Carwow Car of the Year Awards 2026

Urban Living Award

Urban Living Award: Renault 5 E-Tech

"Retro styling done right"

"A genuinely desirable small electric car has been a long time coming, but I reckon the Renault 5 really nails the brief. It looks brilliant - retro styling done right, hitting all the best nostalgia buttons but without just looking like a parody of the classic model. It’s also great to drive, whether you’re nipping about town or going further afield with the 250+ miles of electric range." - Mat Watson, Car Review Expert

Highly commended: Fiat Grande Panda

"Perfect for nipping about crowded city streets"

"Talk about standout styling - you’ll spot the Fiat Grande Panda from a mile off thanks to its super-cool, squared-off design. There are electric and hybrid versions so whether you’re looking for a battery-powered city runaround or something without a plug for greater flexibility, you’re covered. It’s perfect for nipping about crowded city streets. No car of this size looks cooler - and it’s great value too." - Mat Watson, Car Review Expert

Highly commended: Citroen C3

"Ideal for the urban jungle"

"The all-electric Citroen e-C3 was highly commended in the Smart Spender category last year, but it’s the new petrol-powered model we think is ideal for the urban jungle. Available as a pure petrol with a manual gearbox or a nippy hybrid-powered automatic, its dinky dimensions and high-up driving position mean it’s great for tight city streets. It won’t cost you much either - to buy, or to fuel." - Mat Watson, Car Review Expert