Overview
The Renault 5 2025 isn’t just another electric car — it’s a revival of one of Renault’s most beloved icons from the 1970s and 80s. In an era where every EV seems to take itself too seriously, the new Renault 5 manages to be playful, affordable, and genuinely desirable.
Starting at just £22,995, or roughly under £300 a month on lease, it’s one of the most accessible electric cars you can buy — and yet, it feels anything but cheap.
Design and Exterior
Renault has nailed the retro-futuristic look here. The new 5 keeps the compact proportions of the original hatchback but adds modern touches everywhere.
The body is chunky, upright, and full of character — rectangular headlamps echo the original’s design, while the illuminated “5” motif on the bonnet cleverly doubles as a charge indicator.
Four vibrant colors are available — Pop Yellow, Diamond Black, Arctic White, and Pop Green — each matched to Renault’s funky urban personality. The 18-inch alloy wheels (standard on higher trims) fill out the arches perfectly and give the car a planted stance.
Despite its compact footprint, it’s actually bigger than the original and sits roughly in Fiesta territory for size. Hidden rear door handles keep the side profile clean, while the chunky arches and black lower cladding add muscle.
Interior and Features
Step inside, and the Renault 5 immediately feels cheerful and well thought out. It mixes fun design with genuine quality — not something you can say for every small EV.
The seats use a multi-textured fabric, blending denim-like materials with colored stitching. The dashboard carries the same texture, giving a soft, tactile feel that sets it apart from hard-plastic rivals.
Technology and Infotainment
- Dual 10-inch displays — one for the driver, one for infotainment
- Google-powered interface with built-in Maps
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Voice assistant “Hey Reno” for commands like window control
- Hard physical buttons for climate — a thoughtful touch missing in many EVs
Build quality is solid, with only minor hard plastics in the lower panels. Storage is limited, though — door bins are small, and the center cubby isn’t huge. Still, you get wireless charging, USB ports, and practical underfloor boot storage for charging cables.
Practicality and Boot Space
For a small hatchback, the Renault 5 is surprisingly usable. The boot offers 326 litres of space — more than a Fiat 500e and even a Ford Fiesta. Folding the rear seats adds flexibility, though the floor doesn’t sit completely flat.
Rear seat space is fine for two adults on short trips, with good headroom but average legroom. There are no rear air vents or cupholders, but the overall packaging makes the most of its compact size.
Driving and Performance
The Renault 5 will be offered in two versions:
| Version | Power | Battery | Range (WLTP) | 0–62 mph | Charging (DC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution | 120 hp | 40 kWh | 193 miles | ~9 sec | 80 kW |
| Techno | 150 hp | 52 kWh | 293 miles | 7.9 sec | 100 kW |
The Techno version hits the sweet spot — peppy, efficient, and still affordable.
Ride and Handling
Ride quality is a pleasant surprise. The suspension is nicely balanced — soft enough for comfort, firm enough to stay composed. Steering is light, making it ideal for city driving, and visibility is excellent.
The front-wheel-drive layout gives it that classic hot-hatch feel. You can feel the front tyres working under acceleration, but it’s more playful than problematic. The handling is predictable and grippy, and the car feels stable even at motorway speeds.
Brakes and Driving Feel
Disc brakes all around deliver strong stopping power, though the pedal feel can be grabby at low speeds. Body roll is minimal, and the battery’s low center of gravity keeps it agile through corners.
Acceleration in the 150 hp version feels brisk enough, and the power delivery is instant — typical EV punch without feeling overly aggressive.
Efficiency and Range
Officially, Renault claims up to 4.8 miles per kWh, but in real-world cold weather testing, expect closer to 3–3.8 miles per kWh.
That means:
- 120–150 miles motorway range (small battery)
- Up to 200 miles in mixed driving (larger battery)
Charging from 10–80% takes around 30 minutes on a 100 kW DC charger, or about 7 hours on a 7 kW home wall box.
Fun Factor and Driving Modes
While this isn’t a hot hatch, the Renault 5 still captures the fun of its ancestors. It’s light, responsive, and has a cheerful, eager personality.
Multiple driving modes — Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Perso (custom) — let you tailor the throttle response, steering weight, and regenerative braking.
If you’re after more excitement, the upcoming Alpine A290 variant (based on the same platform) will offer 220 hp and a 6.4-second 0–62 mph sprint. But for everyday fun, the standard Renault 5 already feels joyful.
Verdict
The 2025 Renault 5 might just be the most charming small EV on sale. It mixes personality, practicality, and price better than almost any rival.
It’s not the longest-range EV, nor the fastest-charging, but it makes electric motoring accessible, enjoyable, and stylish again.
Pros ✅
- Attractive retro design
- Strong build and interior quality
- Comfortable ride and playful handling
- Affordable pricing
- Intuitive tech and good real-world range
Cons ❌
- Limited rear seat features
- Jerky automatic hold in tight parking
- Brake feel could be smoother
Final Word:
For under £25,000, the Renault 5 2025 delivers big smiles in a small package. It’s proof that affordable electric cars don’t have to feel basic or boring — they can have character, charm, and confidence too.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.