Renault 5 E-Tech Electric (2025 - )

I had a Renault 5 back in the day. It was old, but I killed it by rolling it in a field. I was gutted – and never drove a Renault 5 again – until now, writes Tim Barnes-Clay. Yes, nearly thirty years later – the iconic French model is back. But this time, our continental neighbours have kicked any thoughts of a combustion engine to the kerb – and have made the 5 totally electric. 
It isn't a car to go unnoticed, with my test car sprayed in a 'pop green' colour. It looks awesome – and is probably the shade I'd pick. Mind you, 'pop yellow' is also available – and looks just as 'in your face'. Anyway, 1996 was the last time the model was made – and the French car now joins the ranks of the retro-modern era. What am I on about? Well, the likes of the Ford Capri and Puma are back – and the Fiat Panda is being launched in electric guise – albeit in Grande form.
 

The Renault 5 has a distinctive appearance that harkens back to its classic predecessor from the last century. It retains the iconic rectangular wedge shape that made the original so unmistakable. It also features rounded edges, smartly designed headlamps, and daytime running lights in a square shape below. The wheel arches are bulbous, while a mild fold runs towards the bottom of the doors.

One of the defining features of the original Renault 5 was its rear lights, which sat vertically and were positioned on the corners of the car at about the halfway point. The latest model retains that retro element, hugging the bodywork around the taillights. A horizontal bar - with a single '5' - connects the two light clusters.

The 21st-century Renault 5 amazingly merges fashion and modernity with instant recognition from those who remember the original version.

Standard technology in the base Evolution trim includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Arkamys audio system, a seven-inch digital display for the driver, LED lights for both headlights and taillights and rear parking sensors.

Moving up to the mid-range Techno, it enhances your driving with a larger 10-inch digital driver display, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, bonnet charging indicator, ambient lighting and a rear-view camera.

At the top, the Iconic Five boasts hands-free parking and a host of advanced safety systems.
 

The test car, driven here, is a left-hand drive French version in mid-range Techno trim with 150PS.

While the 120PS version - available in the Evolution trim - takes nine seconds to get from 0-62mph, the more fun 150PS manages to shave over a second off, running in at 7.9 seconds. However, if you don't need so much performance, the 120PS will do just as well.

The car comes with various driving settings. In Eco mode, you don’t get the fullness of power since this setting dampens acceleration for good efficiency. But shift into Sport mode, and it's game on. The throttle is more receptive, and the steering has added heft. Just be wary of being too heavy with your right foot - I felt the front wheels spin in Sport mode - and in slippery conditions, you could lose traction.

The Comfort setting strikes a nice balance between Eco and Sport. It keeps a good pace and allows you to take winding backroads without overdoing it.

The 18-inch wheels are just right for the Renault 5, providing good overall ride comfort while preserving the car's agility.

The 5 is a gem on the twisties, whichever mode you’re in - mainly thanks to its very low centre of gravity. Added to that, the Renault navigates narrow urban roads easily due to light steering at lower speeds.

Wind and road noises don’t intrude much - even at speed - making for a pleasurable drive.

There is plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel, so obtaining a good driving position is not hard. Front vision is reasonable, although the windscreen pillars could be thinner. 
Thicker rear pillars make it appear almost as though the Renault 5 has 'double' pillars, due in part to the lack of a third window aft of the rear doors. This makes visibility tricky, especially when glancing over your shoulder.
There is a reasonable amount of space upfront, even for taller drivers, and headroom is not an overriding issue. However, although the Renault 5 is larger than the one made years ago, the rear can feel cramped for legroom if your passengers are on the tall side. 
Shoulder space is also somewhat restricted, but two or three children in booster seats across the rear will be achievable.
The boot has a volume of 326 litres and expands to 1,106 litres when the back seats are folded in a 60:40 split. Under the boot floor, there’s also 41 litres of concealed storage space for charging cables, although the floor itself is not height adjustable, so you do have a minor loading lip.
There is no additional cargo space beneath the bonnet like some other all-electric models can offer. But inside the cabin are a couple of cupholders, a tray, and a cubby under the centre console.
 

Since the new Renault 5 is an electric vehicle, there are no emissions to take into account.

The size of the battery is related to the electric motor's power output. If you go for the base-level Evolution trim with the 120PS option, you get the Urban Range battery, which has a usable capacity of 40kW and a quoted range of 190 miles.

Or you can opt for the 150PS version, which is available in the other trims. It has a Comfort Range battery and a usable capacity of 52kWh. The official range is 248 miles.

If you can charge at home, you’ll avoid higher public charging costs, making the Renault 5 very economical - especially if you charge overnight with a plan that favours off-peak rates.

While road tax is exempt on electric cars, changes will occur in April this year (2025). You will pay £10 for the first year, then £195 per year thereafter. However, the 5 is still a very affordable company car, as Benefit in Kind tax is also kind to zero-emission vehicles.

This century’s Renault 5 remains utterly unknown on the reliability front. Comparisons with the classic 5 are irrelevant, and the rest of Renault's all-electric range is still relatively new. However, Renault has been doing very well in the reliability stakes of late and is slowly climbing the rankings.

You will get a standard warranty for three years or 60,000 miles, but the battery has its own specific eight-year or 100,000-mile guarantee. Extended warranties are also available.
 

The Renault 5 is a great all-rounder that ticks many boxes. It balances handling and comfort well, making it fun to drive without being too firm.

Inside, with its fashionably designed interior, modern features, simple-to-use infotainment system, and whiff of retro, this is a car I won't be kicking off my driveway any time soon.

Sure, while practicality isn't the strong point of any supermini, the front seats are comfortable for a couple, and there's room in the back for your rugrats. It also has a decent-sized boot for this class of car.

The entry-level model's price of £22,995 is tantalisingly attractive for an electric car. Still, if you really want pure fun and a better range, look at the 150PS motor.

Overall, is the modern Renault 5 worth a test drive? Hell, yes!