 2024, highlights Renault’s enduring success in combining innovation, sustainability, and style.
A legacy of success
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Renault has secured a spot among the top seven finalists. Past successes include:
- 2022: Megane E-Tech 100% electric
- 2023: Austral
- 2024: Scenic E-Tech 100% electric (winner)
The Renault 5 E-Tech aims to continue this winning streak, following the Scenic’s triumph as the 2024 COTY.
Reinventing a classic: Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric
The Renault 5 is a true automotive icon. First launched in 1972, it became a beloved staple for families worldwide. Now, it’s been reborn as the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric—a compact, all-electric city car designed to meet the demands of the modern era.
Measuring just 3.92 metres in length, the Renault 5 E-Tech is built on Renault’s cutting-edge AmpR Small platform. Its engineering includes advanced multi-link rear suspension, borrowed from a higher segment, to ensure a smooth and dynamic ride. This model doesn’t just deliver practicality; it blends nostalgic design with future-ready digital features to create a car that is both functional and fun.
Manufactured in northern France using a sustainable production process, the Renault 5 E-Tech has already started to turn heads since its launch in France last October, with its gradual rollout across Europe underway.
Leading the charge in the EV revolution
Renault has been at the forefront of making electric mobility accessible for over 12 years. The Renault 5 E-Tech is part of a broader strategy to accelerate EV adoption, especially in the B segment. Following its launch, the highly anticipated Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric is expected in 2025, further cementing Renault’s leadership in sustainable urban mobility.
Enter the Alpine A290: the hot hatch for a new era
Alpine, Renault’s performance-focused marque, has also earned its place in the COTY spotlight with the A290. This 100% electric hot hatch reimagines sportiness for the electric age. Compact, agile, and built on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech, the A290 delivers a thrilling driving experience that blends performance and everyday practicality.
Boasting up to 220 hp and cutting-edge connectivity, the A290 reflects Alpine’s commitment to merging technology with high-performance design. Its production at the Douai facility in France ensures a seamless blend of Alpine’s DNA with Renault’s sustainability goals.
When and where will the winner be announced?
The COTY winner will be revealed on 10 January 2025 at the Brussels Motor Show. With a rigorous selection process that involved 60 journalists from 23 countries testing 42 vehicles, the competition is tough, but Renault and Alpine are well-positioned to shine.
A new chapter for electric innovation
Both the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 exemplify Renault’s commitment to sustainable innovation, offering drivers vehicles that are exciting, functional, and environmentally conscious. Whether it’s the playful nostalgia of the Renault 5 or the adrenaline-fueled promise of the Alpine A290, these models showcase the potential of the EV revolution.
