Renault R5 Hatchback, starting at 24,000 £

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate

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.

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R5

Renault R5

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 150 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 307 - 405 km

Retro charm, modern stance

The Renault R5 brings back an icon with crisp surfaces, punchy colors, and proportions that look compact yet planted. Short overhangs and a broad track give it presence, while details like the illuminated “5” signature and squared-off wheel arches keep the retro theme fresh rather than kitsch. At 1,744 mm wide, it sits confidently on the road but remains easy to thread through tight streets and multi-story car parks. The clean nose and tapering rear window look sleek, though the small back glass slightly limits rearward visibility. Overall, it delivers character in a segment that often plays safe, without tipping into nostalgia for its own sake.

Playful looks, sensible cabin

Inside, the R5 mixes cheerful textures with a straightforward driving position and clear sightlines forward. Physical knobs for climate and logical shortcut keys keep daily use simple, while the digital cluster and central touchscreen stay responsive and uncluttered. Materials are mostly solid for the class, with some hard plastics present but neatly finished and well aligned. Front seats offer a good range of adjustment, though the cushions are on the narrow side for broader frames on longer trips. The rear window is small, so the standard camera and sensors earn their keep in busy car parks.

Small footprint, useful load space

Despite its city-friendly size, the R5’s 326‑liter boot is generous for a small hatch and includes an underfloor area ideal for stowing charging cables. Everyday usability is slightly dented by a high loading lip and a step when the backrests are folded, so sliding heavy items requires a lift. Rear leg and especially foot space are tight for tall passengers, making the second row better for kids or short hops. Two ISOFIX points are fitted, and child seats go in cleanly, but the rear door opening could be wider for easier access. A tight turning circle of around 10.3 m makes U-turns and parallel parking refreshingly easy.

Light on its feet, calm when cruising

The R5 feels eager in town, with quick steering and a playful, neutral balance that invites confident cornering. Front‑wheel drive traction is well managed, and the suspension keeps a tidy lid on body movement while filtering bumps better than many small EVs. Performance is brisk rather than wild, with 0–100 km/h in roughly 8–9 seconds and torque of 225–245 Nm delivering smooth, instant response. Noise suppression is commendable for the class, though some wind rustle appears on the motorway depending on conditions. Brakes are progressive and surefooted, but the regeneration steps are limited and there is no true one‑pedal mode.

Two simple flavors of electric

The range is easy to understand: a 120 hp setup with a 40 kWh battery for the Urban Range tune, and a 150 hp option paired with a 52 kWh pack for the Comfort Range. Both use a single‑speed reduction gearbox and drive the front wheels, with official efficiency figures between 14.8 and 15.2 kWh/100 km. WLTP range spans 307–405 km depending on battery and motor, enough for weekly commuting and errands without anxiety. Curb weight sits around 1,450–1,520 kg, which helps explain the R5’s nimble change of direction and settled ride over patchy tarmac. In practice, the 150 hp car feels notably keener at overtakes, while the 120 hp version suits relaxed urban and suburban running.

City sipper, motorway realist

In mixed urban driving the R5 is impressively frugal, often landing near its quoted consumption when traffic and temperatures cooperate. Around town, the larger‑battery car can realistically cover a few days of commuting between charges, especially with home or workplace top-ups. Sustained motorway speeds tell a different story, where aerodynamic drag trims efficiency and reduces real‑world range versus the WLTP numbers. Expect the 52 kWh version to manage roughly 160–200 km at 120–130 km/h depending on weather and terrain, with the 40 kWh variant naturally delivering shorter stretches. Planning rest stops on long journeys is wise, but for regional hops and daily duty the efficiency sweet spot is strong.

Fast top-ups and clever power tricks

AC charging at up to 11 kW covers overnight replenishment, while DC rapid charging peaks at roughly 100 kW, taking the 52 kWh pack from 10–80% in about 30 minutes. That makes mid-journey coffee stops efficient and keeps total trip time reasonable on multi-stop routes. Bidirectional capability is available, enabling vehicle‑to‑load and even vehicle‑to‑grid functionality where supported, turning the R5 into a practical energy tool at home. Everyday details help too, like a dedicated underfloor space for cables so the main boot stays clean. The regenerative braking offers a useful “B” mode for stop‑and‑go, but without full one‑pedal control some drivers will rely on the brake pedal more often.

Google on board, assists that help

Renault’s OpenR Link system with Google built‑in is one of the best at this price, with quick responses, natural voice control, and EV routing that factors charging stops. The interface is clean and predictable, and smartphone integration remains seamless if you prefer your own apps. A full set of driver assists is available, including adaptive cruise, lane centering, and a quality reversing camera that offsets the small rear window. The digital driver display is easy to read, and key climate functions stay on physical controls to reduce menu diving. Only the selector stalk layout and park logic may take a few days to feel second nature.

The right buyer, the right streets

The R5 suits city and suburban commuters who value character, low running costs, and an easy parking experience more than long‑range blasting. It targets design‑led buyers who want an electric hatchback with personality, and tech‑savvy newcomers who appreciate strong Google infotainment and practical features like bidirectional charging. Families will like the big boot for the class, but those regularly carrying tall adults or bulky rear‑facing seats should test the back row first. Frequent motorway drivers can make it work with planned fast‑charge stops, yet alternatives with bigger batteries will stretch stints further. For most urban and regional use cases, it hits a sweet spot of charm, usability, and value that’s rare in small EVs.

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Reviews

4.4 (2 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.

Costs and Consumption
Price
24,000 - 27,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-

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

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

General
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Renault

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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.