We covered the unveil of the all new electric Renault 5 earlier this year at the Geneva Motor show and I think it’s fair to say the response was one of great enthusiasm, to say the least. The Renault 5, an icon of the 1970s and 80s, had returned with a bold and modern interpretation that blends nostalgia with the future and we couldn’t wait to drive it. Well, the time has come and we now find ourselves in the south of France for a first drive opportunity along the twisty riviera roads. Set to replace the Renault Zoe, the Renault 5 aims to offer a fun, retro, and affordable urban EV, while delivering modern performance with the cutting-edge technology we have come to expect from Renault.
The first thing that strikes you is the size and scale of the new Renault 5. It’s not massive but considerably larger than its namesake of old would suggest. It somehow retains the spirit of the original with its boxy, compact proportions and minimalist design. The front end sports a sleek, closed-off grille but still honours the familiar face of its predecessor with cool LED headlights, and pixelated shape DRL’s for that futuristic look. Chief Renault designer Gilles Vidal has done a fantastic job of channeling the original Renault 5’s design cues with muscular wheel arches, short overhangs and the glowing charge level indicator which, mimics a bonnet vent. The square taillights, and small spoiler add a further dash of sportiness to the rear!
Opening the drivers door ahead of our test drive you are greeted with a blend of nostalgia through a minimalist but high-tech dash. The dashboard, reminiscent of the 1970s model, has a retro-futuristic appeal with its simple lines and practical layout. The seating is comfortable, and the denim like materials used, feel hardwearing leaning more towards practicality rather than premium. The familiar 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits alongside a fully digital driver display familiar from the electric Megane gets further enhanced for 5 with the latest version of Easy Link software.
This system offers the smooth integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a new virtual travelling companion called Reno Avatar, which is powered by Chat GBT. The comfortable multi-functional steering wheel provides access to a range of controls, ensuring the driver can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Although compact, it feels surprisingly spacious, up front thanks to clever packaging and a well-thought-out design. Taller teenagers might struggle a little in the rear but thats probably to be expected from a car in this segment. Boot space is plentiful with an indicated capacity to hold 326 litres of precious cargo.
Ok, down to the business end now and what is under that bonnet? Our test car had a 150 horsepower electric motor, powered by a 52 kWh battery pack, which delivers an estimated range of around 410 kilometres on a single charge. The 100 km/h sprint can be completed in just 8 seconds and it felt plenty fast as we blasted along some challenging routes in ‘Sport’ mode. Three other modes to include ‘Comfort’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Perso’ combines the various equipment settings to provide a different feeling and driving features. If you would like more steering wheel stiffness or better accelerator pedal response, then simply configure this into your personal setting.
The sharp front axle assembly borrowed from the Captur / Clio has been tweaked for excellent turn in which, works in harmony with a multi-link rear suspension system for a well balanced chassis with excellent damping over the many speed ramps we encountered on our test route. Towards the back end of 2024, a second 95 horsepower “Urban” 40 kWh battery with up to 312 km WLTP range and will be available to order also but prices have yet to be confirmed.
The Renault 5 is a delightful blend of the past and future no doubt here to rival the likes of the Fiat 500 Electric and the Mini Electric. By combining iconic design with modern electric performance, Renault has created an EV that is not only functional but also fun and full of character on the road. It drives as well as it looks and judging by the numbers of registered interest across Europe, it will become one of Renault’s most popular vehicles! While the EV market is becoming increasingly crowded, the Renault 5’s unique charm and practical efficiency should give it a distinct edge over some of its competitors in our opinion.
Soon after Renault launched the 5, the company has already unveiled another nostalgic throwback with the 4. Again this is set to be another thoroughly modern EV that shows Renault is serious about leading the charge into the electric future with exciting vehicles that those of us of a certain vintage, will remember all too well. Irish pricing for the new Renault 5 will be announced at the upcoming NEVO Electric Vehicle Show in Dublin’s RDS this November 10th. The Renault 5 will also be on display for the first time before we see the first units rolling on Irish roads in 2025.
