Name: New New Renault 5 models and Specifications
Brand: Renault

90kw-evolution-urban-range-40-kwh-5dr-auto

The cheapest version of the Renault 5 has a 121bhp electric motor driving its front wheels, fed by a 40kWh battery. We haven't tried it yet but it can officially do 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds and up to 193 miles between charges.

90kW

The E-Tech 150 can do 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds – far quicker than a Citroen e-C3 Hyundai Inster. An official range of up to 253 miles also impresses compared with similar-priced rivals.

110kW

Mid-rung Techno trim is our favourite, adding a Google-based infotainment system, a charge preconditioning function for the battery (so it’s at the perfect temperature to charge quickly when you plug in) and adaptive cruise control to everything you get with entry-level Evolution. Techno is the cheapest trim level available if you want the larger 52kWh battery (which we'd recommend). 

Techno

Entry-level Evolution trim gets you automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a heat pump for more efficient warming of the interior. However, it's only available with the smaller 40kWh battery, limiting the official range to 193 miles. 

Evolution

Don’t rule out range-topping Iconic Five trim; it brings a different alloy wheel design, adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and a blind-spot monitoring system. We think Techno trim represents better value for money, though.

Iconic Five

Hatchback

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto

110kw-iconic-five-comfort-range-52-kwh-5dr-auto

90kW Evolution Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto

110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto

110kw-techno-comfort-range-52-kwh-5dr-auto

90kW Techno Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto

90kw-techno-urban-range-40-kwh-5dr-auto

90kW Iconic Five Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto

90kw-iconic-five-urban-range-40-kwh-5dr-auto

New Renault 5

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

So far, so good for the new Renault 5 – and things get even better when you see its £22,995 starting price.

Even the most expensive version you can buy – Iconic Five trim with the larger Comfort Range battery and more powerful 148bhp electric motor – costs £28,995. That's more than £1000 less than the cheapest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper Electric</a>.

Mind you, the latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a> is available for even less money, plus it has a longer official range than the entry-level Urban Range&nbsp;version of the Renault 5. It&nbsp;can also charge up faster.

Indeed, if you go for the Urban Range then the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> is limited to 80kW. That means a 10-80% top-up, in ideal conditions, will take just over half an hour.

You’ll be waiting about the same time for a 10-80% charge in the Comfort Range version, but remember you’re filling a larger battery so will be adding miles at a faster rate. This larger-battery version can charge at a similar speed to the ë-C3, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper SE</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>.

Entry-level Evolution trim isn’t exactly stingy on the equipment front because it gets you automatic air-conditioning, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">cruise control</a>, keyless entry and a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/electric-car-heat-pump/n27141">heat pump</a> for more efficient warming of the interior in cooler weather.

We think mid-rung Techno trim is worth the extra. It adds the Google-based <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a>, a charge preconditioning function for the battery (so it’s at the perfect temperature to charge quickly when you plug in), <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a> and some extra paint options for the exterior.

Don’t rule out range-topping Iconic Five trim, either. It&nbsp;brings a different alloy wheel design, adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, a heated steering wheel and&nbsp;heated front seats.

On the subject of safety, all versions of the Renault 5 have automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), driver attention monitoring and lane-keeping assistance, while Icon Five trim adds&nbsp;blind-spot monitoring.&nbsp;A four star&nbsp;(out of five) <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;safety rating is respectable; the ë-C3, Hyundai Inster and Cooper Electric hadn't been tested at the time of writing.&nbsp;

We can’t give you much of a steer on reliability, other than&nbsp;Renault finishing in&nbsp;a respectable ninth (out of 31 brands) in the 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. You get a three-year/60,000-mile warranty on most components, with eight years’ cover on the battery.

<h2>“I expect to see a big demand for the new 5 when the order books open which, for the first few years at least, should mean slow depreciation.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

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The cheapest (E-Tech 120) version of the Renault 5 has a 121bhp electric motor driving its front wheels. We haven’t tried it yet but acceleration is likely to be adequate rather than eye-widening because the official 0-62mph time is 9.0 seconds.

