Sparse or neat: basic version Renault 5 E-Tech tested!

Basic version Renault 5 E-Tech Electric

Renault is only too happy to advertise the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. But does it stand out in all its communications? We only pass by the fattest versions. This does mention a starting price of 24,990 euros, but the car shown in the commercial costs at least 33,000 euros. Time for some investigative journalism. Because what exactly does the basic version of the electric Renault 5 have to offer? Is it possible to live with less luxury?

A small note in advance

Okay, first a little note up front. You are in fact looking at a Renault 5 Evolution here, rather than the Five version listed for 25,000 euros. Optically, however, the cars are identical. So in that respect, no differences. Only the Evolution does not have 95 hp but 120 hp. Also, the Evolution simply has a quick charge option. That is not the case with the Five. During the filming, Renault Netherlands unfortunately did not yet have a Five version in its fleet. But since this Evolution is cosmetically identical inside and out to the base version, we used this car for this article and video. Clear? Beautiful! Now fast forward to the review.

Sparse or neat? BASIC VERSION Renault 5 E-Tech tested? – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

More basic Renault 5: is that bad?

If there is one thing about the new Renault 5 that stands out, it is that the interior looks particularly luxurious, especially in this segment. Fine soft materials, substantial displays, everything looks neat. But the base version of the 5 is more basic, both outside and inside.

For example, the car has:

• Wheel covers in rim design
• Certain exterior components are not painted in color
• A plastic steering wheel, instead of a leatherette finished steering wheel
• There is no multisense button on the steering wheel for selecting different driving modes, the base version only has a normal and ECO mode.
• Dashboard has white plastic finish instead of soft finish
• The center console offers fewer features. The biggest shortcoming is the lack of cup holders. You can’t put anything in the doors either.
• You also don’t have an armrest
• And in front of you, you look out on a smaller digital instrument cluster
• Adaptive cruise control does not have the car, but normal cruise control does. Top!
• You also have a rather large antenna instead of a stylish roof fin
• A French flag in the headlight is missing; a more expensive version does.
• On a more expensive version of the 5, you can see on the hood how full the battery is. With this cheaper version, it is purely a decorative plate. So no built-in screen.

What else stands out?

The FIVE version does not have an onboard DC charger suitable for fast charging. You can only charge the car via a 3-phase AC charger with a capacity of up to 11 kW at public and home charging stations. And you have to make do with 95 horsepower. The FIVE is listed in the price list as 24,990 euros. Would you prefer a fast-charging option? Then invest in the 120 hp Urban Range Evolution. That one has exactly the same interior, but has some interesting extras:

• V2L can supply up to 3,700 watts of energy back to an electrical device (V2L), this requires the optional V2L adapter 
• An electronically controlled air conditioning system with 1 climate zone
• A heat pump
• You also have an electric motor with 90 kW of power (120 hp)
• An 80 kW DC charger with CCS combo connection for fast charging at DC fast charging stations

40 kWh battery

This more expensive 120-hp urban range has a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor with 90 kW of power (120 hp). On paper, the model has a WLTP range of 312 kilometers. Thanks to an 80 kW DC charger with CCS combo connection, you can quickly charge the car at DC fast charging stations

Limited additional cost for Renault 5 Evolution

And so that car will cost you 27,990 euros. That’s a price difference of 3,000 euros. With an eye on resale value, we would recommend going for this version. Just a bit more complete in terms of hardware. And to be perfectly honest: there is nothing wrong with the basic interior either. It has everything you want. In short: it is easy to live with the basic version. Or rather: the almost-basic version. Our advice: forget the starting price of 24,990 euros. In fact, a price of 27,990 euros is much more realistic. The driving is just as fun in the basic version. What a nice driving electric car this is. Okay, it is not the roomiest in the back and the luggage compartment has a large lift threshold. But otherwise, driving this roguish Frenchman is delightful.