By James Stinson
The brilliant little Renault 5 is getting even better, with more range, smarter technology and a few cosmetic tweaks thrown in for good measure.
Renault’s retro-styled electric supermini has been one of the more interesting new EVs to arrive in recent years, combining distinctive looks, decent driving manners and relatively affordable pricing.
More miles from the same batteries
The big news for this newest version is improved range, without Renault having resorted to fitting larger and heavier batteries.
The 40kWh, 120hp Urban Range version can now officially travel up to 197 miles (up from 194 miles), while the bigger 52kWh, 150hp Comfort Range stretches that to 259 miles (up from 252 miles).
That might not sound transformative, but Renault has achieved the gains through improved aerodynamics around the lower body and door mirrors, along with optimised battery electronics, rather than simply stuffing in more battery capacity.
Performance remains perfectly respectable for a compact EV. The 120hp version does 0-62mph in nine seconds while top speed is 93mph.
Smarter on the road
There are some useful technology upgrades too. A new SmartMode automatically moves between Eco, Comfort and Sport settings depending on how the car is being driven. Put your foot down to overtake and it can call up Sport, before switching back to a more economical setting when you slow down again.
Inside, there’s a new cooled magnetic Qi2 wireless phone charger, designed to reduce overheating while charging.
Google’s Gemini AI is also being made available through an optional over-the-air update, allowing more natural conversations with the car’s voice assistant. The emergency eCall system, meanwhile, has been upgraded to work with newer 4G and 5G mobile networks.
More colour for the Five
Renault hasn’t messed around too much with the 5’s retro looks, which is probably wise.
New Flame Red and Shadow Grey paint colours will join the palette, accompanied by additional sticker packs and personalisation choices. Midnight Blue versions of techno+ and iconic five+ also gain a contrasting red roofline, while there are some upholstery changes inside.
The familiar four-model range continues, with evolution using the 40kWh battery and 120hp motor, and techno+, iconic five+ and roland garros+ getting the 52kWh battery and punchier 150hp motor.
Better still, Renault says prices haven’t increased. The updated Renault 5 E-Tech range starts from £21,495 on the road, including the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
Given the extra range and technology, keeping the price unchanged arguably makes what was already one of the more appealing small EVs an even stronger proposition.