Even the more powerful (E-Tech 150) version, which has a 148bhp motor and can do 0-62mph in 7.9&nbsp;seconds,&nbsp;is no match for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper SE</a>&nbsp;in a drag race. It’s far nipper than any Citroën ë-C3 or Hyundai Inster, though.

Aside from the extra oomph, going for the 150 version also gets you a larger battery. The 120 is twinned with the appropriated named Urban Range battery, which has&nbsp;a usable capacity of 40kWh and&nbsp;an official range of up to 193&nbsp;miles (it varies slightly depending on trim level).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 150 Comfort Range gets&nbsp;a&nbsp;52kWh battery boosting its official&nbsp;range to a maximum of&nbsp;253 miles.&nbsp;Don’t expect to achieve any of those distances in normal driving, though. As is the case with all electric cars, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/wltp-meaning-official-economy-emissions/n1223">official WLTP&nbsp;ranges</a> are almost impossible to replicate in the real world, especially in lower temperatures.

The Renault 5 is designed primarily as an urban and suburban runaround, and it’s really well suited to town driving. The tight turning circle of just 10.3 metres certainly helps, but the light, accurate steering also impresses.

The 5’s brakes deserve a special mention, because there’s no mechanical connection between the pedal and the braking system. This "brake by wire"&nbsp;approach might sound a bit scary, but it’s easier to slow down smoothly than it is in some of Renault’s other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a>.

Those cars have decidedly grabby brake pedals, and while the 5's isn't perfect, it's easy enough to slow down smoothly without your passengers thinking you've only just passed your driving test.

All versions have fairly big 18in wheels, but the ride is actually&nbsp;very comfortable by small electric car standards. The 5&nbsp;copes with poorly surfaced roads better than a ë-C3 or Cooper Electric, for example,&nbsp;and there’s enough control to keep things composed along faster, undulating&nbsp;country lanes.

The Renault 5 is also pretty quiet compared with&nbsp;its direct rivals; there's&nbsp;only a small amount of wind noise at 70mph and low levels of tyre noise. The only slightly bothersome sound is a high-pitched whine from the electric motor, which becomes more noticeable when you gently ease off and back on the accelerator pedal.

'Grown up' is probably the best way to describe the Renault 5's handling, because this is a car that's always pleasant and confidence-inspiring to drive. You can add a bit of weight to the steering by selecting Sport mode (useful for faster driving) and there's plenty of grip. The Cooper Electric is a bit more agile and leans less though corners, but the margins aren't huge.

<h2>“The Renault 5 has a fine ride and handling balance for a small car. But if you want a bit more performance and sharper handling, I'd suggest checking out the hotter Alpine A290 version.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

E-Tech 120

90kw

OUR PICK

E-Tech 150

110kw

The Renault 5 isn’t the first car from a bygone era to make a comeback, but we reckon it could prove just as successful as other efforts (including the reimagined Fiat 500 and Mini).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeed, the car that took the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> market by storm in the early 70s has been completely reinvented for the modern era – although just like the original, the new 5 aims to offer stylish, versatile and affordable motoring for the masses.

The biggest change, other than perhaps the increase in size and safety provisions, is what powers the Renault 5. The original was designed to sip fuel during the first oil crisis&nbsp;but this latest model doesn’t use any petrol at all – it’s a fully <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ss7YHdcsVsw?si=EbaOIKkycUW2ry8w" width="560"></iframe>

The 5 isn’t the only small electric car with lofty ambitions&nbsp;of course. As well as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mini-cooper/n23770">Mini Cooper Electric</a>, it&nbsp;also has to contend with more modern-looking alternatives, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/inster/hatchback/review/n27214">Hyundai Inster</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>.

So, does the Renault 5 have the range, charging capability and driving manners to compete with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">best electric cars</a>? Or is it a classic case of&nbsp;style over substance? Read on to find out…

If you’re hoping the retro theme continues inside then you might be a little disappointed. Indeed, the Renault 5’s interior is thoroughly modern in design, with two rectangular digital displays across the driver’s side of the dashboard.

The one directly behind the steering wheel shows your speed, remaining range and other trip computer information, and it measures 7.0in if you go for entry-level Evolution trim. Techno and Iconic Five versions have a larger 10.3in display, and you might find your view of the top of it blocked by the rim of the steering wheel. It will depend&nbsp;on your height and driving position.

