An exciting start to the year for Renault y Alpine: the famous Renault 5 E-Tech and its sportier version, the Alpine A290, have been crowned as 'European Car of the Year 2025'. This prestigious award, given at the Brussels Motor Show, is considered the highest recognition in the automotive sector in Europe. The symbolism of this award is not only in the technical excellence of the winning duo, but also in how they pave the way for a sustainable mobility and accessible.
The jury, made up of 60 specialized journalists from 23 countries, He highlighted the innovation and design of both models. With a total of 353 points, they far outperformed the second-placed Kia EV3, which scored 291 points, and the Citroën C3/ë-C3, which scored 215 points. The finalists also included the Dacia Duster, the Hyundai Inster, the Cupra Terramar and the Alfa Romeo Junior, consolidating this edition of the award as one of the most competitive, with all candidates wearing some type of electrification.
Same technical approach, different dynamic spirit…
The AmpR Small platform, shared by both vehicles, was one of the key factors in winning over the jury. This technological base is specifically designed for electric vehicles and will also be used in other future models such as the Renault 4 E-Tech. Both the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 are presented as five-door city cars, ideal for urban life, but with very different philosophies: while The Renault 5 aims to democratize electric mobility at competitive prices, the Alpine A290 elevates the experience thanks to a more sports and exclusive.
In terms of dimensions, The Renault 5 is 3,92 metres long., while the Alpine A290 stretches slightly to 3,99 metres, maintaining its compact profile. Both models offer a 277 liter trunk and wheelbases of 2,53 metres, combining versatility and functional design. In addition, the different mechanical and battery versions are another of its strong points, highlighting the Renault 5 E-Tech with options from 120 hp and 312 kilometres of autonomy to 150 hp and 410 kilometres of range. For its part, the Alpine A290 offers sports variants of up to 220 hp.
An award with history
This award marks a significant milestone for Renault, which becomes the second brand in the history of this award to win two consecutive years, following its success in 2024 with the Renault Scenic E-TechThe only precedent of a similar feat was achieved by Fiat in 1995 and 1996 with the Punto and Bravo models. The Renault 5 thus joins a prestigious list of winners, including the Renault 16 (1966), Renault Clio (1991 and 2006) and Renault Mégane (2003).
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, expressed his pride at this recognition, stressing that the Renault 5 E-Tech not only evokes the nostalgia of its predecessor from the 70s, but has reinvented itself to lead the electric revolution. “This car is a game-changer, making electric vehicles desirable and accessible to everyone,” said Cambolive. Similarly, Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, underlined how the A290 takes the Renault 5 experience to the next level, with characteristics that attract motor enthusiasts.
Breaking barriers with competitive prices
One of the highlights of the Renault 5 is its focus on accessibility. Initial versions have Prices start from 27.900 euros, before applying public aids such as the Moves III, which could lower the final cost significantly. In addition, Renault plans to introduce an even more affordable variant, with an estimated price of 24.900 euros, designed to attract a wider public.
For its part, The Alpine A290, aimed at a premium segment, offers prices starting at 38.700 Euros for their 180 hp versions, and reach 41.900 euros for the 220 hp variant. However, both models share the target to accelerate the transition to electrification in Europe, offering one solution at a time innovative and practice
The Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 not only represent technological evolution, but also a significant leap forward in offering more sustainable and democratic mobility. It is a shame that for now Their prices are not as low as we would like. and that, in addition, its autonomy is still somewhat limited. Not to mention that the entry-level version of the 5 does not have the possibility of fast charging, making it a "somewhat deceptive" version... Right?
Source - Car of the year
Images | Car of the Year – Renault – Alpine
