New Renault 5 Review & Ultimate Buyers Guide, Features, Pricing & Lots More

The original Renault 5 burst onto the scene in 1972, and it was Renault’s clever answer to the growing demand for small, affordable, and practical cars at the time.

With its quirky design, compact shape, and cheeky personality, the Renault 5 really did quickly become a favourite in France and across Europe as a result. So much so that by the end of its production run, Renault had sold millions of them.

Things then got even more exciting in the 1980s when Renault introduced the Renault 5 Turbo.

This wasn’t just a faster version – it was a proper rally-bred monster with a mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. It also looked wild and drove even wilder.

The Renault 5 Turbo then became a motorsport icon, earning respect from Top Gear fans, petrolheads, and rally fans alike due to this, and it is still a legend in hot hatch circles today.

Eventually, the Renault 5 was replaced by the Renault Clio in the 1990s, as the brand shifted towards more modern cars.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Renault 5 has made a comeback – this time as an electric supermini built for the future.

The new Renault is also fully electric, available only as an EV, and built on a new platform designed specifically for small EVS.

It is then, assembled in France, and the Renault 5 E-Tech proudly brings its retro design into the modern world with bright colours, a heat pump, advanced tech like the OpenR Link system with Google Maps built-in, and even its own friendly digital assistant called Reno.

The front of the Renault 5 is both bold and playful at the same time.

We also liked how it keeps that iconic look we remember from the old Renault 5, but now it’s sharper and more refined than ever before.

This is helped thanks to its LED headlights, which are shaped like square eyes, almost cartoonish – but as you will see in the best possible way.

From the side, it’s all about the clean lines and compact confidence here that is for certain.

We especially liked the fact that its proportions are spot on for a small EV.

For instance, here you have got short overhangs, chunky wheel arches, and flush-fitting rear doors that blend so neatly you might just miss them at first glance.

This design, we believe, also makes it feel sportier and more sculpted than most electric superminis in its class today as well.

Then with its right-hand side mirrors and pillar design, these also help with your visibility - something often overlooked in modern cars.

The roofline then gently slopes back, keeping things stylish without eating into your headroom here as well.

This is then combined with some nice, slightly floating looks thanks to the blacked-out pillars, and it gives off those stylish city hatchback vibes as well here.

Overall, from the side, you are getting a very practical, yet trendy car.

Especially if you take up the option for a contrasting roof colour as well, which will add a bit of personal flair if you do.

Then, around the back, the Renault 5 is just as confident as it is on the front.

Here, we especially liked that the rear lights are slim LED strips with a lovely 3d pattern that gives them a futuristic edge.

There is also a bold Renault badge in the centre and a chunky rear bumper with plastic cladding that ties in nicely with the overall look we felt.

Your boot space is also surprisingly good for this size of electric hatchback – not massive, but very usable for day-to-day life, we must admit, and those rear parking sensors? They are well placed, especially to help you get in and out of tight spots.

Here’s the fun bit, though – the colours.

Renault’s not holding back here, and that is clear to see - literally. For example, you have got bright colours like electric blue and that cheeky bright yellow that everyone’s talking about.

There are also more subtle tones if you prefer a quiet classic as well, and this kind of paint palette will remind you of the original Renault 5’s playful character, giving us what we feel is a breath of fresh air among today’s grey-and-black crowded cars.

For instance, here you can get colours such as:

• Diamond Black
• Arctic White
• Midnight Blue
• Pop Green!
• Pop Yellow!

For your roof options, you also have a lot to choose from as well, including:

Then it's not just the roof colour options you can choose from, either, it's the roof designs.

For example, here you have:

* ●: Standard Equipment | ○: Optional | -: Not Available

For your wheel options, here you get some very nice alloy wheel designs which really are top-notch.

For instance, you can get everything from retro-style 17-inch rims to more modern geometric patterns on higher trims like the Techno trim or Iconic Five, which fill the arches nicely and really suit the car's overall look as well here we thought.

The dashboard is also a real nod to the old Renault 5 as well – flat, simple, and clean – but with a modern-day refresh.

For example, here you get those physical buttons (thank goodness!), proper air vents, and a nice mix of materials as well.

You will also find fewer shiny plastics and more thoughtful textures, some of which are made from recycled plastic bottles.

It’s also not overdesigned - just easy to get along with and really pleasant to look at as well, with everything well placed.

Now here’s where things start to shine.

The infotainment system is powered by Renault’s OpenR Link setup and includes built-in Google Maps, Spotify, and even voice control.

