For the fifth year in a row, an electric car has lifted the Irish Car of the Year in association with Continental Tyres, as voted by the members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI),

The Renault Scenic R-Tech electric, has been chosen by the grouping that brings together more than 30 of Ireland’s most experienced motoring journalists.The awards event was 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 that is launched in Ireland each year. It is the fifth year in a row that an all electric vehicle has been voted the Irish Car of the Year, the oldest and most reputable automotive award title in Ireland.

Chairman of the MMAI, Daragh Keany said: “Well done to Renault. This latest model is the fifth generation Scenic and the first full electric version.  Our jurors were very impressed with the driving dynamics of the vehicle, the stylish design and the very generous 430km or long range 625km model with 220 horsepower, definitely a very worthy winner of the Irish Car of the Year title.”  

Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres said: “There was a high number of really excellent models in the hunt for our Irish Car of the Year award this year, but the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric had what it takes to come out on top.  The latest version of the Scenic is a stand-out design and with all the benefits of a zero emissions vehicle. What a great boost for the brand entering the busy January vehicle sales market with the Irish Car of the Year title under their belt.”

The field of eligible cars for this year’s awards were broken down into eight categories and then the overall winner was drawn from those eight models

The Irish Car of the Year 2025 category winners:

• Irish Compact Car of the Year: Suzuki Swift
• Irish Compact SUV of the Year: Fiat 600
• Irish Medium SUV of the Year: Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric
• Irish Large Car of the Year: BYD Seal
• Irish Large SUV of the Year: Kia EV9
• Irish Executive Car of the Year: Mercedes Benz E-Class
• Irish Premium SUV / MPV: Polestar 3
• Irish Performance Car of the Year: Smart #3 Brabus

In the Irish Van of the Year awards programme for 2025, the overall Irish Van of the Year title was awarded to the Mercedes Benz Vito at the same event.