Renault 5 named Car of the Year 2025

Dacia Duster: 6 points

So much better than the old Duster in almost every department and in ways that appeal to both the heart and the head. That Dacia asks for so little extra money in return makes it even more remarkable. The Duster shows that Dacia has successfully moved away from being a cheap car maker while still being a maker of cheap cars. It's just unfortunate to run into the 5 in this competition.

Citroën C3/ë-C3: 4 points

Unfussy to drive and simple in its approach. It grew on me throughout the competition for driving so well. But it feels like Dacia has stolen a surprise march on Citroën by so cleverly disguising the Duster's low-cost roots, whereas the C3 always reminds you that it's a cheap car with its rather plain look and austere feel. Even so, the pricing is admirable, particularly for the ë-C3. More to like than not.

Kia EV3: 4 points

The EV3 does almost everything well and nothing badly and is a big improvement over the Niro EV, a car it will replace. The interior is a particular highlight and the range is strong. Keenly priced, too. What stops it scoring higher is how it feels like the next step on a path that cars of its type have long been on, whereas the 5 really breaks new ground.

Cupra Terramar: 1 point 

Quite a nice car in isolation but doesn't feel anything new. We've seen the Terramar's likes before from other related Volkswagen Group products. That's not a bad thing, but it doesn't stand out in this company. What it does best is provide a more visually interesting option inside and out against a fairly depressingly plain competitor set. For that reason, I like what Cupra is about and trying to do.

Hyundai Inster: 1 point

The cute styling on the outside is so far removed from the grown-up inside that you struggle to believe they're contained within the same diminutive package. The clever interior packaging and space is the highlight. It doesn't drive how you would expect, either, being quite grown-up and nowhere near as fun as the old Honda E. It's priced alongside the 5 in the UK but can't get near that.

Alfa Romeo Junior: 0 points