Retro charm reborn as Renault 5 Claims Irish Car of Year 2026
Joe Rayfus
The grand ballroom of the Conrad Hotel in Dublin had a familiar mix of anticipation and quiet confidence as the Irish Car of the Year awards reached their finale. After months of driving, scoring and comparing every new model launched during the year, the members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) made their decision. The Renault 5, a car that blends a beloved past with a thoroughly modern future, was named Irish Car of the Year for 2026 in association with Continental Tyres.
There was a genuine sense of delight in the room when the winner was announced. Plenty of cars impressed in different ways over the last year, but the Renault 5 managed to strike a chord that went beyond numbers and specifications. It brings back a shape and charm many Irish drivers remember fondly, yet it wraps that nostalgia in a clean electric platform and sharp modern styling.
This win also marks the sixth year in a row that an electric vehicle has taken the top Irish award. That run now feels less like a streak and more like the new reality of Irish motoring. The shift to clean motoring is no longer an ambition or a projection. It is already on the road in towns and cities across the country, and buyers are taking to it more quickly than many had expected.
Speaking at the event, MMAI chairman Mark Noble praised the Renault 5 for its blend of retro influence and contemporary capability, noting that it impressed jurors with its character, its driving feel and its usable electric range. He described it as stylish and accessible and a worthy winner of the top Irish title.
Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres pointed out that six consecutive electric winners tell a clear story. For Irish buyers, the appeal of clean, quiet and low-cost motoring has grown every year, and the Renault 5 arrives at exactly the right moment as the industry heads into another busy January sales period.
As always, the main award is only part of the wider picture. Jurors spent the year assessing every eligible new arrival and selecting the best in each category. The class winners for 2026 show the breadth of the modern market, from compact electric hatches to large family machines and pure performance heroes.
Irish Small Car of the Year: Hyundai Inster
Irish Compact Car of the Year: Renault 5
Irish Medium Car and Crossover of the Year: Kia EV3
Irish Medium SUV of the Year: Dacia Bigster
Irish Large Car and SUV of the Year: BYD Sealion 7
Irish Seven Seater of the Year: Hyundai Ioniq 9
Irish Premium Car of the Year: Volvo EX90
Irish Performance Compact Car of the Year: MG Cyberster
Irish Performance Car of the Year: BMW M5
Irish Car-Derived Van of the Year: Jeep Avenger
Irish Electric Van of the Year: Ford eTransit
Irish Commercial 4x4 of the Year: Toyota Landcruiser
Irish Panel Van of the Year: VW Transporter
Nearly every one of those models carries some degree of electrification, a clear sign of where manufacturers are putting their energy and investment. The mix of brands is also telling. Established names are holding strong, but new players, especially those with fresh electric platforms, are winning attention and awards.
Commercial vehicles had their own moment at the ceremony. The title of Irish Van of the Year 2026 went to the new Volkswagen Transporter. It has long been a favourite of tradesmen and fleet operators throughout Ireland, and the latest version shows the same focus on solid engineering and everyday usability that helped build its reputation in the first place.
The Irish Car and Van of the Year awards remain the most trusted benchmark for excellence in the Irish motor industry. Jurors drive all the eligible cars on Irish roads throughout the year, in real traffic and real weather, and that experience informs every mark and every category result. There is no substitute for time behind the wheel, and that is what gives these awards their weight.
For Renault, the result is a significant moment. The original Renault 5 was once a common sight on Irish roads, owned by families, first time drivers and anyone who wanted a small and cheerful runabout. The new version returns with the same character but with a completely modern powertrain and a design that captures the spirit of the past without feeling trapped by it.
At a time when many cars can feel a little serious or overly digital, the Renault 5 brings back something that has been missing for a while. It has charm. It has character. It brings a smile. And as the jurors made clear, that counts a great deal.
The Irish Car of the Year title is a celebration of engineering and innovation; and it is also a celebration of how a car makes its driver and passengers feel. The Renault 5 has managed to combine the warmth of memory with the promise of the future, and that is why it now carries Ireland’s most respected automotive award.