We Drove the Renault 5 – Here’s Why It’s More Than Just a Retro Revival

The new Renault 5 has finally landed in the UK, and after months of teasing, hype and headlines, we’ve finally got our hands on one. It’s been dubbed the compact EV to beat in 2025 – praised for its retro charm, sensible price tag and forward-thinking tech.

So, does it live up to the hype? We spent the weekend with it to find out.

First Impressions

Let’s start with the obvious – the looks. This thing is cool. It’s unmistakably a nod to the iconic original Renault 5, but it’s been completely reimagined for today’s roads.

At first glance, it looks like a stylish three-door hatch, but look again – it’s actually hiding two rear doors, with cleverly disguised handles integrated into the window line. It keeps the clean, retro lines while offering more practicality.

The details are where the Renault 5 really starts to shine. The squared-off LED headlights give it a cheeky character, and then there’s that illuminated “5” on the bonnet – not just for show, it actually displays your battery charge level. It’s little touches like that which make it feel special.

Our test car came with 18” black diamond-cut alloys that complete the look. It’s compact but full of character – and it turns heads.

Inside the 5

The fun continues when you step into the cabin. Renault’s clearly thought about how to make this car appeal to more than just die-hard EV fans.

The layout is clean, user-friendly and filled with tech – particularly in the Techno and Iconic Five trims. You get Google built-in, including Maps and voice control, plus a futuristic AI assistant powered by ChatGPT – which actually works surprisingly well.

Go for the Iconic Five model, and it ups the ante with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more sensors dotted around for safety and ease of parking. There’s also a satisfying mix of physical controls and digital displays – perfect for those who prefer real buttons over endless touchscreen menus.

As for the looks, you’re greeted with a cabin that’s brimming with retro charm and clever details. The upholstery, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, is not only sustainable but surprisingly stylish – a perfect nod to current trends without feeling preachy. The interior design leans heavily into nostalgia, with subtle throwbacks and playful flourishes everywhere you look, from the retro-inspired dashboard to the quirky trim accents. It’s full of personality, capturing the spirit of the original R5 in a thoroughly modern way. If there’s one gripe, it’s the lack of cupholders – a small oversight in an otherwise brilliantly thought-out space.

Overall, the inside is genuinely impressive – this doesn’t feel like a budget EV and it’s fair to say, we’ve not seen a comeback like this since the Mini.

Behind the Wheel

Set off and it’s immediately easy-going. Gears are selected via a neat stalk behind the wheel – Drive, Reverse, Neutral, and Park all in one place. It’s intuitive, quick and out of the way.

Acceleration is zippy enough for town driving, and while it’s not built for B-road blasting, there’s enough go to make it fun. You can also fine-tune the regenerative braking, which is great for tailoring how the car feels when lifting off the throttle.

It doesn’t feel overly heavy either – something a lot of small EVs struggle with. It’s nimble around corners, solid on the motorway, and genuinely enjoyable to drive day-to-day.

We took the Renault 5 on a mix of roads – city streets, through to the Vale of Glamorgan, with everything from 20mph zones to national speed limit stretches. We were surprised by how good this thing handles. There were only a few moments when the car reminded me it was a compact hatch… the rest of the time it was good.

Despite the steering being really pointy and accurate on smaller roads, I found that on bendy, faster sections, I was having a bit of a workout. But even then, it handled well and stayed composed.

Out on the motorway, it was the same story. In Sport mode, it got up to speed quickly. Our car had the larger motor, managing 0–60mph in 7.9 seconds – though it actually felt a bit quicker than that in real-world driving.

Practicalities

While technically a five-door, space in the back is a bit tight – particularly for adults on longer trips. You can squeeze three across the rear bench, but it’s better suited to kids or short journeys.

The boot is compact too, but no worse than rivals like the Fiat 500e or MINI Electric. In fact, on paper, it beats them – and in practice, we were pleasantly surprised. We managed to fit a YoYo pushchair, a couple of backpacks, and a fair bit of camera gear. Thanks to the boot’s deeper design, it’s more spacious than it first appears, offering 326 litres and still leaving room for the charging cables.

You also get a usable range of up to 250 miles – impressive for a car of this size, and enough to make it a solid option for longer journeys as well as city runs.

But here’s the thing – as I was driving through the streets of Cardiff, it struck me. We’re lucky to have a driveway and a home charger, but many people in the city aren’t. I know several friends who’ve held off going electric simply because they can’t charge at home.

Typically, compact EVs have smaller batteries, meaning more frequent charging. But if you can get a small car with a big range, like this, it becomes a no-brainer. Fewer charging stops means EV life is more realistic – even for those relying on public infrastructure. Renault has absolutely nailed this balance.

Pricing

Starting from £22,995, the Renault 5 undercuts most of its rivals, especially when you consider the level of style and tech on offer. Whether you’re buying outright or looking to lease, it’s seriously compelling.

That base price gets you the more stripped-back model – but in all honesty, I’d recommend at least the Techno trim. It’ll cost you around £2,000 more, but it’s worth every penny for features like the reverse camera, Google Maps, and the additional creature comforts.

Our test car was the range-topping Iconic Five. It brings even more tech, sensors, and safety features – but you will need to stretch your budget a little further for the full experience. Still, for what it offers, it feels like good value in today’s EV market.

5 Things We Love About the Renault 5

1. Retro Styling, Reimagined for 2025
The Renault 5 absolutely nails the retro-modern look. It’s a love letter to the original with just the right amount of futurism – from the square headlights to that glowing “5” on the bonnet. It’s playful, stylish and genuinely unique in a sea of generic-looking EVs.

2. Nippy and Fun to Drive
It might not be a hot hatch, but it’s got a spark of fun to it. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or enjoying a weekend escape, the Renault 5 feels light, responsive and agile – just as a small hatchback should.

3. Everyday Range, Real-World Ready
With up to 250 miles on a charge, it offers more than enough range for daily commutes, school runs and even the occasional road trip. Plus, fast charging capability means you’re not waiting around forever if you do need a top-up.

4. Packed with Clever Tech
From Google Maps and built-in connectivity to an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, the Renault 5 doesn’t skimp on smart features. The balance between digital screens and tactile controls is spot on – intuitive and familiar without feeling old-school.

5. Genuine Value for Money
At just over £22k to start, this is one of the most accessible EVs on sale today. Yet it doesn’t feel cheap. Quality materials, great tech and striking design make it feel like you’re getting far more than you’ve paid for – something rare in today’s EV market.

Renault 5: At a Glance

• Price: From £22,995

• Battery Size: 40 kWh and 52kWh (as tested)

• CO₂ Emissions: 0g/km

• Top Speed: 93mph

• Range: Up to 250 miles (WLTP)

• Insurance Group: TBC (est. 18–22)

• Warranty: 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (unlimited mileage for the first 2 years), plus an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the main traction battery, and a 4-year/100,000-mile warranty for the electric powertrain

• Size: Approx. 3.92m (L) x 1.77m (W) x 1.5m (H)

• Boot Space: 326 litres

• Kerb Weight: Approx. 1,450kg

The 2025 Renault 5 is more than just a retro revival – it’s a brilliant small EV in its own right. Stylish, smart and surprisingly usable, it could easily become the go-to choice for anyone looking to switch to electric without sacrificing charm or character.

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