Renault has taken the top prize at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with the new Renault 5 E-Tech electric winning both the overall title and the Small Car award for 2025.
It follows last year’s win for the Scenic E-Tech, giving Renault two consecutive overall SCOTY awards - the first time any manufacturer has done so since the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) began the programme.
Judges highlight design, packaging and ease of use
The panel said the Renault 5 stood out for its blend of retro-inspired styling and modern electric engineering. ASMW President Ally Ballingall described it as a car that captures “the spirit of the original” while delivering a contemporary driving experience.
Judges pointed to its compact size, light feel on the road and ease of manoeuvring on Scotland’s mixture of tight streets and rural B-roads.
Interior packaging also drew praise, with the cabin described as well laid out and equipped to current expectations without overdoing the tech. Efficiency and everyday usability were recurring themes across the judging feedback.
Real-world EV specs and pricing
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is offered with two battery choices:
- A 40 kWh pack with up to 192 miles WLTP
- A 52 kWh pack with up to 252 miles WLTP
Those figures place it broadly in line with other compact electric hatchbacks, and the lighter weight compared with small crossovers contributes to the “lively” feel referenced by judges.
Pricing starts from £21,495 on the road once the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant is applied. The Renault 5 meets the scheme’s eligibility requirements, bringing the entry point down by £1,500. That places it among the more affordable new EVs currently on sale.
Two wins in two years for Renault
The back-to-back result reflects Renault’s current run of electric models entering the UK market at accessible price points, with both the Scenic and the 5 positioned as mainstream rather than niche offerings.
Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault Group UK, said the award is “a huge honour” and noted the significance of being the first manufacturer to take two consecutive SCOTY titles.
A straightforward small EV for everyday use
The Renault 5’s appeal sits mainly in familiar territory. It is a compact hatchback with usable range figures, straightforward controls and a footprint suited to tight city streets.
The styling nods to the original 5, but the engineering is entirely modern, with the battery options and charging capability aligned to typical small-EV usage rather than long-distance touring.
For buyers looking for an affordable electric runabout, the combination of pricing, packaging and range appears to have landed well with the Scottish judging panel.
