Renault Scenic Beats German Brands to Win First Imported Car of the Year

Major Category Wins for Two Consecutive Years Following Grand Koleos

Renault Korea announced on the 27th that its compact electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric, was selected as Imported Car of the Year at the 2026 Korea Car of the Year awards hosted by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA). It is the first time a non-German brand has received this award.

Renault Korea said on the 27th that at the "2026 Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY)" awards ceremony held on the 26th at Sebitseom in Banpo, the "Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric" won "Import Car of the Year." Kim Youngsu, Executive Director of the New Car Development Project at Renault Korea (from left), Idiesse Kokuvi, Head of the New Car Development Project at Renault Korea, and Sang Heejeong, Head of Corporate and External Strategy at Renault Korea, are posing for a commemorative photo. Renault Korea

Previously, the Scenic won Electric Crossover of the Year at the Korea Car of the Year awards hosted by the Korea Automotive Journalists Association (AWAK), achieving two titles at major domestic Car of the Year award ceremonies.

Following last year’s win by the mid-size SUV Grand Koleos as SUV of the Year, Renault Korea has now received major category awards at the Car of the Year ceremony for two consecutive years. This has led to objective recognition not only of the quality of its domestically produced models but also of the product competitiveness of its imported models.

At the "2026 Korea Car of the Year" hosted by the Auto Writers Association of Korea (AWAK), the Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric from Renault Korea won the Electric Crossover of the Year.

Renault Korea, which declared a renewed push in the domestic market in 2024, is contributing to the regional economy as a complete vehicle manufacturer rooted in Busan. While focusing on domestically produced models built at its Busan plant, the company is also presenting imported models to consumers as part of its efforts to diversify its product lineup.

The Scenic E-Tech is equipped with LG Energy Solution’s high-performance 87 kWh NCM battery, enabling a maximum driving range of 460 km under certification standards set by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. It also features enhanced safety through the application of Fireman Access, a patented battery fire-response technology developed jointly with French fire authorities. Based on this product competitiveness, it also won the 2024 European Car of the Year award.