Road tested By Hugh Maguire.
Winner Irish Car of The Year 2026!
A few manufacturers have tried to re invent a previously successful model, some with more success than others. Think of the success of the modern Mini, the Fiat 500 or the lack of success of the modern version of the VW Beetle. Now Renault hope their latest reincarnation of a famous successful model, namely the Renault 5 will be as much of a hit as the original was from the 70’s to the 90’s.
In keeping with the trend towards EVs the new Renault 5 is available only as an EV with two battery sizes a 40kWh 120 bhp or a 53kWh with 150 bhp. There are three trim levels to choose from ‘evolution’ ‘techno’ and ‘iconic 5’. This week I am road testing the iconic 5 with the higher power 52kWh battery.
First Impressions
Renault have really got the reincarnation of the R5 just about bang on! It looks fabulous with just the right amount of the original style re invented for todays world. To those in the know there are a host of styling details that are lifted from the original but with a modern twist. It simply looks fantastic and is a real head turner. Congrats Renault a truly perfect reincarnation of the original R5.
What’s it like inside?
Again there are nods to the original with funky interior colours and even the quilted padding on the roof lining mimicking that of the original.
The iconic 5 model boasts a super digital 10 inch drivers display and a 10.1 central display designed in such a way that they look perfectly integrated into the dash unlike those horrible huge central screens on some cars that look like a late addition add on.
Standard kit on this top of the range version is excellent and highlights include 18 inch diamond cut alloys, mixed grey and yellow upholstery, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise, and even hands free parking. I must say I found the infotainment easy to use and thankfully Renault have a row of proper buttons for the climate control. Renault’s Multi Sense offers 3 drive modes, comfort, eco and sport.
The cabin really feels a lovely place which to travel, with a quality feel to the materials. Accomadation up front is fine but the rear really is a very tight squeeze for an adult while the small boot could hold one standard suitcase. So this really is a car for two plus some small kids.
Performance.
Performance is good it feels quite lively. Renault quote a range of 420km but like all EV’s this is somewhat optimistic. I charged it to 100% and had a predicted range of 344km however I actually achieved 315km which though not bad for a city car is a bit off the quoted 420km. Like all EV’s motorway use hammers the range. Use it about town and this 340km or so is easily achievable.
Road Behaviour
The new R5 handles very well. Despite its weight it turns into a corner very well and has plenty of grip whether on wet or dry roads. I would almost go so far as to say its a bit of fun to hustle along. The only downside here is that the somewhat firm suspension set up (needed to cope with the battery weight) can result in a jittery ride over bumpy country roads. Overall though this new R5 is a great to drive. One strange feature though is that when you come to a stop there is no P for park on the gear selector, rather you need to select neutral and then select the electric park brake. Strange and somewhat awkward set up.
Hugh’s verdict
The new Renault 5 EV is without question one of the very best new cars on the market today. It ticks all the right boxes, from the superb styling to the snazzy interior and excellent standard kit. Added to which the entry model is just €25,995 while the top of the range tested here costs €33,400. This new R5 will be a big hit of that I am sure!