Seamus Morgan of Renault Ireland, Tom Dennigan from Continental Tyres, and Daragh Keaney from the Motoring Media Association of Ireland, with the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric, which has won the title of 2025 Irish Car of the Year. Photo: Julien Behal Photography

Renault Scenic E-Tech is 2025 Irish Car of Year

By Joe Rayfus

The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric won the title of 2025 Irish Car of the Year, which was announced at a ceremony last Friday at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, presented in association with Continental Tyres.

The awards, organised by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), showcased the best of the automotive industry, and Ireland’s top car brands, importers, and distributors were represented. The 30-plus seasoned motoring journalist members of the MMAI evaluate and vote on every new car model introduced to the Irish market annually.

This marks the fifth consecutive year an electric vehicle has won the title.

Daragh Keany, chairman of the MMAI, said: “Congratulations to Renault on this well-deserved win. The fifth-generation Scenic, now fully electric, impressed our jurors with its outstanding driving dynamics, sleek design, and excellent range options, including a 430km standard range and an impressive 625km long-range model with 220 horsepower. It’s undoubtedly a worthy winner of the Irish Car of the Year title.”

Tom Dennigan from sponsor Continental Tyres said the field was competitive: “This year saw an exceptional lineup of vehicles, but the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric stood out for its striking design and zero-emissions capability. Winning this award is a tremendous boost for Renault as they head into the busy January sales season.”

Category Winners

Eligible models were divided into eight categories before the overall winner was chosen. These are the 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

Irish Van of the Year 2025: Mercedes-Benz Vito

Irish Small Panel Van of the Year: Ford Transit Courier

Irish Medium Panel Van of the Year: Mercedes-Benz Vito

Irish Large Panel Van of the Year: Renault Master

Irish Car Derived Van of the Year: Toyota Corolla Professional

Irish Pick- Up of the Year: Ineos Quartermaster