It’s also dead easy to use and feels snappy when you’re flicking through menus, and if you’re not keen on digging through screens, there are still those lovely physical buttons for quick access to things like climate controls as well. Which is really good news for the less techy drivers out there.

Here you can also enjoy the clever OpenR Link multimedia system, which comes with Google built-in and over 50 handy apps right at your fingertips.

From your navigation to music and more, it’s all connected and ready to go at the push of a button.

You can also meet Reno – Renault’s smart and cheerful digital avatar – on the bright 10.1" OpenR Link screen as well.

Reno will listen to your voice and then offer you helpful suggestions, making every drive a bit more fun and a lot more intuitive as a result.

In front of the driver, you will also get a clear and customisable digital instrument cluster as well.

This then shows you everything from speed and range to your state of charge and current drive mode as well.

All in all, this is easy to read at a glance and doesn't overwhelm you with pointless info – instead, we liked how this is just what you need, when you need it.

Despite its retro looks, the Renault 5 is properly teched-out as well, and that is something we liked a lot.

For instance, you have already met Renio, the digital assistant, but it also comes with over-the-air updates, adaptive cruise control, and even parking sensors and a 360-degree camera on higher trims as well.

You can also set up driver profiles, connect your phone wirelessly, and even precondition the cabin using the app too.

All-in-all, it is all really user-friendly and doesn’t try too hard to be “futuristic” – it just works in our expert view.

Up front, the seats are also surprisingly supportive for such a small EV as well.

Here, your driving position is particularly spot-on, with good visibility of the road and loads of adjustment options for you to choose from as well.

You’ve also got lumbar support and even heated seats in some trims, like the mid-range Techno trim, which is especially perfect for chilly mornings.

The materials also feel soft and durable, and there is enough bolstering to keep you comfy without feeling locked in, in doing so.

Now, the rear seats are more than acceptable for a small car.

For example, there is decent headroom and enough legroom for average-sized adults, though taller passengers might start to grumble on longer journeys, just as with any hatchback, really.

The hidden rear doors are also a very clever touch too – as they make the Renault 5 E-tech look like a tidy 3-door but give you the practicality of a 5-door layout instead, which is something that we really liked.

For your upholstery, you will be glad to hear that Renault’s gone green here, using a mix of recycled and sustainable materials across all trim levels.

The entry-level Evolution trim, for instance, still feels nicely finished, while the Techno trim and Iconic Five give you much bolder stitching, richer fabric, and some smart colour accents that tie in really well with the bright colours on the outside.

Nothing also feels cheap or flimsy, either, and there has clearly been some thought put into durability here as well, which we also liked.

For your options here, for instance, you have:

• 100% Recycled Mixed Textile Upholstery, Denim Textile With Grey Double Topstitching / Ochre Central Textile / Black Bio-Sourced Refined Textile
• Mixed Grey / Black Cloth Seat Upholstery, Tricolour Stitching
• Exclusive Mixed Grey Upholstery With Blue & Black Synthetic Leather Trim
• 100% Recycled Grey And Yellow Marked Mixed Textile Upholstery With Yellow Double Topstitching / Refined Black Bio-Sourced Textile

Then, for your interior comfort features, here you get everything from heated front seats to automatic climate control and a heat pump for efficiency as well.

All in all, the Renault 5 doesn’t skimp on comfort, and that is clear to see once you get inside.

You also get some great ambient lighting options on higher trims, which really does add a cosy vibe at night as well.

All in all, here, we liked how it might be a small EV, but it’s got a big heart when it comes to looking after its passengers, we feel.

One of the Renault 5 E-Tech’s real strengths that we really liked is how easy it is to just hop in and drive.

For instance, we really liked how the driving position is spot on, giving you a clear view of the road and good visibility out of all corners.

You can also sit slightly higher than in older hatchbacks, which also helps when navigating tight streets or parking bays as well.

We also liked how Renault has wisely stuck with physical buttons for key functions like climate control and drive modes as well, making them simple to adjust without fumbling through menus here.

Everything is also just laid out exactly where you would expect – no learning curve, just grab the wheel and go, in our view.

One of the things you will notice is that the Renault 5’s interior also strikes a lovely balance between classic design and modern flair.

Here, the stitched dashboard gives you a soft, vintage feel, while the chunky seat gives you that nod back to the original Renault 5 Turbo.

There’s even a fabric headliner as well that feels like a subtle throwback to older French hatchbacks, too.

It's little touches, like the '5' motif stitched into the seats and retro-inspired air vents, that we like as they just tie everything together really nicely here too.

Material-wise, the Renault 5 E-Tech does a solid job here.

While it’s not swimming in soft-touch surfaces, the mix of textures and finishes is thoughtfully chosen.

