The Renault 5 was one of the most successful cars in mainstream automotive history. Now, its modern reincarnation is here, complete with an all-electric powertrain, and a completely new ‘AmpR’ platform. Although it may be small, it’s definitely mighty. With its sporty design, playful interior, and a solid lineup of tech features standard across all models, it’s quickly becoming the standout in the compact electric car category. Want to check it out in person for yourself? You can catch its national debut at the upcoming Nevo Electric Vehicle Show. Click here to learn more and grab your free ticket!

Performance

The Renault 5 delivers an enjoyable driving experience, offering a balance of comfort, performance, and fun. The entry-level model comes with a 119bhp electric motor powering the front wheels, giving you a 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds. If you go for the more powerful version, with a 148bhp motor, that drops to 8 seconds—not exactly hot hatch territory, but plenty for your daily drives.

Built primarily for city and suburban driving, the Renault 5 shines in urban settings. The steering is quick and sharp, with just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, giving you a nimble feel behind the wheel. Overall, it’s an intuitive and cheerful car to drive, perfectly blending comfort with precise handling, making it ideal for all kinds of roads and daily use.

Range and Charging

You’ll have two battery choices: a 40kWh lithium-iron LFP pack and a larger 52kWh lithium-ion NMC pack with a range of 400km. These range figures are competitive, standing up well against popular models from the likes of MINI, Fiat, and Citroen.

When it comes to charging, it’s all about convenience. With fast charging up to 100kW (80kW for the smaller battery), you can go from 10% to 80% in just about 30 minutes. If you’re charging at home on a standard 7kW charger, a full charge will take between six and nine hours, depending on which battery you’ve got. A cool touch? The raised '5' on the hood actually shows the charge status, which is one of many slick features in the Renault 5.

What’s more, the Renault 5 supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and is set to offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging later down the line too, meaning you could power your home using the car’s battery—as long as you have a compatible bi-directional home charger in place.

Design and Interior

The Renault 5 is just as striking inside as it is on the outside. Step in, and you’ll notice the vibrant upholstery—an eye-catching hazy yellow with the Iconic trim, complete with matching yellow stitching on the dash. If you opt for the Techno trim, you’ll get black denim paired with blue seats. Plus, these materials are all recycled. On the tech side, it’s packed with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered by Google software. Renault has even added a clever AI assistant named ‘Reno’, who can answer your questions about the car and lend a hand when needed.

For a compact car, the Renault 5 is surprisingly spacious. The back seats can comfortably fit two average-sized adults, with room for a third if needed. The boot offers solid storage space with a 326-litre capacity and underfloor storage—though there’s no additional front trunk space. Even more impressive, the Renault 5 is capable of towing a 500kg trailer, something you don’t often see in small electric cars.

Cost Considerations

Renault hasn’t revealed the exact pricing or specs for the Irish market just yet, but we’re expecting the entry-level 40kWh Renault 5 Evolution to land somewhere between €20,000 and €25,000. The mid-range Iconic, likely to be the most popular, will come in at a slightly higher price, depending on the battery you choose. As for the top-tier Iconic Five, it’ll likely be closer to €30,000 and will only come with the 52kWh battery. While details are still under wraps, we do know that all Renault 5 models will come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, the touchscreen system we mentioned earlier, and keyless entry—so it sounds like it’ll be well-equipped across the board.

Conclusion

We’re big fans of the Renault 5. It’s a practical, budget-friendly small EV that offers great value and is spot-on in the way it drives. Plus, it’s the kind of electric car that people are genuinely excited about! Despite its practicality, the Renault 5 has that aspirational appeal, which is no small feat for such an affordable, well-designed little electric car. It’s a bit of magic, really.

Want to get up close and personal with the Renault 5 yourself? Witness the national debut and find out everything you need to know at the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show at the RDS Simmonscourt, November 10th. Register for your free ticket here.