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Renault R5 vs VW ID.3 comparison

Compare performance (150 HP vs 231 HP), boot space and price (24,000 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault R5 or VW ID.3?

Renault R5 vs VW ID.3: Key differences

Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • markedly lighter
details

VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • barely more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

R5

Renault R5 vs VW ID.3: the electric hatchback choice made clear

The Renault R5 and VW ID.3 aim for the same driveway but take very different routes to get there. In this Renault R5 VS VW ID.3 comparison, one car leans into charm and agility, the other into calmness and capability. The Renault R5 trades on retro character, light-footed handling and a friendlier price, making the step into EV ownership feel effortless. The VW ID.3 feels more grown-up, with extra space, longer legs and a more relaxed gait on the open road. Your priorities—city sparkle or all-round serenity—will decide which one fits better.

ID.3

Driving character and pace

The Renault R5 feels eager and playful, responding quickly to steering inputs and darting through gaps with a lightness the VW ID.3 doesn’t try to match. The VW counters with smoother, stronger shove and a more planted demeanour, making quick getaways feel easy and confident rather than lively. Around town the R5’s compact size and nimbleness make every turn and parking job simpler, while the ID.3 is tuned for steady, fuss-free progress. Push on and the VW ID.3 stays unflustered where the Renault R5 feels more animated and fun. If you value agility and a bit of sparkle, the Renault R5 wins hearts; if you prefer quiet authority, the VW ID.3 suits the brief.

R5

Ride, noise and long‑distance ease

The VW ID.3 majors on refinement: it rides with more composure over broken surfaces and keeps wind and tyre noise nicely muted, especially at motorway speeds. The Renault R5 is well damped for its size and pleasantly quiet in town, but you’ll notice more road texture and a shorter comfortable cruising window on long journeys. Assistance tech and the ID.3’s relaxed straight‑line stability reduce fatigue on big days out, reinforced by its stronger charging pace and real‑world range. The Renault R5 can cover distance, yet its efficiency drops as speeds rise and front seats feel narrower over hours in the saddle. For routine long trips, the VW ID.3 feels the easier companion; for mixed commuting with occasional motorway hops, the Renault R5 stays perfectly agreeable.

ID.3

Cabin feel and tech usability

Inside, the Renault R5 charms with cheerful design touches and an infotainment system that integrates Google services cleanly, with logical menus and actual climate buttons. Material quality is honest rather than plush, but assembly feels solid and the ambience is inviting. The VW ID.3 presents a calmer, more mature space with noticeably improved materials and bigger‑screen theatre, yet its menu structure and touch sliders still ask for patience. Both cars avoid true one‑pedal driving, but the controls in the Renault R5 feel more intuitive day to day, while the VW wins back points with polished driver assistance. If you want straightforward tech and character, the R5 makes it easy; if you want a tidy, upmarket vibe and don’t mind learning the interface, the ID.3 delivers.

R5

Space and everyday practicality

The VW ID.3 is the roomier hatch, especially in the back where legroom and the flat floor make life simpler for adults and children alike. Its boot area is broad and easier to load, with smarter options for through‑loading when you need them. The Renault R5 counters with a surprisingly useful boot for a small car and handy cable storage, but a high loading edge and a step when the seats fold make bigger shops or flat‑pack runs more fiddly. Rear space in the Renault R5 is the pinch point; taller passengers and bulky child seats will feel the squeeze sooner than in the VW. If passengers and luggage are regulars, the VW ID.3 suits the routine; if it’s mostly two up with the occasional week’s shop, the Renault R5 is amply practical.

ID.3

Costs, city manners and buyer fit

The Renault R5 lands at a lower price and sips energy gently in the urban shuffle, helped by neat energy features like bidirectional charging that can add real‑world value at home. Its compact footprint and tiny turning circle make tight streets and multi‑storeys feel easy, and parking is almost stress‑free. The VW ID.3 asks more up front but pays you back with longer range confidence, faster charging on the right spec and a calmer temperament on longer mixed‑route weeks. In short, choose the Renault R5 if you’re a city‑first commuter who appreciates design, intuitive tech and value; pick the VW ID.3 if you need family space, regular motorway ease and a more refined drive. With your priorities in mind, the detailed technical comparison below will help lock in the right call.

