Renault revels in big success in the small car categories at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards

With another accolade to celebrate, Renault is revelling in it’s success after picking up a highly coveted win in three categories in the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2022.

For the second consecutive year the Zoe, Clio and Captur each took home awards. The Clio won ‘Best Small Car’ category whilst the Captur was judged to be the ‘Best Small Family Car’ and the ZOE E-Tech was crowned ‘Best Small Electric Car.’

After the announcements were made at the Online awards ceremony, Richard Ingram, Editor of Carbuyer.co.uk said: “The Renault Clio is the best small car on sale for the second year in a row. It’s got a massive boot, loads of engine options and it’s really good to drive. It feels like a much bigger, more refined car than you might expect too.”

These observations of Carbuyer reflect the advancements of the latest fifth-generation Clio over its highly popular predecessors and highlight why it continues to be a firm favourite amongst drivers. Offering a range of efficient engines, including electrified E-Tech variants, and an interior that has features only usually found in larger and more expensive vehicles. Despite it’s refinement and ‘big car’ equipment the Clio starts from only £16,200 on the road price. 

After the Captur picked up ‘Best Small Family Car’ it was praised for its practicality, drive and choice that it has to offer family-focused car buyers. Richard Ingram added: “The crossover body of the latest Renault Captur offers countless advantages in a segment previously dominated by family hatchbacks. The raised ride height and big boot make it a practical alternative to the class staples, while the way it drives, and the impressive engine range mean there’s a model for every family car buyer.”

The Captur line-up includes an electrified E-Tech hybrid version and the range continues and enhances the appeal of its best-selling predecessor by offering car buyers one of the largest powertrain choices in this sector. As a wide and varied range, the Captur is available in Play, SE Limited, Iconic, S Edition, R.S. Line and E-Tech launch edition versions and priced at £19,300 on the road.

To finish the trio of succession is the ZOE being named as ‘Best Small Electric Car’ for the second consecutive year and Carbuyer introducing the award last year, it has never been beaten in the increasingly competitive category. The ZOE successfully defended its title with its impressive equipment, range and sheer usability.

On awarding the Zoe E-Tech, Richard Ingram commented: “The original Renault Zoe brought electric motoring to the masses way back in 2011. The new model, however, moves the game on thanks to its practical shape and well-built, tech-filled cabin. Most cars in this segment offer around 100 to 120 miles on a charge; the Zoe doubles that, making it the most usable small electric car on the market.”

With a restyled exterior including a more dynamic design and new colours, rapid 50kW charging was introduced last year which charges the battery from zero to 80 per cent in only 70 minutes. Customers can choose from Play, Iconic and GT Line trim levels, each with a comprehensive and well-equipped standard specification. In addition, drivers also have the peace-of-mind that all new Zoe E-Tech models come with a five year/100,000-mile warranty plus an eight year 100,00 mile battery warrant. Prices start from £27,595 on the road after the PiCG (Plug-in Car Grant).

The Carbuyer Best Car Awards cover every type of new car on the market to deliver the verdicts that help UK car buyers choose the right new car for their needs. The awards celebrate the very best cars that its team have driven in the last 12 months.

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Renault Group UK, said: “These latest awards underline the appeal and success of our small car family. We are delighted to accept these awards for a second consecutive year, especially as the reasons behind them highlight how we have evolved the Clio, Zoe and Captur to continue to provide customers with class-leading vehicles that deliver an unrivalled blend of efficiency, affordability and versatility.”