Renault 5 E-Tech Review 2025

When Ford Fiesta production ended in 2023 you’d be forgiven for thinking that demand for small hatchbacks had shrunk to such a degree that other manufacturers would quickly follow suit. Not a bit of it! Based on the buzz around the new Renault 5 E-Tech, battery power is going to reinvigorate interest in these dinky models.

Effectively replacing the Renault Zoe, the born again R5 E-Tech isn’t the first electric car to use retro-inspired styling to shape a model designed for today. Referencing its classic camper vans is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz while the Fiat 500 Electric is a second reimagining of its 1957 Nuova 500.

The latest MINI Cooper Electric is new from the ground-up and combines a nimble, fun driving experience with battery-powered efficiency. Similar claims might be made of the new Ford Capri, but that’s a can of worms for another day.

Yet the new Renault 5 isn’t a slavish replica of its forebears but instead a bang-up-to-date compact five-door with a handful of carefully chosen references to its history. Its overall silhouette and shape of its lights are obvious nods, as is the dashboard which is scalloped out on the passenger side to provide more space.

Elsewhere you need to be a bit nerdier to get the joke. For instance, on the R5 E-Tech’s bonnet is a charge level indicator that illuminates more of the ‘5’ logo the more replenished the battery is, while on the original Renault 5 that was an air vent.

Nor has the French brand gone all-in with pure electrification for its small-car future. Yes, the new 5’s underpinnings will also be used by the Renault 4 E-Tech born again as a compact SUV, but the well-loved Renault Clio in petrol and self-charging guises has recently been given a welcome overhaul.

Not that Renault will have the small electric hatch market all to itself, of course, with other manufacturers already selling their wares and several more to start soon. Among the bigger sellers are the closely-related Peugeot E-208 and its Stellantis cousin the Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

Also within the Stellantis family but using a different platform with a smaller battery for a lower selling price are the budget-focused Citroen e-C3 and angular yet charming Fiat Grande Panda Electric.

Joining the fray later in 2025 is the Volkswagen ID.2, although it may be given a different name by the time it goes on sale — expect it to have more visual solidity like a Polo or Golf than the softer-looking VW ID.3.

Renault offers the 5 E-Tech with two electric motor and battery-size combinations to keep the choice nice and simple. Gateway to the line-up is the 120PS Urban Range battery which has a 40kWh capacity sufficient for a WLTP Combined cycle driving range of 186 miles.

That’s fine for most journeys but for those who tend to travel further more often the 248-mile range of the 150PS Comfort Range’s 52kWh batter will appeal more. It’s also quicker thanks to its 245Nm torque output compared with the 120PS model’s 225Nm figure, shaving the 0-62mph time down from 9.0 to 8.0 seconds.

Even higher performance is available with a pumped-up version of the R5 E-Tech sold as the Alpine A290 — we’ll cover that in its own dedicated review.

Both battery sizes are quoted as requiring up to 11 hours for a full recharge using an AC domestic wallbox with an 11kW flow rate. Using public DC rapid chargers speeds things up to 30 minutes to get from 15-80% charge — the smaller battery managing an 80kW flow rate, upped to 100kW for the larger one.

Three trim levels are available for the Renault 5 E-Tech. Evolution can only be paired with the Urban Range battery, while Techno and Iconic Five can be had with both sizes. Each is well equipped with all models featuring a dual display screen dashboard which can be tailored with a number of accessories referencing the first R5 from 1972.

Remember this is a small hatchback, so if you’re captivated by the Renault’s looks and are thinking of downsizing be sure to check there’s sufficient rear seat and boot space for your typical needs.

Orders for the newly crowned 2025 European Car of the Year are already open with the Renault 5 E-Tech Evolution 120hp Urban Range priced at £22,995. If the larger battery is what you need then £26,995 is required for the Techno 150hp Comfort Range version.

Keep this page bookmarked to read our comprehensive electric Renault 5 E-Tech review in the weeks ahead.