What Car? has once again reviewed the best new cars on the market, assessing them for practicality, comfort, performance, and safety.
The winners for 2025 showcase innovation, efficiency, and excellence. Here’s a look at this year’s top models.
Car of the Year: Renault 5 E-Tech 100% Electric
The Renault 5 E-Tech 100% Electric revives a beloved classic, blending retro charm with modern technology.
Compact yet feature-packed, this electric hatchback offers two battery options: a 40kWh battery with a range of up to 190 miles and a 52kWh battery that extends to approximately 248 miles.
With rapid charging capabilities, it can reach 80% charge in 30 minutes, ideal for short or long journeys.
Inside, the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% Electric features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google integration. This compact city car features advanced driver-assistance systems, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
Renault has crafted a stylish city car that delivers on both nostalgia and modern-day electric performance.
Category Winners
While the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% Electric stole the show, these category winners shine in their own right, catering to different customer needs:
Special Awards
Readers’ Choice Award
The upcoming Kia EV4 has already captured the imagination of car buyers, winning the What Car? Reader Award before its official launch. With its crossover design, spacious interior, and impressive electric range, it’s set to be a game-changer in the EV market. Kia continues to push the boundaries in electric vehicle innovation.
Technology Award
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N e-Shift brings an exciting performance edge to electric driving. With cutting-edge drivetrain enhancements and an innovative simulated gearshift system, it offers a more engaging and responsive drive, bridging the gap between EVs and traditional performance cars.
Tow Car Award
The Kia EV9 AWD GT-Line is redefining towing capabilities for electric SUVs. With a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg, it’s an ideal choice for those hauling trailers, caravans, or boats without sacrificing electric efficiency. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures stability and power delivery to make towing effortless.
Driving Into the Future
The 2025 What Car? Award winners highlight the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
Whether you’re looking for an efficient city car, a spacious family SUV, or a tech-forward electric vehicle, this year’s selections offer something for everyone.
As manufacturers continue pushing the boundaries of design and performance, we can expect even more ground-breaking innovations in the years ahead.
Which of this year’s winners excites you the most? Let us know in the comments!