Renault 5 E-Tech electric

Renault brings back a famous name with the 5 E-Tech electric, a 3.92 metre five-door hatchback built in France and assembled in Douai. It is the small electric car for city driving and commuting, and the rectangular headlights and the sloping rear window are drawn from the original 5. A 5 on the bonnet shows the charge level. Boot space is up to 326 litres.

Range, batteries and charging

There are two batteries. The 40 kWh urban range battery comes with 120 hp, and Renault quotes up to 194 miles (about 312 km) on the WLTP cycle. The 52 kWh comfort range battery comes with 150 hp and is quoted at up to 259 miles (about 417 km). Renault notes that the range figures are pending homologation. Every version accepts DC fast charging, and Renault gives 30 minutes to go from 15 to 80 percent on a 100 kW DC charger for a new car. A one-pedal function with regenerative braking recovers energy when you lift off. The car also offers vehicle-to-load charging to power electrical appliances, and the Plug Inn charge pass for public charging.

Versions and price

The UK range is evolution, techno+, iconic five+ and Roland Garros+. The evolution version with the 120 hp urban range battery starts at £21,495, which includes the Electric Car Grant and excludes metallic paint. There are seven colours.

Technology and safety

The openR link system has two 10 inch screens, with Google built-in, and Google Maps navigation from the techno+ version upward, plus apps, streaming and voice control. Renault counts 28 driver assistance systems, among them active driver assist, active emergency braking, emergency lane keep assist, park assist, an occupant safe exit alert and a driver attention alert. Euro NCAP gave the car four stars in 2024. The My Renault app handles remote vehicle management and needs a compatible iOS or Android phone paired with the car.

Key facts

• Range: up to 259 miles (WLTP, 52 kWh), up to 194 miles (WLTP, 40 kWh)
• Batteries: 40 kWh or 52 kWh
• Power: 120 hp or 150 hp
• Fast charging: 15 to 80 percent in 30 minutes on a 100 kW DC charger
• Safety: Euro NCAP, 4 stars (2024)
• UK price from: £21,495 (evolution, Electric Car Grant included)