Frequently compared as well

Renault R5
Renault Twingo
VS
Deciding between the Renault 5 and the Renault Twingo comes down to whether you prefer the retro-inspired style and modern reinterpretation of the 5 or the Twingo’s proven compact practicality. This comparison focuses on driving character, interior space, running costs and everyday usability to …
Renault R5
VW ID.Polo
VS
This short comparison pits the Renault 5 against the Volkswagen ID. Polo to help you choose which compact electric suits your needs. We'll focus on design, range, practicality, driving feel and ownership costs so you can pick the right city car.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

R5

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Renault R5 is visibly cheaper – starting at 24,000 £ , while the VW ID.3 costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,138 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is barely more efficient: consuming 13.9 kWh/100km compared to 14.8 kWh/100km for the Renault R5. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 224 km more than the Renault R5.

ID.3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW ID.3 offers visibly more power – delivering 231 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 81 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.3 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the Renault R5 takes 8 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW ID.3 delivers clearly more torque with 350 Nm compared to 245 Nm. That’s about 105 Nm more.

R5

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Renault R5 is markedly lighter – 1,447 kg compared to 1,885 kg. The difference is around 438 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers somewhat more boot space – 383 L compared to 326 L. That’s a difference of about 57 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries very slightly more – 464 kg compared to 418 kg. That’s a difference of about 46 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW ID.3 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,100
ID.3

VW ID.3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 231 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 410 - 629 km
details
Renault R5
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault R5

The Renault 5 blends classic styling cues with contemporary design, giving it a playful and characterful presence on the road. It’s a city-focused hatchback that feels nimble and cleverly packaged, ideal for drivers who want personality and practicality.

details
D9BB3E56-4B0D-4E48-A734-11A1714B92A5
79A3C149-BC71-4BE3-A149-986DD84D251C
DDEACB99-545B-4C72-B12C-AB35E7B77365

Reviews Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Walter
4 Nov 2025, 21:42:46

Practical, nimble, and fun to drive. For rather small drivers up to 1.75 m there's plenty of space even on the back seat. Useful driver-assist systems, and Android Auto works well. Very economical in summer. In winter a lot of energy is used in the first five minutes to bring the battery up to 20°C, which makes consumption on short winter trips very high.

VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is Volkswagen’s compact electric hatch that prioritizes practical daily usability with a comfortable, modern interior. It delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience and intuitive tech that makes switching to electric straightforward.

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DB2019AU01515_medium
DB2019AU01516_medium
DB2020AU01118_medium
DB2020AU01119_medium
DB2020AU01097_medium
DB2020AU01100_medium

Reviews VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
Pennings
6 May 2026, 08:03:27

ID.3 catches less wind. It's more pleasant, especially on the highway. Also: more economical, lighter and with the same step‑in height.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mr C Blagdon
14 Jan 2026, 12:07:54

Great all rounder, surprisingly spacious cabin. Rapid and refined. Not quiet enough space in the boot for a bike, could use more ground clearance.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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CUPRA Born
Renault R5
VS
The CUPRA Born feels grown-up and focused — a proper hot‑hatch–inspired EV with genuine pace, sensible range and more practical space than its looks suggest, while the Renault 5 is a cheeky, retro‑flavoured city car built to charm tight streets rather than scorch the autobahn. Choose the Born if …
VW ID.3
VW ID.Polo
VS
Choosing between the Volkswagen ID.3 and the VW ID. Polo comes down to whether you want a compact electric hatch with more range and interior space (ID.3) or a smaller, city-focused EV that prioritizes maneuverability and lower running costs (ID. Polo). Below I'll compare their range, practicality, …
Renault R5
Renault R4
VS
Choosing between the Renault 5 (R5) and the Renault 4 (R4) is a clash between two French icons: the R4’s rugged simplicity and practical load space versus the R5’s sharper styling, livelier driving feel and more modern features. If you want tough, no‑nonsense utility, lean to the R4; if you prefer …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
Renault R5
Nissan Micra
VS
The cheeky, retro-modern Renault 5 squares up against the urbane, sensible Nissan Micra — two compact contenders fighting for your city keys. We’ll compare style, practicality, driving feel and running costs to find out which is the smarter buy for everyday life.
VW ID.3
VW Polo
VS
Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
VW ID.3
VW ID.4
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and the VW ID.4 means deciding between a compact hatchback-style electric built for city driving and a roomier compact SUV that prioritizes cargo space and versatility. I’ll compare range, practicality, driving feel and running costs so you can see which one suits your …
Renault R5
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption
Price
24,000 - 26,900 £
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Electric Range
410 - 629 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,447 - 1,524 kg
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
383 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,744 mm
Width
1,809 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
396 - 418 kg
Payload
422 - 464 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 150 HP
Power HP
170 - 231 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
225 - 245 Nm
Torque
350 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 110 kW
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Renault R5 have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.