In a world full of sleek, serious (some might say boring) cars, the all-electric Renault 5 dares to be different. It’s cheeky, charming, and confidently retro – with just the right dose of modern EV tech. But could this be the coolest compact EV of the year? Let’s find out.
Design: Retro Done Right
First impressions? Renault has absolutely nailed the design. This isn’t a half-hearted remake of a classic – it’s a true tribute to the original Renault 5 that sold nearly 9 million units back in the day. From the red stripe detailing and iconic “5” badge to the modern LED lighting and subtle French flag flourishes, this car oozes personality.
It’s got presence. It’s got charm. And it looks remarkably close to the concept car that got everyone talking. Even from the back – dare we say, rear of the year contender?
Performance & Range
We drove the Iconic 5 Comfort Range spec, which packs:
- A 52kWh battery
- Up to 248 miles of range (WLTP)
- 0–60mph in around 8 seconds
- A top speed of 93mph
It’s zippy enough for town driving, confident on the motorway, and most importantly – it’s fun. It’s not pretending to be a supercar, and that’s what makes it feel so refreshing.
On the charging front, the Renault 5 supports up to 100kW DC fast charging, giving you a 10–80% boost in about 30 minutes. If you’re charging at home on a 7kW wall box, expect a full charge overnight – ideal for the daily routine.
Gamified Driving & Smart Features
One of our favourite features? Gamified driving. Yes, really.
The Renault 5 gently scores your driving based on how eco-friendly and safe you are behind the wheel. Late braking, skipping indicators, tailgating – it’ll knock points off. But drive smoothly, and you’ll feel like a top-tier EV gamer. It’s a fun, effective way to encourage better habits.
And then there’s the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. We used it to pump up a kayak. Because we could.
Interior: Small, Stylish, Thoughtful
Inside, the Renault 5 is more premium than you’d expect for the price. From the chunky steering wheel to the soft-touch dashboard and angled touchscreen, it all feels well thought through. There are clever cubbies, decent cup holders, wireless charging, and two USB ports up front.
The back seats are a little snug if you’re tall, and there’s no rear climate or USB ports, but it’s comfy for shorter trips. No sunroof either – but given the price point, we’re not complaining.
Boot Space: Surprisingly Spacious
This is where the Renault 5 punches above its weight. With the rear seats up, you get 326 litres – more than the Mini Electric and nearly double the Fiat 500e. Drop the seats and you’re looking at over 1,100 litres of usable space. It even passes the golf club challenge (just take out the driver).
There’s also a handy 27-litre underfloor compartment – perfect for charging cables or your secret stash of snacks.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?
If you’re looking for an electric car that doesn’t blend in – this is it. The Renault 5 feels joyful, unique, and unapologetically different in all the right ways. It’s a car that makes you want to drive again – whether it’s a school run, milk run, or just for the hell of it.
It’s got style, substance, and that rare je non said crois that makes people smile when they see it.
Dad Verdict
- Design: 10/10 – Retro in the right way
- Tech: 9/10 – V2L, gamified driving, wireless charging – tick, tick, tick
- Practicality: 7.5/10 – Great boot space, tight rear legroom
- Fun Factor: 11/10 – You’ll actually want to drive it
What do you think – coolest EV of the year?
Let us know your favourite angle of the Renault 5 in the comments below 👇
And don’t forget to check out Select Car Leasing for the latest lease deals – and spin the car around in their new configurator while you’re at it.
