Review: Renault 5
What is the new Renault 5?
Back in 2021, Renault showcased to us that the iconic ‘5’ nameplate would be returning on its next urban EV. Fast forward three years and that is exactly what has happened, and even better still, it reminisces the car of yesteryear in a more modern and complete package.
The old R5 went out of production over 30 years ago and was replaced by the firm’s Clio supermini. However, three decades on, and now both cars sit alongside each other in the company offering the same supermini dimensions and practicality, with different purposes in their powertrains.
So, does this new R5 drive as well as it looks? We’ve managed to get behind the wheel of this little piece of French jewellery to see if it has what it takes on UK roads.
What’s new?
Besides the fresh and funky exterior design, underneath the skin, you’ll find a whole host of new beginnings including Renault’s AmpR small platform, which will also kickstart other future models to follow suit with the recently unveiled Renault 4 and it’s even said that the next generation of electric Nissan Micra that will sit on this platform, too.
Renault has also focused on offering the new R5 with big car technology, including Google Built-in and even a vehicle-to-load function which enables you to plug in an electronic appliance to the car, and it will run off the vehicle’s battery. Also, other nifty features include an optional baguette holder, yes, that is correct, and a wide variety of permutations for interior and exterior styling to make each and every R5 stand out from the rest.
What’s under the bonnet?
The new R5 will be available with a choice of two battery packs and prices will differ depending on what model you opt for.
The first is a smaller 40kWh battery pack that utilises a single electric motor that produces 121bhp and gives a claimed electric range of up to 186 miles. Then there is a larger 52kWh unit with a punchier 148bhp single electric motor that Renault claims can travel up to 248 miles between charges.
If you go for the larger battery pack, it also comes compatible with 100kW DC rapid charging which enables a 15 to 80 per cent top-up in half an hour. Charging times for the smaller battery pack have not been released yet at this time, but it will be able to charge up to speeds of 80kW.
What’s the new Renault 5 EV like to drive?
As the R5 is a city car, it comes as no surprise that it feels happiest driving around town. Its compact dimensions mean it’s a doddle to park and feeding through tight spots isn’t too much of a strain.
Out on the open road, and the car can hold its own. The steering has a good amount of feedback and its acceleration isn’t exactly slow, either. All this adds to the car’s fun nature, and although it may not be as scintillating as some other EVs on the market, the R5 still can put a smile on your face. If you want an out-an-out hot hatch, you’ll have to wait for the car’s spicier sibling, the Alpine A290.
How does it look?
There aren’t many cars out on the market that will turn heads quite as much as this little car. Not only does it come in some wild and wacky colours such as Pop yellow or green but its whole design is very retro and modern at the same time.
Its flared wheel arches, gloss black trim, two-tone roof and square LED daytime running lights all give the car a unique identity and make one of its biggest rivals, the Mini Electric look a little bit dated in comparison.
What’s the interior like?
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When you step inside, you’ll notice immediately that its bold exterior design has morphed itself into the interior, too. The materials used throughout are nice to the touch and feel upmarket, and there are plenty of ‘5’ logos dotted about the place.
n on the move, but at least Renault does give you physical buttons for the climate control.
Jump into the back, and things get a little snug to say the least, with legroom being at something of a premium, but then this is a compact car. Renault has put more of an emphasis on boot space, instead of rear-seat legroom.
Compared with a Mini Electric, the R5’s boot capacity stands at 277 litres, which is 67 litres more than its retro rival at 210 litres.
What’s the spec like?
Electric cars always carry higher price tags than petrol and diesel models, however, this new R5 starts at just £22,995 – making it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
For the bigger battery pack and longer range, you’ll have to fork out £26,995, but that still represents decent value for money as all cars come with 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and rear parking sensors.
Additionally, all cars come with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and a seven-inch digital driver’s display, but higher-specced Techno cars will feature the Google Built-in functions and a larger 10-inch instrument cluster.
Verdict
Renault has hit a sweet spot with its R5 as it not only revives an iconic nameplate, but its retro design, cool and quirky cabin and competitive pricing will only make this new urban EV a sales hit.
It may not be perfect with its cramped rear seats, but this little piece of French chic will be a tough act to follow in the compact EV class.