The dashboard, for instance, uses refined fabric and synthetic trims depending on the model you go for, and the steering wheel on higher trims feels pleasantly grippy and well-stitched here too.

This is then complemented well with some nice door panels and controls that have a reassuring sturdiness to them, and even the recycled plastics used in places don’t feel overly flimsy, we feel.

Compared to something like the Mini Electric or BYD Dolphin, the Renault just feels better screwed together and more consistent in quality in our view.

For instance, this is especially true with the touchpoints you interact with daily, like the indicator stalks, buttons, and handles – all just feel nicely damped and well-engineered.

It's not luxury, but it absolutely doesn’t feel cheap either that is clear to see and feel.

For your boot space, this is actually pretty impressive for a hatchback of this size, with 277 Litres of space with the rear seats up, and up to 326 Litres with the rear seat area down.

That is enough for you to fit your weekly shopping in without issue, and there’s also enough space for a couple of carry-ons or a folded pushchair as well.

As a result, this is better than many other electric superminis like the Honda e or Mini Cooper Electric, for example.

Then we also liked that the loading lip is low enough that you won’t have to wrestle heavy bags into place either.

Around the cabin, you will then find some very handy storage compartments – deep door bins, a glovebox that’s actually useful, and clever trays for your phones and keys.

Cupholders are also right where you’d want them, as well, and there’s even an optional wireless charging pad on some models, too.

• Domestic Charging Station (7.4 kW AC) – Recommended for most homes; 15–80% in:
  • 3 hrs 55 (40kWh battery)
  • 5 hrs 11 (52kWh battery)
• Reinforced Domestic Socket (3.7 kW AC) – Slower but still practical:
  • 6 hrs 58 (40kWh battery)
  • 9 hrs 48 (52kWh battery)
• Standard 3-Pin Domestic Socket (3 kW AC) – Basic option; quite slow:
  • 11 hrs 12 (40kWh battery)
  • 17 hrs 13 (52kWh battery)

• Public Charging Point (22 kW AC) – Fast and easy in towns:
  • 2 hrs 37 (40kWh battery)
  • 3 hrs 13 (52kWh battery)
• Rapid Public Charging Station (DC) – Best for long trips:
  • 30–31 mins from 15–80% charge on both battery sizes

The Renault 5 also has bidirectional functionality, which we also liked, meaning the energy stored in its battery can be redistributed to other devices.

This capability, for example, allows it to power electrical devices through Vehicle to Load (V2L) technology, by using an adapter connected to the charging port, standard 3-pin appliances can be powered directly from the car.

So, whether you're using a domestic setup or stopping at a rapid charger, the Renault 5’s flexible in its charging options makes it one of the easiest small EVs to live with.

Especially when combined with its 250 miles of range, most drivers will only need to charge a couple of times a week at most, if not just once.

This system regulates your speed by taking the road environment into account, maintains safe distances and ensures you remain in lane. When traffic slows down, the vehicle stops and restarts automatically.

Warns the driver of an imminent risk of frontal collision with a stationary vehicle or an obstacle, at low speed. Triggers automatic emergency braking to avoid or mitigate a collision.

The system warns you of a potential collision with an overtaking vehicle in the adjacent lane. If a collision is likely, it performs an automatic emergency trajectory correction.

Provides acoustic and visual warning of the proximity of obstacles in front of you, behind you or to your side.

Warns of danger when stationary, if you or a passenger opens one of the doors while another vehicle pops up.

Monitors and evaluates driver behaviour. If the driver becomes less attentive, it invites him or her to take a break.

• Active Driver Assist
• Hill Start Assist
• Automatic Main-Beam/Dipped Headlights Activation
• Speed Limiter
• Cruise Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Rear Parking Sensors
• Front Parking Sensors
• Side Parking Sensors
• Reversing Camera
• Handsfree Parking

• Distance Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Occupant Safe Exit Alert
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Front Detection With Emergency Trajectory Correction
• Rear Detection With Emergency Trajectory Correction
• Rear Automatic
• Automatic Emergency Braking When Reversing
• Automatic Emergency Brake Assist With Intersection Function
• Road Sign Recognition
• Traffic Sign Recognition And Speed Alert
• Driver Attention Alert

• 18" Black diamond cut alloy wheels
• Whip antenna
• LED front headlights
• Mixed grey / black cloth seats, with tricolour stitching
• Light grey grained plastic dashboard

• Two front USB-C sockets with backlighting
• 60/40 split rear bench seat
• Hands-free card
• Automatic heating and air conditioning system
• 12V socket
• Smartphone mirroring compatible with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™
• Arkamys® audio system
• 10.1" Central openR link screen
• 7" Digital driver display
• Manually height-adjustable driver’s seat

