An electric French car has been named Car of the Year 2025 (Image: SWNS)
The French electric car, the Renault 5, is the first in the world to feature a baguette holder and has been crowned Car of the Year 2025 at the prestigious What Car? Awards.
The R5 comes with an optional wicker basket for holding a baguette, affixed to the side of the centre console, paying homage to its French heritage.
In addition to winning the main category in what is often referred to as Britain’s motoring Oscars, it also scooped up the Small Electric Car of the Year award.
The Renault 5 nameplate may evoke nostalgia for some drivers, with the first-generation model having retired in 1985. However, their latest model offers a host of fun personalisation options including 3D printed indicators, exterior and interior stickers, and storage compartments.
“We’re delighted to have won the Car of the Year award,” expressed Adam Wood, Managing Director at the motoring brand, adding that “even more special this year is the fact it’s a highly accessible electric car.”
“The reaction to the retro-futuristic design has been incredible, there’s so much passion for the car, and this latest model is perfect for the modern world,” he continued.
The Renault 5 has a range of personalisation options (Image: Malcolm Griffiths / SWNS)
Reportedly one of the most affordable EVs in the UK, the car is priced from £22,995 and offers up to 248 miles of range.
Speaking about the array of personalisation options, Adam stated: “We haven’t forgotten that owners need an emotional connection with their car. We’re proud of our origins, and if a baguette isn’t your thing, there are a few other nods to French heritage around the car.”
Renault adds a touch of ‘joie de vivre’ with unmistakable French national flag motifs on the seats and the iconic French cockerel proudly embossed within the headlights of the vehicle.
Steve Huntingford, the Editor of What Car? praised the car saying: “Renault has clearly thrown everything at the car, resulting in something that’s comfortable, good to drive, very well priced, and equipped with an infotainment system that shames those in some far more expensive machines.”