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Recognizable

You don’t have to be a car connoisseur to see that the new Renault 5 is an ode to the 1970s original, but with a hefty dose of modernity. From every angle, this car evokes memories of its iconic predecessors. The sloping hood with its angular headlights, the almost pyramid-shaped silhouette and the slim taillights are direct references to the past.

Yet this is not a pure retro car: modern elements are abundantly present. A striking detail is the charge indicator on the hood, incorporated in the shape of the number 5. This shows at a glance how full the battery is. A subtle but clever reference to the air intake of the first generation Renault 5. Necessary? Not necessarily, but it is definitely a cool eye-catcher.

Another sign of modernity are the wheels. As standard, the Renault 5 sits on hefty 18-inch wheels. In the 1970s, you were already the man with 14-inch ones. At the rear, the elongated taillights are a bold nod to the original model. There is even a (fake) air vent next to it, a reference to the Renault 5 Turbo.

Compact

Despite its compact dimensions of 3.92 meters, making it just slightly shorter than a Renault Clio, Renault has made clever use of space. The wheels are completely on the corners of the car, making the interior reasonably spacious for a car of this size. The luggage space is not ample but, at 326 liters, it offers enough room for daily groceries or some small suitcases and weekend bags. In the back there is enough room for two, maybe three children, but adults have little to look for. Looking for more space? Then look at the new Renault 4, the bigger brother of the 5.

Interior: retro meets tech

Inside the new Renault 5, classic style elements are combined with modern technology. Renault chooses high-quality materials in the interior, which is a pleasant surprise for a car in this class, where cheaper-feeling plastic is often chosen. The dashboard also has playful details reminiscent of the interior of the original Renault 5. Think of the trim above the glove box, and the seats are a contemporary interpretation of the seats from the Renault 5 Turbo. They are comfortable and, thanks to thick cheeks, also offer plenty of lateral support.

In front of you you will find not one, but two large screens. The infotainment system runs on Google software, which means you have access to Google Maps and Waze. This makes navigating just as easy as on your smartphone. Through the Google Play Store, you can download all sorts of other apps, such as Spotify. Here too, the Renault 5 scores big points, as this system stands head and shoulders above many other systems, even those in cars that are considerably more expensive.

Elektropower

When it comes to performance, the new Renault 5 offers a choice of two powertrains. You can choose between a 40 kWh or a 52 kWh battery, which will allow you to drive 300 and 400 kilometers on a full charge, respectively. Depending on the battery you choose, you get power of 95 or 120 hp with the smaller battery, and 150 hp with the larger one. For those looking for a bit more punch, there is the Alpine A290 variant, which offers power outputs from 180 to even 220 hp. The Alpine sprints to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, while the “normal” Renault 5 requires at least 8 seconds.

Fast charging Renault 5

The 40 kWh version can fast charge with 80 kW, and the 52 kWh version with up to 100 kW. Not exceptional performance, but common in this segment. Furthermore, the new Renault 5 is also equipped with bi-directional charging. That means you can also use the power to power appliances or even feed energy back to the grid.

How does he drive?

The new Renault 5 actually drives exactly as it looks: nice and playful and full of fun. It owes this mainly to the multilink rear axle – yes, a word you can impress your friends with at parties. This allows the rear wheels to move independently of each other. It’s pretty special for a car in this segment, and it makes a world of difference. In normal driving, the Renault 5 is comfortable and you go smoothly over thresholds without bumps. But, if you push your foot a little deeper into the gas pedal and steer vigorously, it remains surprisingly stable. Especially thanks to that rear axle, it feels perfectly at home at higher speeds and holds its own in corners. In short, driving the Renault 5 is just as much fun as it looks – maybe even more fun!

Conclusion: the Renault 5 is going to be a big hit

Renault has struck a brilliant balance between nostalgia and innovation with the new Renault 5. The car harkens back to the past while offering everything you would expect from a modern electric car. It drives smoothly, looks great – inside and out – and offers better tech than the average expensive German sedan. A car, then, to excite any car enthusiast. Even the most skeptical EV-haters will turn into EV fans after a drive in the Renault 5.

Prices: which version should you have?

Which version should you choose? Simple: skip the entry-level version. The Evolution with the small 40 kWh battery and 95 hp may sound attractive with its price of 24,990 euros, but it’s actually a decoy to get you into the showroom. In fact, this version cannot fast charge, which is quite inconvenient. Instead, go at least for the Evolution with 40 kWh and 120 hp. This one can fast charge and comes from 27,990 euros. Renault can still deliver this version in 2024, allowing you, as an individual, to receive a 3,000 euro subsidy. That means you can still drive a Renault 5 for less than 25,000 euros. Be quick though, because the SEPP subsidy scheme ends in 2025. Do you have a bit more budget? Then for 32,990 euros choose Renault 5 with the large 52-kWh battery, giving you a generous range and thus a bit more freedom on the road.

In the video below, we tell you more about the new Renault 5.