The Renault 5 is the UK’s best-selling electric car, and Renault wants to keep it that way.
Two years into its lifespan, the Renault 5 has been updated with a host of subtle changes. Given the car’s success, it was never going to be a drastic revolution, but these nips and tucks should be enough to keep the award-winning 5 ahead of the chasing pack of small electric cars.
First up are two new paint colours, called Flame Red – which matches the Rebel Red shade offered on the mechanically identical Nissan Micra – and Metallic Schist Grey. There are new decals and customisation options for the roof and mirrors, and high-spec models can now come with gold alloy wheels if you tick the right box.
The updated 5 comes with redesigned mirrors and side skirts, which have helped to boost range. Urban Range 40kWh cars offer three miles more than before, at 196 miles, while the more popular Comfort Range 52kWh battery jumps from 255 to 267 miles.
In the next few weeks, the 40kWh battery is set to be replaced by a 36.5kWh battery borrowed from the equally captivating new Renault Twingo. Whereas the 40kWh battery uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry, the Twingo’s battery uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate). LFP is a more energy-dense battery type, so its smaller capacity doesn’t dramatically affect the Urban Range’s… range.
Despite dropping from 120 to 110hp, this new powertrain still seems to be very nippy. Renault quotes a 0-31mph time of just 3.5 seconds. It’ll also fast-charge at 80kW and slow-charge at 6.6kW, which is a bit less than the current car’s 11kW maximum AC rate.
We should find out soon whether this new battery means a lower entry price for the 5, which currently starts at £21,495 after the electric car grant is applied.
Inside, the MySense drive modes button has been replaced by a new smart driving mode, which reacts to your driving style. Renault gives the examples of the car going into sport mode when you overtake a slower vehicle, or going into eco mode when you’re slowing down to a village. You can still manually toggle the modes through the touchscreen or by using the voice assistant.
The French brand has wisely kept the nods to the classic Renault 5 models – the padded dashboard, two-tier layout and the seat upholstery are all inspired by past models. But the rest feels thoroughly modern, with two 10-inch screens featuring Renault’s impressive OpenR Link infotainment system that has Google software baked in.
Having Google Maps built in means you can easily plan charging stops on longer journeys, and it’ll also estimate how much battery you’ll have left when you arrive and how long the charge might take. The Google Play function gives you access to over 50 apps, which allow you to catch up with news, watch films, listen to music and even learn about local tourist destinations – while the car is stationary, of course.
The voice assistant is gaining Google’s Gemini AI power – which can be used in a more conversational way than the previous system.
Other interior revisions include blue seats instead of yellow for top-spec Iconic Five models, and a new wireless phone charger that’s magnetic and cooled.
As before, Evolution trim features 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, LED lights all round, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and auto air conditioning. Mid-range Techno gets a rear-view camera, wireless phone charger, a fully digital instrument cluster and adaptive cruise control. Iconic Five trim adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, self-parking tech and extra safety features.
For a bit of extra personalisation, 3D-printed accessories are available – including extra storage cubbies and even a clip-on baguette holder for top tongue-in-cheek points.
Rivals to the Renault 5 include the Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV2, Mini Cooper, Peugeot e-208 and Renault's own 4.
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