The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has been monumental in the automotive industry. However, despite the increasing variety of electric cars, a significant issue remains: cost. Many new electric cars come with hefty price tags, making it difficult for many to consider making the switch to electric. The answer to this challenge might just be the new Renault 5, an electric car that offers both excellent performance and affordability. Here’s why we believe it’s the best new car launched in the past 12 months.
The Return of a Classic: The New Renault 5
The original Renault 5 was a revolutionary small car that made waves when it was first introduced in the 1970s. Now, after more than 50 years, Renault has resurrected the name for a fully electric model. But while the new Renault 5 stays true to the spirit of the original—offering an affordable and versatile small car—it has been fully re-engineered for the modern era.
The Renault 5 stands out in a crowded EV market, especially for those seeking a balance of style, practicality, and affordability. It competes with other small electric vehicles such as the BYD Dolphin, MG4, Citroën EC3, Hyundai i10, Mini Cooper Electric, and Fiat 500 Electric. However, the Renault 5’s unique features make it one of the most attractive options in this segment.
Sleek and Practical Interior Design
When you step inside the new Renault 5, you’re greeted with a modern, functional interior. One of the standout features is the two large digital displays, which offer a high-tech feel. The first display is the digital drive display, which provides essential information like speed, battery charge, and trip data. This screen comes in different sizes depending on the trim level—7 inches for the base model and up to 10.3 inches in the higher trims.
Alongside this display is the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Whether you’re on the entry-level Evolution trim or the top-spec Iconic 5 trim, the touchscreen is consistently a large, well-placed feature, angled slightly toward the driver for ease of access. Renault has prioritized usability by including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. In the higher trims, you also gain access to Google Maps and Google Assistant, making navigation and voice commands even more seamless.
What sets the Renault 5 apart from other EVs is the thoughtful climate control design. Unlike other small electric cars that hide climate controls in a touch interface, the Renault 5 features a panel of physical buttons for easy temperature and fan speed adjustments, minimizing distractions while driving.
Interior Quality and Materials
Although the Renault 5 is one of the more affordable electric cars on the market, it doesn’t feel cheap. While you’ll find some hard plastics throughout the cabin, the overall interior design and materials have a high-end feel. The dashboard features attractive materials, and even the entry-level models come with a bright and cheerful color scheme.
In higher trims, such as the Iconic 5 and Techno models, the seats are made of a denim-like fabric spun from recycled plastic bottles, contributing to the car’s eco-friendly appeal. The interior layout is also ergonomic and well-thought-out, providing ample space for taller drivers despite the car’s compact size.
Roomy Yet Compact: The Renault 5’s Size
The Renault 5’s dimensions place it in a unique position in the small car category. It’s longer than the Mini Cooper Electric but shorter than the Peugeot e-208. While it’s not the most spacious car in the backseat area, it still provides enough room for occasional adult passengers. The rear seats may feel a bit cramped if you’re 6 feet tall, but for short trips, the car is perfectly usable.
As for the trunk, it offers enough space to fit four carry-on-sized suitcases, which is impressive for a car of this size. While some competitors, like the Citroën EC3, offer a bit more boot space, the Renault 5’s trunk is more than adequate for daily use. There’s also convenient additional storage under the boot floor to store your charging cables.
Electric Powertrains: Efficiency and Performance
The Renault 5 offers two different powertrain options, both of which focus on efficiency. The entry-level version, the Renault 5 120, is paired with a 40 kWh battery and offers an official range of up to 193 miles. The more powerful Renault 5 150 comes with a 52 kWh battery and has a range of up to 253 miles on a full charge.
While the 120 model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9 seconds, the 150 model improves that to 7.9 seconds. Both versions may not be the quickest in the market, but their performance is more than sufficient for everyday city driving, especially considering their focus on being urban-friendly vehicles.
Handling and Driving Experience
Where the Renault 5 really excels is in its driving experience. It features a tight turning circle of just 10.3 meters, making it highly maneuverable in urban environments. The steering is light yet precise, and the car’s suspension is well-tuned to offer a smooth ride over both rough city streets and twisty country roads.
Despite riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the Renault 5’s ride comfort is impressive. It handles poorly surfaced roads better than many of its competitors, like the Citroën EC3, offering a composed and controlled ride even on undulating country roads.
One of the highlights of the driving experience is the car’s braking system. It uses a “brake-by-wire” system, which might sound intimidating, but it makes it easier to slow down smoothly. Unlike many electric vehicles, where the brakes can feel grabby, the Renault 5’s brakes are progressive and easy to manage, making city driving more relaxed.
Price: Affordable for the Masses
While electric vehicles are often associated with premium price tags, the Renault 5 breaks that trend by offering a much more affordable option. The base model starts at around £22,000 ($28,000), making it one of the more budget-friendly electric cars on the market. Even the higher-end Iconic 5 trim, which includes more premium features, comes in at an accessible price point for a fully electric car.
Conclusion: Why the Renault 5 Is the Best New Electric Car of 2024
The new Renault 5 has everything you need in a small, affordable electric car. It combines retro charm with modern technology, offering an attractive, well-designed interior, impressive performance, and excellent value for money. The Renault 5 may not have the largest battery or the fastest acceleration, but it excels in providing a well-rounded package that meets the needs of everyday drivers. If you’re looking for a small electric car that offers style, practicality, and affordability, the Renault 5 is the one to watch in 2024.