Renault 5 long term test: report 3
Back in January, we named the new Renault 5 as our overall Car of the Year, but now we're seeing if it continues to impress when you live with it every day...
The car Renault 5 E-Tech 150 comfort techno| Run by Claire Evans, consumer editor
Why it's here To see if the new Renault 5 impresses in everyday life
Needs to Raise a smile on rural roads at the weekends, and complete motorway commutes during the week without stress or too much expense
Mileage 6218 List price new £26,995 Target Price £26,995 Price as tested £27,395 Official range 251 miles Test range 211 miles
16 August 2025 – French fancy
I’ve been out and about in the Renault 5 again recently, this time travelling around England. One place I visited was Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, where I found some interesting parallels with the 5.
You see, while many small EVs look very similar, either with modern hatchback styling or mini SUV looks, the 5 stands out with quirky looks that are unapologetically French in many ways.
Similarly, Oxburgh Hall is made from striking red brickwork, and has a plethora of towers, turrets and terracotta chimneys. These were added to the original medieval manor house in Victorian times, making it look very different from other ancient properties.
The 5 is also an eye-catching piece of design that cleverly incorporates many features of the original, but gives them a modern twist.
There are interesting features on the inside, too. One of my favourites is the optional wicker baguette holder that can be hooked onto the passenger side of the centre console. While I don’t need to transport bread too often, it’s a useful extra water bottle holder, and a great talking point that makes people smile, just like the car’s exterior styling.
Another thing that makes me feel good is the range readout on the dash, which changes quite dramatically depending on the type of driving you’re doing. After a long motorway drive, I’ll charge the car overnight and get in it the next morning to be told I’ve got 225 miles of range. However, if I then take a gentle drive along some urban roads the range indicator will slowly rise instead of going down. After a seven-mile journey on local roads, I often return home with 235 miles showing.
Sadly that number tumbles quickly once I get back on the motorway again, but on longer trips I’ve also been impressed with the car’s voice control and the integration with Apple CarPlay on my iPhone. The voice control is responsive and understands speech well, making it easy for me to send and respond to messages without taking my eyes off the road while driving. And, when I’m using Apple CarPlay for navigation, the next direction is shown on the dash display as well as the touchscreen, which also minimises distraction.
It may have retro looks, then, but my little electric car's technology is bang up to date.
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