The Alpine A290 and Renault 5 E-Tech electric vehicles have jointly claimed the 2025 European Car of the Year title, marking a milestone in the electrification journey for both brands.
The award was announced on Jan 10 at the Brussels Motor Show by a jury of 60 automotive journalists from 23 countries. The duo scored 353 points, outperforming six other finalists, including the Alfa Romeo Junior and Hyundai Inster.
The A290, the brand’s first fully electric hot hatch, ushers in a new era for Alpine’s “Dream Garage,” part of Renault Group’s Renaulution plan.
Produced in France at the Manufacture de Douai, the A290 boasts a sporty design, high-performance electric motors of 180 and 220bhp, and cutting-edge connectivity.
Built on the AmpR Small platform shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech, the A290 blends agility and everyday practicality with Alpine’s hallmark driving pleasure. Its price starts from €39,920 (RM185,000).
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said: “This award is all the more symbolic as the A290 inaugurates the 100% electric Dream Garage, a first step in the development of an Alpine-style electric sportiness.”
The Renault 5 E-Tech, also built on the AmpR Small platform, reinforces Renault’s strategy to democratise electric mobility.
Priced from €25,000 (RM116,000) before incentives, the Renault 5 aims to set a new benchmark for affordable and desirable electric city cars. Designed to accelerate electrification in Europe, it builds on Renault’s legacy of innovation, becoming the eighth Renault model to win the Car of the Year award.
Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive called the Renault 5 E-Tech a “game-changer,” noting its potential to transform the electric vehicle market. “It inspires an emotional response while delivering added value to customers,” he said.
The AmpR Small platform, developed under the Renaulution plan, allows both vehicles to offer unique design, advanced technology, and sustainable production in northern France.
The 5 E-Tech and A290 represent critical steps in Renault Group’s electrification strategy, with further launches like the Renault 4 and Alpine A390 planned for 2025.
