Renault 5 E-Tech named Autotrader’s New Car of the Year 2026

The Renault 5 E-Tech was named Autotrader’s New Car of the Year 2026, winning based on feedback from over 160,000 car owners across the UK. The annual Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, held at HERE at Outernet in central London, recognized vehicles based on real-world performance and owner satisfaction. The Renault 5 E-Tech also claimed the Best Car for City Drivers and Most Fun Car to Drive awards, reflecting its appeal for urban and enjoyable driving experiences. Electric vehicles dominated key categories, with the Renault 5 E-Tech leading the shift toward electric adoption for both practicality and enjoyment. Other winners included the Tesla Model 3 as Best EV for Long Distance and the Tesla Model Y as Best Car for Families and Best Car for Dog Owners. The awards also highlighted newer brands like BYD and Chery, with the BYD Seal U winning Best In-Car Technology and Best Value New Car, while Chery took Best Value Brand. The Nissan Leaf won the Editor’s Choice Award, selected by Autotrader’s editorial team, while the BMW iX3 earned the YouTube Director Award. Additional categories saw the Škoda Enyaq as Best Car for Running Costs, the Porsche 911 as Best Luxury Car, and the Volvo XC90 as Best 7-Seater. Porsche was named Most Loved Brand, and Tesla won Most Reliable Brand. The awards underscored trends in the automotive market, including the growing demand for electric vehicles, the influence of technology, and the importance of real-world ownership experiences. Toyota received the Sustainability Initiative Award, while the Ferrari Luce was named Most Anticipated New Car. The event celebrated diverse winners across categories, from practical family cars to high-performance luxury models.