The retro-inspired Renault 5 has been named as the 2026 Irish Car of the Year in association with Continental Tyres at an awards ceremony in Dublin.

Members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), the grouping that brings together some 29 of Ireland’s most experienced motoring journalists – yours truly included – hosted the awards event attended by Ireland’s leading car brands, importers and distributors.

The awards are voted on by the members of the MMAI who individually assess each new car model launched in Ireland each year.

It is now the sixth year in a row that an all-electric vehicle has been voted Irish Car of the Year, acknowledging the expanding demand for EVs in the Irish car market and the overall growing interest of zero emissions motoring.

“Congratulations to Renault on the success of the Renault 5, what an achievement, coming as it does on the back of last year’s win for the Scenic E-Tech Electric,” said Mark Noble, the chairperson of the MMAI.

“The new Renault 5 really impressed our jurors with its blend of retro inspired design, modern driving dynamics, and practical electric range. It’s a stylish, accessible EV that brings innovation and character to the market, and a very worthy winner of the Irish Car of the Year title.”

The field of eligible cars for this year’s awards was broken down into nine categories, with the overall winner selected from the category champions.

In the Irish Van of the Year awards programme for 2026, the overall Irish Van of the Year title was awarded to the Volkswagen Transporter at the same event.

The Irish Car of the Year 2026 category winners

■ Irish Small Car of the Year: Hyundai Inster

■ Irish Compact Car of the Year: Renault 5

■ Irish Medium Car/Crossover of the Year: Kia EV3

■ Irish Medium SUV of the Year: Dacia Bigster

■ Irish Large Car/SUV of the Year: BYD Sealion 7

■ Irish 7-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