The first time I saw the production version of the new Renault 5 EV in the metal, I was transported back to my childhood. My neighbor’s bright orange original Renault 5 was permanently parked on our street in the early 1980s, and as kids, we’d always peer in the windows, fascinated by its quirky dashboard and gearstick sprouting from the center console like some alien growth. Forty-odd years later, here I am in Bondi, Sydney, collecting the keys to its spiritual successor – now fully electric, thoroughly modern, yet unmistakably channeling that distinctive French charm of the original.
Renault, like many European manufacturers, has been slower to bring its EV lineup to Australia than to markets with stricter emissions regulations. But with the 5 EV, there’s a sense they’re making up for lost time, positioning this reborn icon as a genuine alternative to both conventional small cars and more expensive electric options. After a week living with it across city streets, suburban sprawl, and the occasional B-road blast, I’ve developed some pretty firm opinions on whether it lives up to both its heritage and its future-facing promises.
First Impressions: Style That Stands Out
In a sea of increasingly homogeneous vehicles, the Renault 5 EV is a breath of fresh air. Parked outside my apartment building, it drew more attention than cars costing three times as much. The design team deserves enormous credit for capturing the essence of the original without creating a slavish retro recreation. This is clearly a modern car with retro inspiration, rather than a cosplay of the 1970s original.
The proportions are spot on – compact but not tiny, with wheels pushed out to the corners giving it a planted stance. The front end, with its distinctive square headlights (complete with illuminated “5” logo within them) and the charge port hidden behind what would have been the original car’s grille, makes a strong first impression. The vertical taillights with pixelated LED elements are another clever nod to the past reimagined for the 2020s.
My test car came in what Renault calls “Pop Green” – a vibrant hue that perfectly suits the car’s cheerful character. More conservative buyers can opt for white, black, or blue options, but honestly, a car this characterful deserves a color with personality.
“We get people coming into the dealership just to look at it, even if they’re not in the market for an EV yet,” explained Sarah Chen, a sales consultant at a Sydney Renault dealership I spoke with. “It’s become a bit of a showroom star – people are intrigued by how it blends retro design with modern technology.”
The visual appeal continues with thoughtful details like the illuminated Renault logo, subtle “5” badges integrated throughout the design, and even the charging indicator displayed as a vertical bar graph on the hood – a clever reference to the original R5 Turbo’s hood vents.
Interior: Retro-Futurism Done Right
Stepping inside, the cabin successfully walks the tightrope between nostalgic touches and modern functionality. The dashboard is a horizontal sweep with fabric inserts echoing the original car, while a portrait-oriented touchscreen (10.1 inches in higher trims, 9 inches in base models) handles infotainment duties. Physical climate controls – hallelujah! – make everyday adjustments straightforward.
The steering wheel, with its slightly squared-off shape and chunky rim, feels great in the hands. Behind it sits a 10-inch digital instrument cluster that changes its appearance based on driving mode, with a distinctly 8-bit aesthetic in certain displays that reinforces the retro-futuristic vibe.
Material quality is good rather than outstanding, with a focus on sustainable materials – the seat upholstery is made from recycled plastic bottles, while some dashboard components incorporate recycled copper wiring. It manages to feel special without resorting to the fake “premium” gloss black plastic that’s become ubiquitous in modern car interiors.
“We wanted an interior that felt joyful,” Renault’s interior designer Mathieu Vergne told me during the media launch. “Too many electric cars have sterile, technological interiors that lack warmth. The original Renault 5 was a car that made people smile, and we wanted to recapture that feeling.”
They’ve largely succeeded. During my week with the car, the cabin remained a pleasant place to be, even after several hours behind the wheel. The fabric-wrapped dashboard might raise durability concerns in the Australian climate, but it certainly adds character compared to conventional plastic alternatives.
Space and Practicality: Clever Packaging
At 3.92 meters long, the Renault 5 EV sits between traditional city cars and small hatchbacks in size. The packaging benefits of the dedicated electric platform are evident in the interior space, which feels more generous than the exterior dimensions might suggest.
Front seat occupants enjoy good head and legroom, with comfortable seating positions easy to find thanks to decent adjustment range. The seats themselves strike a good balance between support and comfort – I emerged from a three-hour drive through the Blue Mountains without the backache that often plagues me in small cars.
