Car of the Year Awards 2025: Small Electric Car of the Year
This class embraces nimble city cars and family hatchbacks, as long as they are no more than 4.5 metres long...
Renault 5 52kWh Techno
Recently, we've seen the revival of a few iconic car names, and while some have caused quite a stir over how little the new model resembles its predecessor, the Renault 5 (R5) hits all the right notes.
Better still, this modern interpretation of the original hatchback from the 1970s isn’t just a styling exercise; it has all the key components that you’d want from a small electric car. Renault’s entry-level batterypowered model certainly doesn’t feel like it’s been built to a budget when you’re sitting inside.
Our preferred mid-range Techno trim has all the tech you’d find inside the R5’s larger Megane and Scenic stablemates, including a big, 10.3in digital instrument panel with a wide choice of layouts, and a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system that’s one of the best around, thanks to its intuitive menus and Google-based sat-nav and voice control apps.
With physical switches for the air-con, it’s more user-friendly than the Cupra Born’s dashboard, while ambient lighting and a generous layer of padded materials and textured surfaces (including a patterned rooflining) help the interior to look and feel more upmarket than those of the rival Hyundai Inster and MG 4.
True, the R5 isn’t quite as accommodating for six-footers in the back as the MG 4 and Born, but those sitting up front are well catered for, and the R5 at least has rear doors (unlike the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500e). The R5 also has a bigger boot than those last two rivals, with room for four carry-on suitcases and space for the charging cable under the floor.
On the bonnet, a charge level indicator gradually lights up a ‘5’ logo when you plug in, saving you from having to check on the instrument panel. Once fully charged, the larger, 52kWh battery that we recommend can officially take you up to 253 miles; that’s a little farther than the Inster Long Range and entry-level MG 4, while matching the far pricier Cooper SE. Meanwhile, a 100kW peak charging rate means a 15-80% top-up will take around half an hour – on a par with rivals.
On the move, it doesn’t take long to notice the R5’s polished ride and handling balance. The suspension is supple enough to soak up lumpy surfaces, yet there’s enough control to avoid any floatiness over undulations. And while the R5 isn’t quite as sharp to drive as the Born, there’s still plenty of grip, accurate steering and well-contained body lean to allow you to have some fun.
While any electric Cooper can accelerate slightly quicker, the R5 is more than nippy enough, especially around town. It’s pretty quiet at 70mph, too, with far less road noise than you might expect from a small hatchback. Best of all, the R5 follows on from its predecessor with an attractively low price tag.
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