The other screen is mounted alongside towards the centre of the dashboard, although it’s angled towards the driver to make it easier to see. This second screen measures 10.1in whichever trim you go for, and it&nbsp;takes care of all the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a> functions, including navigation, music and charging.

It’s a touchscreen, so it's inevitably a bit distracting to use while you’re driving – but the operating system is far&nbsp;more intuitive than the one in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper Electric</a>. You get <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> whichever trim level you go for, while Techno and Iconic Five trims add a Google-based <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav app</a> and a surprisingly useful voice-control assistant.

Fortunately, you don’t have to use the touchscreen to control the air-conditioning (you do in a 500 Electric or Cooper Electric). Instead&nbsp;there’s a panel just below the touchscreen with proper buttons, making it a doddle to tweak the temperature or adjust the fan speed while you’re driving.

As for interior quality, there is unsurprisingly some hard plastic on the dashboard and&nbsp;insides of&nbsp;the doors – the Renault 5 is one of the cheaper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a> on sale, after all. Nothing feels flimsy or low-rent, though, and the seats in Techno and Iconic Five versions are made from a denim-like material, which is actually spun from recycled plastic bottles.

You'll need to go for range-topping Iconic Five trim if you want adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, but the otherwise the driving position is comfortable and the 5 is easier to see out of than a Cooper Electric. Rear parking sensors come as standard even on entry-level Evolution trim, while Techno and Iconic Five versions have a rear-view camera.

<h2>“The gear selector&nbsp;doesn't have a 'Park' position,&nbsp;to either&nbsp;lock the electric motor or automatically disengage a gear and apply the parking brake. It’s a strange omission and I found it took a bit of getting used to.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

The Renault 5 is back as a fully&nbsp;electric car – and&nbsp;it's a very good one, too

The new Renault 5 is much bigger than its 70s namesake, but it’s still fairly compact by modern <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> standards. Indeed, while it’s slightly longer than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/cooper/hatchback/review/n26581">Mini Cooper Electric</a>, it’s actually shorter than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>.

Taller adults sitting in the front are well catered front, thanks to plenty of head room and seats that slide back a long way on their runners. Storage space isn’t bad&nbsp;either;&nbsp;there’s a hidden cubby under the central armrest (Techno and Iconic Five trims only), a double cupholder with a removable partition, and a big tray under the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a>.

The door bins are quite shallow, but they are long so they can hold several cans of drink or a few snacks.

Space in the back is less impressive, although these things are relative. On the plus side, the Renault 5 does have rear doors (you don’t get those on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric</a> or Cooper Electric), and children and shorter adults will fit just fine.

However, anyone approaching six feet tall will feel rather cramped, with their knees wedged against the seat in front and their feet clamped against the floor by the base of the front seat. Head room is at least decent enough, with more than in a 500, but the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/dolphin/hatchback/review/n25891">BYD Dolphin</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> are altogether bigger in the back.

Those cars have bigger boots, too, but you can still fit a respectable four carry-on suitcases below the Renault 5's parcel shelf. For comparison, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-c3/hatchback/review/n26854">Citroën ë-C3</a> can swallow five cases, but&nbsp;the Cooper Electric can only take two.

There’s some extra storage under the boot floor for the charging cable, which is&nbsp;handy because, unlike some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, the 5 has no storage under its bonnet. There's also no height-adjustable boot floor, and you can't slide the rear seats forward like you can in some versions of the Hyundai Inster.

However, as with most other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>, you can fold down the rear seatbacks in a 60/40 split when you need to carry more clobber, although this will, of course, mean turfing out at least one of your&nbsp;rear passengers.

<h2>“There’s a big drop down from the boot entrance on to the floor, so I’m not sure why Renault doesn’t offer a height-adjustable floor to help mitigate this.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

evolution

techno

iconic-five

The Renault 5 is a brilliant all-rounder that proves you don't need to spend big to go electric. We reckon the larger Comfort Range battery combined with mid-level Techno trim represents the best value for money. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

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