Remember the Renault 5? 5.5 million of the original first-generation three- and five-door hatches were sold across five continents from 1972 to 1985. This was replaced by the second-generation model, and was eventually superseded in 1991 by the Clio.
On-sale in early 2025, this Zoe replacement is already winning awards, including ‘One to Watch’ at the recent Business Car Awards 2024. Can this new Renault 5 E-Tech deliver as a fleet proposition?
Firstly, it looks fantastic. Period cues include the unique charge indicator on the left-hand side of the bonnet (where an air vent was on the original), and vertical rear light clusters, echoing the original, and made slightly wider on this car. The lights and arches pay homage to the wild rear-engined 5 Turbo.
Other highlights include the short overhangs, large wheels, and the choice of personalisation options. Ultimately it remains faithful to the 2021 concept and retains the ‘want’ factor that went with that. It is also a shape that suits bold colours – our favourite is Pop Yellow.
Retro-futuristic interior design
Inside, the 5 is modern, but its retro-futuristic design makes it feel like the latest version of the seventies original. Highlights include the distinctive air vents, the contrast stitched panel on the passenger side, and the two 10in screens for the infotainment and instruments.
The driving position is excellent, with decent space. The tombstone-like sports seats, which echo those fitted in original 5’s, are supportive and were attractively trimmed in the retro-style green cloth in our test car. Sadly, despite the long 3.92m wheelbase, legroom in the back of this Renault is average – and the tallest rear passengers might find their heads brushing the textured roof lining. Elsewhere, there’s a deep 326-litre boot, although the high loading lip doesn’t help the practicality.
New chassis architecture
Underneath, this is the first electric Renault to use the company’s AmpR chassis architecture, optimised for performance – the next model is the all-new Renault 4. Key to this is the underfloor battery, which ensures a low centre of gravity, that along with the multi-link rear axle is supposed to equal keen dynamics.
The 5 E-Tech is offered with two batteries, a 40kWh with an expected range of up to 190 miles, and the 52kWh that we drove, which is expected to have a range of up to 250 miles. There are two powertrains, a 90kW version with 120hp, or the 110kW, with 150hp. The e-motor itself is derived from the Megane’s – but it’s been reworked and is now more compact, resulting in a 15kg weight reduction. When it comes to charging, all 5 models benefit from 11kW (AC) charging as standard, with up to 100 kW (DC) charging, depending on the battery.
Fun to drive
On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech’s comfortable and composed ride impresses most. Then there’s the precise steering – although it’s not as sharp as the electric version of our current Business Car of The Year – the Mini Cooper SE. There’s also some body roll, and the handbrake setup is fiddly. Still, it’s dynamic and fun to drive, which bodes well for the incoming Alpine A290 – which is basically a sportier version of this car.
There will be three equipment grades at launch: Evolution, Techno (the version we drove), and Iconic. Exact specifications haven’t been released, but 18in diamond cut alloy wheels will be standard across the range. What we do know is that the new Renault 5 will be fantastic value for money, with our range-topping Techno model expected to start at around £27,000, which is less money than the Mini Cooper E – with the Renault also having a better range.
Talking of the range, we found it difficult to work out how efficient this 5 is, but it seemed more like 200 miles, than the claimed 250 – roughly the same again as the Cooper SE! Ultimately, the new Renault 5 largely delivers on its promises and deserves its likely fleet success.
Positive: Brilliant design inside and out, composed ride, fantastic value for money, fun to drive
Negative: Fiddly handbrake control, average rear legroom, high boot loading lip, interior quality not as sharp as the design, question marks over the efficiency
Standard Equipment: 18in alloy wheels, dual 10in screens for driver information and infotainment, adavaced ADAS systems.
Engines: Electric: 120hp, 150hp
Equipment grades: Evolution, Techno, Iconic
Transmission: Single-speed auto
| Model | Renault 5 E-Tech Techno 52kW |
| P11D | £27,000 (Est) |
| Residual value | N/A |
| Depreciation | N/A |
| Fuel | N/A |
| Service, maintenance and repair | N/A |
| Cost per mile | N/A |
| Range | 250 miles (Est) |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | N/A/N/A |
| Luggage capacity | 326 litres |
| Battery size/power | 110kWh/150hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
