As my time with the Renault 5 E-Tech draws to a close, I wanted to pen my thoughts after three-months, and over 1,200 miles behind the wheel.

I already knew it was my favourite ‘Small Car,’ and in my opinion, was in with a shout for the top prize of Business Car of The Year 2025, before judging. However, it wasn’t just down to me - there were another four judges to convince! 

As it turned out, like me, the judging panel of fleet professionals, were also were fans of the 5’s retro-futuristic design inside and out. The modern AmpR chassis architecture, offers a keen, but comfortable ride. A choice of 40 and 52 kWh batteries, with Renault claiming the 52 kWh version is capable of a range of 250 miles. 

Anyway, the Renault 5 E-Tech went on to win both accolades at the sadly now defunct Business Car awards. As a result, Renault kindly offered a 52 kWh 5 E-Tech long-termer, which arrived in November last year.

An entry-level techno+ model, finished in one of the two most distinctive colours available on the ‘5’ - Pop Green. The techno+ includes niceties such as the excellent, Google-based, infotainment and navigation system.

Despite its ’25’ plate, our car had already seen press office and previous long-term service, and as a result, it had already covered over 10,000 miles when it arrived on my drive. 

There were a couple of small marks on the body, and the new smell might have gone. However, despite its likely hard work, HV25XOK wore its miles well. This Renault is a car that makes you smile — the Pop Green shining brightly — even as the days got shorter! And so, even eight-months after its UK launch, it wasn’t difficult to not fall for this Renault. 

First trips were mainly around town, where this Renault’s compact proportions, light steering, and rear camera, made it easy to park in urban spaces. On the move, the comfortable and composed ride, the supportive standard front seats, decent driving position, and peppy performance all impressed. 

Other drivers were interested in the ‘5’ when I parked, with many questions asked. Even other ‘5’ owners seemed quite sociable, choosing to park with our car, and keen to chat. In fact, I hadn’t experienced this amount of good feeling towards a new car since my first BMW MINI in 2002! 

The fact it looked great, felt special to be in, and was good to drive, meant I could look past the 5’s issues, of which there were a few. Firstly, I never got anywhere near its claimed 250 mile range. Highest was 184 miles, which was where it stayed until temperatures dropped into the minus. Then 155 miles was the norm, before recovering to 184 miles, as the weather got warmer. Still, it was no worse than the MINI Cooper SE I had at the same time last year. In fact, the Renault seemed more efficient. 

Then there’s the compromised rear space, which both my tall teens moaned about, but was no worse than the MINI Aceman I had previously, and fine for the school run, and short trips. Finally, there was the fiddly gear stalk, but after more time behind the wheel, it quickly became second nature.

Longer trips were no issue either, apart from having to watch the range, and stop for charge where necessary! When it comes to charging, all 5’s benefit from 11kW AC charging as standard, equalling a 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes.

The Renault 5 E-Tech is one of a few new cars that thoroughly deserves all its awards, and I think is great value (£23,495), no wonder it was so easy to wind 1200 miles on to the clock - just wish I could have kept it for longer.

Similar cars that may interest you

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Post by

Martyn Collins

Mini Cooper E/SE

From £26,905 outright / Lease £200–£250 p/m | BIK 3% (25/26) | PROS: Stylish, Quality | CONS: Small, Expensive.

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Post by

Martyn Collins

Citroen e-C3

From £ 201 p/m | BIK 3% (25/26) | PROS: Lower cost | CONS: Less stylish than a Mini or Renault 5.