The Renault 5 proves that electric cars can be fun too and, despite a few limitations, it is difficult to resist.
The Renault 5 needs little introduction. It is more than the return of an icon: it is a clear statement of style and intent from a model long familiar to Portuguese drivers.
Just over a year has passed since the iconic French city car was “reincarnated”, and it was already among the most eagerly anticipated models before reaching the market. It combines the retro appeal of the original car’s lines with the modernity expected of today’s offerings.
This is not, however, an overly complicated formula. Renault has blended these two ingredients in exactly the right proportions. The outcome is clear: a colourful, youthful and highly entertaining look that turns heads wherever it goes. Miguel Dias has already put it to the test in this video:
The Renault 5 had a responsibility to live up to the expectations placed on it, and it has now delivered the evidence. Any remaining doubts I had disappeared during the days I spent behind the wheel of this “toy”.
If your priority is the roomiest and most comfortable car in its segment, rivals do that job better. Yet, if you want an efficient electric car that can handle daily duties while putting a smile on your face, read on. The Renault 5 is the most entertaining electric car I have driven to date, and that is beyond question.
A “pretty face”
Renault 5s are already becoming a reasonably common sight on the roads. They are hard to miss: even in the dark blue worn by my test car - which, in my view, is far from the best choice - it leaves nobody indifferent.
The 18-inch wheels - fitted as standard across every version - the gold strip on the roof and the “5” graphics scattered around the car all reference the icon of the past, while giving it a distinctive and instantly recognisable character.
Space? Yes, it falls a little short
Do not be fooled by its chunky, angular styling, which makes it look larger than it really is. Compared with its Renault Clio sibling, it is 13.1 cm shorter, 2.4 cm narrower and has a wheelbase that is 4.3 cm shorter.
While this may not appear especially significant on paper, it is a different story in reality. This brings us to the Renault 5’s main “Achilles’ heel”: space. If you are taller than 1.75 m, sitting in the rear means your knees will meet the front seats and headroom is limited. Even so, there is sufficient room to carry four adults.
The boot is not class-leading, but it is around average for the segment. Its 277 litres are more than adequate for everyday use, and exceed the 210 litres offered by the MINI Cooper E and the 265 litres of the Peugeot e-208, for instance.
Renault 5 interior: past-inspired styling, current technology
With the space issue covered, it is time to consider the R5’s many strengths. The seats are a good place to start: in the test car, they stood out for their yellow fabric upholstery and a design inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo.
The door panels use the same material, while the dashboard in this range-topping version is finished in synthetic leather. Elsewhere in the cabin, there are the hard plastics typical of this sort of car, but they are solidly assembled and, above all, cleverly concealed.
Inside, the model also proudly displays the name it inherited, with “5” motifs appearing throughout the cabin. My personal favourite is the one on the dashboard, which can be illuminated and even change colour, adding a more personal touch.
At least inside, though, this connection with the past ends there. As mentioned above, Renault has found the right balance between retro ingredients and modernity, something that is particularly evident behind the steering wheel. There are two 10-inch displays: one for the instrument panel and another for the infotainment system.
The latter deserves particular praise. As has become standard in the brand’s most recent products, it uses a Google-based system that is especially intuitive and straightforward to operate. Immediately below it is a row of physical buttons, including the air-conditioning controls - thankfully.
An adult “toy”
Although the Renault 5’s compact dimensions do not help cabin space, everything changes once it is out on the road. Just a few kilometres at the wheel are enough to show that this electric car is more than just a “pretty face”.
What surprised me most was how often I found myself smiling. The way this little “toy” tackles twistier roads, along with the stability it maintains, leaves you “wanting more” because driving it is so enjoyable.
Its steering is direct and accurate, with an appropriate weight for each situation. It can feel excessively light in Eco mode, but Comfort and Sport offer better feedback and make the Renault 5 more engaging and enjoyable to drive.
Add the immediate acceleration typical of fully electric cars and the firm feel of the brake pedal, and the Renault 5 becomes a genuine adult “toy”. Even then, it never feels like enough. Instead, it encourages you to carry on, enjoy every bend and extract every last electron from the battery.
Its independent suspension at both axles also plays a major part. It has an unusual firmness for this type of car, giving it agility and stability that are surprising even at higher speeds. Yet it does not undermine comfort, even over rougher surfaces.
More than enough power
Ease off the pace and select Eco mode, and the Renault 5 is impressively capable of lowering both your heart rate and its energy consumption. In this setting, power is delivered progressively, making city driving a calm and relaxed experience.
On the subject of power, the R5 is offered with 70 kW (95 hp), 90 kW (122 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp), with the latter being the version I tested. Although that figure may not sound thrilling, it never felt inadequate for moving this model’s more than 1,500 kg.
For context, the 0–100 km/h sprint takes 8s, which is more than enough to press you into the seat… albeit only briefly. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h, regardless of version.
What about range?
The Renault 5 I spent time with was “powered” by the larger-capacity 52 kWh battery, which has a claimed range of up to 410 km on the WLTP cycle.
Renault quotes consumption of around 15 kWh/100 km, but in real-world driving it is relatively easy to better that figure thanks to the efficiency of this electric system. Regenerative braking makes a significant contribution: although it cannot be adjusted, it allows you to drive mainly using the accelerator pedal alone.
After covering more than 300 km, I finished this test with an average of around 14 kWh/100 km. That was a surprising result, considering how often I was not gentle with the right-hand pedal.
In practical terms, this means real-world range lives up to Renault’s claims, especially when driving in urban conditions. On dual carriageways and motorways, as is normal with fully electric cars, consumption rises and range falls.
How much does it cost?
The new Renault 5 is available from €24,900, although the test car sat (well) above that figure.
Specified in Iconic Cinq trim - one of the most comprehensively equipped versions in the range - its starting price rises to €35,000. With every optional extra fitted to the test car, however, its final price reaches almost €38,000.
It is not the most competitive price, but its rivals do no better. Take the MINI Cooper E, for example: it starts at €33,000 but offers 105 km less range, while the Peugeot E-208 in GT specification starts at €35,000.
Ultimately, it all comes down to priorities. If you are looking for versatility, space and comfort, there are other cars on the market better suited to that role.
But if your heart speaks as loudly as your head, and the Renault 5’s retro styling makes you smile, the choice is obvious. This small electric car combines practicality and emotion like few others. I doubt there is another option as fun, charismatic and appealing as this French “toy”.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment