Renault's 5 E-Tech Electric aims to redefine what a trendy tiny EV can be. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Renault aims to 'democratise electric technology in Europe', starting with this 5 E-Tech Electric small hatch. Back in the Seventies, the original 5 effectively pioneered the supermini genre: its look is nostalgically referenced here, in combination with futuristic design.

Background

The future of Renault starts here. Well actually, it started back in 2021 when freshly installed company CEO Luca de Meo took one look at the retro '5 E-Tech' concept car his designers had just sketched and said "build that". It's taken some time for that to happen and in the interim, this new-era Renault 5 has become the poster child for de Meo's so-called 'Renaultution' plan to transform the company with a very different range of EV-led models. It's only electric - designed to replace the ZOE - and sits on the company's dedicated 'AmpR Small' platform, which will also be used for forthcoming Renault 4 and Twingo models as well as the new-era Nissan Micra. Associated performance brand Alpine sells a hot hatch spin-off, the A290. Like all of these models, the 5 celebrates its smallness - and aims to replicate the ongoing market success of other modernised retro small EV designs, like the MINI Cooper Electric and the Fiat 500e. As with those cars, lots of advanced technology lies behind the nostalgic Seventies design cues.

Engines and Tech Spec

You expect nimble, agile handling from a small car that looks like this and Renault says that there are two design keys here that provide it. Obviously important for agility are the measures that have kept kerb weight to under a tonne and a half; that's unusual for an EV. Unusual for a small hatch of any kind is the replacement of the normal torsion beam suspension set-up for a more sophisticated rear multi-link arrangement. That not only makes the ride more supple but also offers extra stability in extreme manoeuvres, like avoiding a child running out into the road. In terms of power, things kick off with a base 120hp variant that uses a 40kWh battery with a 190 mile range and makes 62mph in 9.0s. But the 5 E-Tech will mainly be chosen its top form with a 150hp motor energised by a 52kWh battery capable of taking the car up to 248 miles between charges. The 52kWh version gets to 62mph in 7.9s but runs out of steam at 93mph. If you want to go faster in a 5, remember that there's always the Alpine A290 version of this design, which can offer up to 217bhp. Drive dynamics for the standard 5 are based on those of Renault's Megane E-Tech, though the steering isn't quite as sharp and darty as it is in that car, the ratio slackened from 12:1 to 13:7. A brake-by-wire system features as standard.

Design and Build

It's ironic that the young, trendy fashionistas being targeted here are the people least likely to remember the Seventies Renault 5 this car references so extensively. Superminis were much smaller in those days and the 5 E-Tech is also extremely compact - by small EV hatch standards anyway, measuring just 3.92m long; which is a small size down from something like a Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Think more Fiat 500e. Like that Italian rival, there's delicious nostalgia dripping from almost every part of this Gallic tiddler's bodywork. It's not just the familiar shape that your dad will recognise. The original 5 had only three doors, hence the way that the rear handles here are hidden in the C-pillars to reference that. There are nods to the classic 5 Turbo hot hatch too - like the rear spoiler; and an offset hump on the bonnet which here incorporates the battery charging indicator, but references the asymmetric cooling vent on the original fast 5. There are modern trendy touches too - notably the headlights, one of the few things changed over the original 2021 motor show concept version of this model. These LEDs reference Manga comic characters and illuminate with a small square when the main beam isn't in use; like a human eye pupil which 'winks' at you when you approach the car with a key fob. The wheel rims are large 18-inchers and at the back, the concept model's full-width light bar is replaced by a black plastic panel that aims to emphasise the 3.77m width. The cabin also sets out to combine real-world technology with retro design. The main Seventies reference lies with the padded stitched passenger-side dashboard moulding, which can be trimmed in several distinctive sustainable textiles, according to the trim level chosen. Over 18% of the car's material content is recycled and you can have denim trimming made from reclaimed PET plastic bottles. Analogue instrument gauges like the original would have been an interesting nostalgic touch, but instead there's the now-expected binnacle screen, offered in either 7 or 10-inch sizes, depending on trim. All variants pair this display with a Google OS-based 10-inch central infotainment screen, which features a ChatGPT-enabled voice-control virtual assistant named 'RENO'. This is there to help you get the most out of your 5, not only responding to questions (like how to pair your 'phone or how to change a tyre for example) but also politely nagging you with supposedly helpful suggestions. So for instance in a traffic jam, RENO will suggest you switch to the 'Eco' drive mode for greater frugality. If you've the windows open with the air con on, RENO will suggest you turn it off. Irritating or intuitive? Only you can decide. The seats offer a bright range of coloured fabrics and can feature thick corduroy-style padded inserts. The climate controls are thankfully of the physical variety. And, weirdly, you can customise drive shift stalk with a range of clip-on attachments that look a bit like lipsticks. There's even an optional baguette holder that clips onto the centre console. In a car this short, you wouldn't expect much rear seat room, but it helps that the 2.54m wheelbase takes up most of the body length. A couple of adults will be fine for short-to-medium-length journeys. Out back, the 326-litre boot is bigger than you might expect, though that's 60-litres less than you get in a Clio supermini.

Market and Model

To start with, the top 52kWh model with a 148bhp motor will be offered and expect pricing starting at around the £23,000 mark, but you will be looking at closer to £30,000 for a better specified model. There are three trim levels - 'Evolution', 'Techno' and top 'Iconic Cinq'. Standard equipment across the range includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' and keyless entry and start. Higher-spec 'Techno' models come with a 10-inch instrument display, Google integration for the infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging and a reversing camera. The top-spec 'Iconic' adds heat for the seats and steering wheel, plus all-round parking sensors and 'chrono' diamond-cut 18-inch wheels. One nice standard touch across the range is the bonnet battery indicator, which has the number 5 split into backlit sections that show off your battery percentage. Across the line-up, there are five colour options - 'Pearl White', 'Starry Black', 'Midnight Blue', 'Pop Yellow' and metallic 'Pop Green'. You get a wide range of different upholstery options too, which use sustainably-sourced materials. The 18-inch wheels come in differing styles and there are various customisation options for buyers to choose from. Plus you will be able to specify sticker packs to further personalise the exterior.

Cost of Ownership

There are two ways to get acceptable range from an EV these days. One of them - sticking in a huge battery - simply isn't feasible with a car this small, so Renault's gone all out with the other option in this regard - light weight. They developed a bespoke motor that cuts 15kg in mass and 3cm in length. Which is energised by nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries that use a simplified layout in which cells are batched into larger square shapes. That cuts weight - a lot. The base 40kWh pack (using 3 modules with 31 cells apiece) weighs 240kg. The 52kWh pack (using 4 groups of 46 cells) weighs 300kg. As a result, a base 40kWh 5 E-Tech has a kerb weight of just 1,372kg - which is feather-light for an EV. The 52kWh model's 1,449kg weight is about the same as the heaviest version of the brand's combustion Captur small crossover model. To give you some perspective, the original Renault ZOE small EV had a battery of just 22kWh in size, yet weighed in at 1,468kg. Obviously, all this has a huge impact on range figures - 190 miles for the 40kWh model and 248 miles for the 52kWh version. Aerodynamics affect these range figures too of course. Renault says the rear spoiler nets 5 miles of extra range; the 'Techno' trim's clear-faced alloy wheels net another 5 miles. And the slatted rear light design is good for another 2 miles. Remember that charging speeds vary here with battery choice; for the 40kWh model, it's 80kW. For the 52kWh version, it's 100kW. In both cases, expect a 15 to 80% top-up to take just under half an hour from a public DC charger. The brand is also offering 'Vehicle-to-Grid' (V2G) compatibility, so that electricity from the car's battery can be intelligently fed back into your home - or even back into the national grid (though you'll need a special 'Mobilize' wall box terminal and a bespoke electricity contract do that). This 5's charging point can also be used to supply up to 11kW of energy to external devices - like, say, a lap top or a camping light. A heat pump is standard, helping to maximise range in particularly cold weather. And the E-Tech system uses Google Maps to automatically begin pre-conditioning the battery when the car is nearing charging points selected in the app. That will mean the battery is then at a perfect temperature on arrival, which will allow you to charge it faster and more efficiently. The Google-based journey planner built into the system can even consider wind direction and speed to predict energy consumption.

Summary

The 5 E-Tech doesn't have to be Renault's core B-segment model, which frees it up to be innovative and rather unique. The look has a design longevity that the French maker thinks could last decades, much like the Fiat 500 or the MINI. While the styling of its Clio showroom stablemate must continually change with the times, the 'cinq' doesn't necessarily have to. Whether it will 'democratise electric technology in Europe' as its maker hopes is debatable; Groupe Renault's far more affordable Dacia Spring EV is more likely to do that. But the 5 will play its part in encouraging a wider cross-section of customers to switch to EV. It's cute, it's different and it's the future - with a bit of the past thrown in.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Privacy glass

Variable intermittent front wash/wipe

Heated windscreen washer nozzles

Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor and sensitivity setting

Front and rear electric windows with one touch

Brakes

Traction control

Hill start assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Vehicle dynamic control

Active emergency braking system - Urban and pedestrian/cyclist

Automatic emergency braking system with intersection function

Emergency brake assist with collision avoidance braking (braking on impact])

Rear automatic emergency braking system

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspot

Bluetooth

2 front USB-C ports

Wireless smartphone replication and integration via Apple carplay and Android auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Rear view camera

Lane departure warning system

Engine start button

Speed limiter

Steering wheel mounted cruise control

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Traffic sign recognition

Rear parking sensors

Driver attention alert system

Multisense: customisable driving modes (personalised, sport, eco, comfort)

Safe stopping distance warning

Intelligent speed assist with speed sign recognition and overspeed warning

Navigation system with build in google maps

Qrescue

Active lane keeping assist with front and rear sensor

safety coach - provide advice to the driver to improve safety score

safety score - assess ability to drive safely and help improve driving style

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Wireless phone charger

Voice control for navigation system with built in google assistant

My safety switch: shortcut to personalise configuration of driving aids

Reno - the official Renault avatar

Driver Information

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

Internet access

Exterior temperature display

e-Call (emergency call)

Speed alert

Connected services including over the air updates

Miles per hour configuration

OpenR link 10.1" central touchscreen multimedia system: Google built in, DC charge preconditioning

10.3" digital driver information display

Driving Mirrors

Black door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Dashboard - Fabric with grey stitching

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio controls

Digital radio

Arkamys audio system

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Shark fin antenna

Rear side wing doors

Rear band with "RENAULT" in satin chrome and satin chrome "5"

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight levelling

LED rear lights

LED fog lights

Automatic LED daytime running lights

Automatic high / low beam

Automatic LED front headlights with micro-optics + french flag in the light

LED indicator signal

2x 3rd brake reversing light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Cabin air filter

Heat pump

Automatic dual zone climate control

Interior Features

Reach adjustable steering wheel

Multifunction steering wheel

Synthetic leather steering wheel

12v socket in front

Recycled fabric upholstery

Front door panel - Recycled textile denim

Front fixed centre storage console with armrest

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment light

2 front and 2 rear touch LED interior lighting

Ambient interior lighting [48 colour combinations]

Safety

Driver airbag

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Front side airbags

Passenger airbag

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Electric child locks

Approaching vehicle sound for pedestrians

3x3 point rear seat belts

Seatbelt reminder

Front and rear seatbelt pretensoners

Isofix child seat anchor points [2x rear + 1x front passenger]

Seats

3 rear headrests

Front head restraints

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Front seats with manual height adjustment

6 way lumbar support

Security

Alarm

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Keyless entry

Thatcham approved immobiliser

Vehicle Charging

Home wallbox cable [mode 3, 6.5m]

AC 11kW + DC 80kW

Bi-directional charge: power to object [V2L]

Battery pre-conditioning for DC charging

5 charging indicator on bonnet [lights up w. welcome sequence + shows increments of 20%]

SD pyro switch - disconnect the battery from high-voltage network to ensure safety as needed

Fireman access - hatch designed to flood the battery quickly if needed to contain and control battery fire

Wheels - Alloy

18" black diamond-cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre inflation kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1005

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 965

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 239

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 31

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 15-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 40

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: 433

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: 426

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 307

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 309

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 306

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 14.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: 265

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: 269

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 191

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 190

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 192

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 40

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 80

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 65

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: [not available]

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

General

Coin Series: Techno Urban Range

Coin Description: 90kW 40 kWh

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 19E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 68

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 120

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9

Top Speed: 93

Engine Power - BHP: 120

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 90

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 166

Engine Torque - NM: 225

Engine Torque - RPM: 1000

Engine Torque - MKG: 22.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 195/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 195/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 3922

Width: 1774

Wheelbase: 2540

Width (including mirrors): 2020

Height: 1498

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1388

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1865

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Max. Loading Weight: 477

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 277

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 959

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.3

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Special two-tone metallic paint

Additional two tone metallic paint

Additional special two-tone metallic paint

Two Tone Metallic paint

Gold unlimited 5 roof + front door decal

Silver unlimited 5 roof + front door decal

Matte black numbeR5 roof + front door decal

Red numbeR5 roof + front door decal

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Pop green

Additional metallic - Pop yellow

Paint - Special

Special Metallic - Arctic white

Special metallic - Diamond black

Paint - Two Tone

Two-tone metallic - Pop green with black roof + red roof line

Additional special two-tone metallic - Diamond black + red roof line

Special two-tone metallic - Midnight blue with black roof + warm titanium roof line

Special two-tone metallic - Arctic white with black roof + red roof line

Additional two-tone metallic - Pop yellow with black roof + red roof line

Trim - Cloth

Recycled Fabric - Mixed denim/double grey stitching