• Rear parking sensors
• Emergency call
• Speed limiter
• Safe stopping distance warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Speed alert
• Automatic emergency braking system: urban, pedestrian + cyclist
• Automatic emergency braking system with intersection function
• Cruise control
• Rear automatic emergency braking
• Overtake warning
• Driver attention alert
• Automatic switching between main/dipped headlights
• My safety switch

• Mode 3 charging cable (6.5 m)
• Power to object compatible, Vehicle to Load
• Bidirectional charging
• Regenerative braking adjustable by mode B (2 levels)
• Heat pump and heat management

• One-tone paint options
• Roof design options
• Power to object connector, V2L directional charging (available as aftersales accessory)

• Shark fin antenna
• Front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, and sills painted black
• Front door customisation exterior trim
• Full LED rear lights
• Diamond black decorative trim on dashboard
• Gloss black interior finish in the shape of a 5
• Black window surrounds
• 100% recycled mixed fabric upholstery, denim effect, with double grey stitching
• Graphical and audible welcome sequence
• Tinted rear windows

• Wireless smartphone charger
• High centre console with black refined fabric
• Grained armrest and cup holder
• Rain sensor
• Electric hand brake with autohold
• MULTISENSE and front interior lighting ambiance
• One-touch opening and closing of the 4 windows
• Automatic folding heated door mirrors
• Front seats with seatback pocket
• 10.1" OpenR link digital multimedia system with Google built-in™ (Google Maps with electrical functions, Google Assistant and Google Play)
• Soft grain refined fabric steering wheel with multi-sense button, 4 driving modes (comfort, sport, eco, perso)
• 10" Digital driver display

• Rear parking sensors and reversing camera
• Hill start assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop & go function
• LED adaptive vision front headlights

• Pre-setting of battery temperature when driving (prior to rapid charging)
• Electric journey programming with Google Maps

• Two-tone paint with black roof
• Power to object connector, V2L bidirectional charging (standard on 52kWh version, otherwise available as aftersales accessory)

• Refined fabric trim on dashboard and yellow marked fabric on panels
• 18" Chrono black diamond cut alloy wheels
• Glossed window strip and roof bar
• Upholstery with 5 on seat centre panel, yellow 100% recycled mixed fabric, grey and yellow mottled fabric with double yellow stitching / black bio-sourced refined fabric

• Heated soft-grained steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• 'Renault 5' illumination under passenger dashboard
• Interior frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror

• Front, rear and side parking sensors with reversing camera and hands-free parking
• Active driver assist: combining adaptive cruise control and lane centring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Rear occupant safe exit warning alert
• Blind spot warning

• Two-tone paint with black roof
• Roof design options
• Power to object connector, V2L bidirectional charging (standard on 52kWh version, otherwise available as aftersales accessory)

• 18" Electro black diamond cut alloy wheels
• Exclusive mixed grey upholstery with blue & black synthetic leather trim
• Dashboard: satin metal finish
• Exclusive grey fabric in door panels
• Tennis racket e-pop shifter
• Satin chrome roofline
• 'Clay' coloured wireless induction smartphone charger

• Two-tone paint with black roof

The Renault 5 comes with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.

That’s one of the more generous offerings in this class, especially when compared with rivals like the Mini Cooper SE or Fiat 500e. And yes, that warranty includes all versions of the Renault 5, whether it’s your everyday city runabout or a fully-loaded Techno trim with all the bells and whistles.

The 52kWh battery pack in the Renault 5 E-Tech is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is pretty much the industry standard for electric cars.

Renault will also guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during this period.

So if you're worried about long-term range drop-off or battery health, that should give you peace of mind.

As part of the package of buying new, you also tend to get 3 years of roadside assistance across the UK and most of Europe.

That includes both breakdown cover and help if you run out of charge – a lovely touch, especially if you’re new to electric motoring and still figuring out the best charging spots.

If you are planning to sell your Renault 5 E Tech a couple of years down the line, no worries – the warranty is fully transferable to the next owner.

That’s not only great for your peace of mind but also helps improve your resale value as well.

While the warranty doesn’t cover routine servicing, you can also get fixed-price service plans and electric lease packages that can bundle everything together very nicely for you as well.

That includes checks on the electric motor, front-wheel drive system, and key components like the heat pump and regenerative braking system, for instance.

All in all, the Renault 5’s warranty gives you a lot of confidence that you're not just getting a sweet-looking small EV with a retro design – you’re also getting solid protection for years to come.