A Modern Take on an Icon
The original Renault 5 became one of Europe’s best-selling small cars thanks to its compact size, affordability and characterful styling. Rather than simply recreating the classic model, Renault has modernised it for today’s drivers.
The familiar boxy shape, distinctive rear lights and sculpted wheel arches all pay tribute to the original without feeling dated. Small details, including the illuminated bonnet charge indicator and bold colour options such as Pop Yellow and Pop Green, help the Renault 5 stand out in a market where many electric cars look remarkably similar.
Despite the retro styling, this is an entirely new electric vehicle built on Renault’s dedicated AmpR Small platform. It’s designed specifically for electric driving rather than being adapted from a petrol model, allowing Renault to maximise efficiency while keeping the car compact and enjoyable to drive.
The Rebirth
Did you know the Renault 5 originally came to the market in the 70’s? In my teenage years, the Renault 5 was the ultimate hot hatch. Especially the R5 for those of us who couldn’t afford the Ford Escort! These were the days when your first car was typically purchased from a local newspaper ad, often for less than £400!
The new Renault 5 EV has some rather large boots to fill, with its predecessors selling around 9 million vehicles in the first and second generations. With such a huge legacy, the Renault 5 EV will have to check all the boxes (and it’s on its way).
Unlike many affordable electric cars, the Renault 5 has managed to create genuine excitement. It won the 2025 European Car of the Year award, offers competitive pricing, impressive technology and a practical driving range, all while maintaining the character that made the original such an icon.
But does the Renault 5 offer more than just nostalgic styling?
In this guide, we’ll look at its price, range, charging, interior, running costs and how it compares with rivals such as the MINI Cooper Electric, Hyundai Inster and Citroën ë-C3. We’ll also explain why it’s becoming a popular choice through salary sacrifice schemes.
Battery, Range and Charging
The Renault 5 is available with two battery options, allowing buyers to choose between lower purchase costs or greater driving range.
The entry-level 40kWh battery delivers an official WLTP range of around 190 miles, making it well-suited to commuters and drivers who mainly complete shorter journeys.
For those regularly travelling longer distances, the larger 52kWh battery increases the official range to as much as 255 miles.
As with any electric vehicle, real-world range depends on driving style, weather conditions and speed. Most drivers can realistically expect between 180 and 220 miles from the larger battery during mixed driving, while motorway journeys and cold winter weather will naturally reduce this figure.
Charging is straightforward. At home, a typical 7kW charger will fully recharge the battery overnight, while public rapid chargers supporting up to 100kW DC can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 to 35 minutes.
The Renault 5 also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), allowing compatible electrical devices to be powered directly from the car, making it useful for camping, outdoor activities or emergency power.
Renault 5 Interior and Technology
Step inside and the retro inspiration continues, although the cabin feels thoroughly modern.
A pair of digital displays dominates the dashboard, with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen sitting alongside a configurable digital driver’s display. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trim levels also benefit from Google Built-in navigation with live traffic updates and intelligent EV route planning.
Unlike some modern cars that hide every function behind a touchscreen, Renault has retained physical controls for the climate system. This makes adjusting the temperature while driving much simpler and helps reduce distraction.
The seats are supportive and comfortable, while colourful trim options and recycled materials give the cabin plenty of personality. Higher specifications also include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and Renault’s AI-powered “Reno” voice assistant.
Overall, the interior feels more premium than its price tag suggests and is one of the Renault 5’s biggest strengths.
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What Is the Renault 5 Like to Drive?
The Renault 5 has been designed primarily as a city car, but it feels far more capable than its compact dimensions suggest.
Its light steering and tight turning circle make navigating narrow streets and multi-storey car parks effortless, while the responsive electric motor provides instant acceleration away from traffic lights.
On faster roads, the larger 150hp version feels noticeably stronger and more relaxed during motorway overtakes. Although it isn’t intended to compete with hot hatches, it delivers enough performance to feel enjoyable without sacrificing efficiency.
Ride comfort is another highlight. Renault has struck an excellent balance between handling and comfort, producing a car that feels composed on rough urban roads while remaining stable at motorway speeds.
For most buyers, it’s one of the most enjoyable small electric cars currently available.
Should You Buy the Renault 5 EV?
With a starting price of £22,995, the Renault 5 EV represents excellent value for money in the current electric car market. It undercuts many rivals while still offering strong range, modern technology and standout design.
The Renault 5 EV is a compelling option if you’re looking for an affordable, stylish and easy-to-live-with electric car. Its combination of retro-inspired design, modern technology and competitive pricing makes it stand out in a crowded small EV market.
You should consider the Renault 5 if you primarily drive in urban or suburban environments, want a car that’s simple to park and manoeuvre, and value character as much as practicality. The larger 52kWh battery also makes it a viable choice for occasional longer journeys, especially if you have access to home charging.
However, if you regularly cover long motorway distances or need maximum interior space, you may want to consider alternatives with greater range or larger cabins.
Overall, the Renault 5 strikes an excellent balance between affordability, usability and personality. For many drivers, particularly those switching to electric for the first time, it represents one of the most appealing small EVs currently available.
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In everyday driving, most owners can expect between 180 and 220 miles from the larger 52kWh battery, depending on driving style, weather and road conditions. However some people have reported getting 150 miles and under.
Using a 7kW home charger, a full charge typically takes between 6 and 9 hours. On a rapid charger, the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in around 30 to 35 minutes.
Yes, particularly with the 52kWh battery. While it's primarily designed as a city car, its range and rapid charging capability make it capable of longer journeys with planned charging stops.
Running costs are generally lower than petrol or diesel cars. Charging at home is significantly cheaper than refuelling, and maintenance costs are typically reduced due to fewer moving parts.
Yes, it supports DC rapid charging up to 100kW, allowing for quick top-ups on longer journeys.
It can work well for small families thanks to its five-seat layout and practical boot space, although larger families may prefer a bigger vehicle for added space.
Yes, the Renault 5 is expected to be available through salary sacrifice schemes, which can significantly reduce monthly costs by using pre-tax income and including insurance, servicing and maintenance.