New Renault 5 E-Tech Electric – Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Electric Driving.

New Renault 5 E-Tech Electric – Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Electric Driving.

Reincarnating an icon is never easy to do, but that’s what Renault has done with the rebirth of the Renault 5. The original Renault 5 was an iconic piece of distinctive design that gave millions of people great enjoyment in simpler times in the 1970s up to the 1990s. Effectively the all-electric, all-new Renault 5 replaces the Renault Zoe, with the retro-inspired styling to shape a model designed for the modern motoring world. Just like the original Renault 5 did, the new car successfully blends style, versatility and affordable motoring.

Three Trim & Two Battery Options.

There are three trims available in the new Renault 5 E-Tech: Evolution, Techno and Iconic Five, and it is currently available with two battery options. First up is the 40kWh battery with a driving range of up to 300km and a power output of 120hp, and this is joined by a 52kWh version with a range of up to 410km and a power output of 150hp. The car can be charged at a maximum rate of 11kW (AC) via a wallbox charger, or at up to 100kW (DC) for a 15% to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes at a public fast-charge station.

Resolutely Modern Look.

The new Renault 5 E-Tech looks absolutely fantastic from every perspective, and it never fails to attract admiring glances when parked-up, or when in traffic. With its dynamic and daring range of colour options and its cheeky look, the new 5 E-Tech revisits and reinvents many of the details of its 1970s predecessor, with wheel arches that widen its unique profile, just like the original Renault 5 Turbo. Designed and engineered to be at the forefront of the modern era, the new 5 possesses lots of charm, charisma and desirability. The striking front end design really makes the new 5 stand out from the crowd, and its square-shaped LED daytime running-lights and sporty bumper look amazing. Ingeniously, the illuminated ‘5’ logo on the bonnet is located where a vent used to be on the original 5, and it indicates the battery level when charging, or when approaching the car with the key in your possession. The resolutely modern vertical rear lights add a stylish touch to the car’s aerodynamic profile, and they are reminiscent of the original 5’s stacked light cluster. The new car’s distinctive silhouette is defined by a sloping rear window and rounded, sweeping lines – details which also hark back to the original 5. 

Retro-Inspired Cabin.

Inside the cabin, the retro look continues, as the designers have carefully hand-picked classic design elements and combined them with modern tech to create something that is instantly recognisable as a Renault 5. The dashboard, with its ribbed stitching, clearly takes inspiration from late versions of the first-generation Renault 5, and the large screen features a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Google built-in, and a separate digital driver display that is either 7-inches in the ‘Evolution’ model or 10.3-inches on the higher trims. All models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and physical buttons for climate control to reduce driver distraction. Boot space is respectable with 326-litres available, with a separate 41-litre space under the floor for the charging cables, or electronic devices that need to be kept out of sight when parked. Boot space can be expanded to 1,106-litres with the rear seats folded down. The seats in the new Renault 5 are at the cutting edge of modernity. They come in various upholstery options depending on the trim level, with sustainable materials like 100% recycled denim and plastic bottles being used. The seats are designed with a retro-futuristic “H” shape, inspired by the original model, and are supportive and comfortable. Specific features vary by trim, with the ‘Iconic Five’ having heated seats with a mix of recycled textile and synthetic leather, and the ‘Evolution’ and ‘Techno’ trims having different recycled fabric options.

Advanced Safety Systems.

While the original Renault 5 measured approximately 3.5 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width, and 1.4 metres in height, the all-new Renault 5 offers dramatically increased dimensions in every direction. The car’s overall length now stands at 3.92 metres, with the width and height coming in at 1.77 metres and 1.5 metres respectively. The new 5’s wheelbase stands at 2.54 metres, and this represents an increase of 146mm over the original 5, but it is the weight category that the biggest difference can be seen. While the original 5 tipped the scales at just 760kg (pretty much the norm back in the day), the new 5 weighs between 1425kg and 1525kg – depending on the specification chosen. This is an indication of just how far cars have evolved during the intervening decades, with advanced powertrain technology and safety systems mainly responsible for the increased mass. When it comes to safety, Renault’s ‘humans first program’ is divided into 3 categories: advanced driver-assistance systems, safety features, and passive safety. Depending on the model chosen, the new Renault 5 features up to 26 advanced driver-assistance systems, as well as devices developed by Renault to help you drive more efficiently.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a new Renault 5 E-Tech 52kWh ‘Iconic Five’, which was finished in gorgeous Pop Yellow! paintwork with a contrasting black roof and red trim line for maximum visual impact. The range-topping ‘Iconic Five’ model comes complete with a generous array of comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment systems as standard. No matter where your journey takes you, the one thing you can be sure of is that the car drives beautifully. The ride is composed, and the car feels well-planted when negotiating tight bends and sharp corners, with plenty of power and torque available – even in ‘normal’ mode. However, select ‘Sport’ mode and the accelerator becomes even more responsive, and the suspension firms up in order to accommodate a spirited driving experience. The steering is well-weighted and instantly responsive to driver inputs, and is also sharp enough to give you confidence when overtaking or changing direction. The car will cruise smoothly and quietly along urban roads, while even at motorway speeds it remains comfortable, refined and thoroughly enjoyable.

Verdict & Price.

The amazing new Renault 5 E-Tech is one of the most distinctive EVs in its market segment, and it is easy to see why it is sure to be a big hit for the Renault brand. It is a great value proposition too, with prices starting from just €25,995 – including VRT Relief and an SEAI Grant for private buyers.

Since writing this review, the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Irish Car of the Year 2026 in association with Continental Tyres‘. It was also awarded the title of ‘Irish Compact Car of the Year 2026, in association with Continental Tyres‘. A worthy winner indeed!

Visit www.renault.ie for further information.