The Renault 5 E-Tech has secured the top spot in the UK Car of the Year awards, but can it live up to its promise as a practical and reliable family car? We're putting this £25,945 electric vehicle through its paces over three months, testing everything from school runs to long weekend journeys. Our review will reveal the truth behind its energy consumption, running costs, and battery range in real-world driving conditions.
The review is now underway with an Iconic Five+ specification, which has arrived just as our reviewer's family has moved into a new home with a driveway and wallbox charger. This change means they no longer rely on public charging networks, but it also puts the Renault 5 under intense scrutiny as their sole mode of transport due to a previous car incident.
The Renault 5 E-Tech comes in three distinct tiers: Evolution (£21,495), Techno+ (£23,495), and Iconic Five+ (£25,945). The entry-level model features a 40kWh battery with 120hp, 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, and a range of 192 miles. The mid-range Techno+ boasts a larger 52kWh battery with 150hp, 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, and an extended range of 252 miles.
The top-tier Iconic Five+, priced at £25,945, shares the 52kWH battery and performance figures with the Techno+ but adds diamond-cut alloy wheels, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, and hands-free automatic parking. Notably, the 52kWh models qualify for a higher UK Government Electric Car Grant of £3,750 compared to the £1,500 incentive for the 40kWH Evolution model.
Our comprehensive assessment will cover routine school runs, longer weekend journeys, energy consumption, and overall running costs. We'll also examine how the Renault 5 integrates into family life, providing valuable insights for potential buyers considering this compact EV.