Rear accommodation is predictably more limited, but still usable for adults on shorter journeys. At 5’10”, I could sit behind my own driving position with adequate knee room, though headroom was more marginal. Children and teenagers will find it perfectly spacious, making this a viable small family option.
The boot offers 326 liters of capacity – competitive for the class and notably more than many similarly-sized petrol city cars. The loading lip is relatively high, but the opening is wide, and the rear seats fold to create a surprisingly practical cargo area when needed. During my testing period, it swallowed a weekend’s worth of camping gear with the rear seats folded, though careful packing was required.
Storage around the cabin is generally well-thought-out, with reasonable door bins, a wireless phone charging pad, and clever use of space between the front seats. A small frunk (front trunk) provides storage for charging cables, though at just 30 liters, it’s more of a useful addition than a major selling point.
Powertrain and Performance: Two Flavors to Choose From
The Australian market receives two versions of the Renault 5 EV. The entry-level model features a 40kWh battery paired with a 110kW/215Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, offering a WLTP range of around 300km. The extended-range version upgrades to a 52kWh battery, boosting range to approximately 410km while maintaining the same power output.
My test car was the extended-range model, which strikes me as the sweet spot in the lineup for Australian conditions and distances. The 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds won’t trouble performance EVs, but it feels plenty quick enough for urban and suburban driving, with the instant torque providing satisfying response when needed.
Around Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the Renault felt perfectly suited to the environment – nippy enough to exploit gaps in traffic, compact enough to navigate tight streets and parking spots, yet substantial enough to feel secure alongside larger vehicles.
Highway performance is more than adequate, with comfortable cruising at 110km/h and sufficient reserve power for overtaking. Wind and road noise are well controlled by class standards, though not as hushed as more expensive EVs with their additional sound insulation.
The regenerative braking system offers four levels of intensity, selected via paddles behind the steering wheel. The strongest setting doesn’t quite deliver one-pedal driving, but it comes close, making urban traffic a more relaxed affair once you’ve adapted to the system. The brake pedal feel is natural – avoiding the awkward transition between regenerative and friction braking that plagues some electric vehicles.
Charging and Range: Real-World Usability
Range anxiety remains a concern for many potential EV buyers, particularly in Australia’s vast geography. During my week with the extended-range model, I averaged energy consumption of 15.2kWh/100km in mixed driving, translating to a real-world range of around 340km – about 17% less than the WLTP figure, which is fairly typical.
This proved more than adequate for a week of city and suburban use, including a day trip to the Blue Mountains, without requiring mid-day charging. For urban dwellers who can charge at home overnight, the Renault 5 EV could easily serve as an only car for most scenarios, with occasional fast charging for longer journeys.
Speaking of fast charging, the extended-range model supports DC charging at up to 100kW, allowing a 15-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes in ideal conditions. The entry-level version is limited to 80kW DC charging. Both feature 11kW AC charging capability for home and destination charging.
“The typical Renault 5 EV buyer will probably charge at home 90% of the time,” noted electrical engineer and EV infrastructure specialist Paul Whitaker when I discussed charging patterns with him. “The battery size is well-judged for this use case – large enough to avoid daily charging for most users, but not so large that you’re carrying around excess weight and cost.”
During my testing, I used a mixture of home charging on a standard 10A outlet (slow but convenient overnight) and a public 50kW DC charger, which added 30% battery in about 20 minutes during a coffee stop. The charging experience was straightforward, with the port conveniently located at the front of the vehicle.
On the Road: Genuine Character
If there’s one area where many affordable EVs fall short, it’s driving engagement. Electric powertrains often deliver impressive straight-line acceleration but can feel one-dimensional and clinical compared to the best combustion alternatives.
The Renault 5 EV bucks this trend with a chassis that feels genuinely engaging. The steering is direct and well-weighted, with enough feedback to place the car confidently. The suspension setup – MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear – is nothing revolutionary, but it’s well-tuned for both comfort and control.
Urban ride quality is generally good, though larger potholes and sharp-edged bumps can occasionally catch out the relatively firm suspension. The payoff comes on more interesting roads, where the Renault displays impressive body control and a willingness to change direction that brings to mind its rally-bred ancestor.
The weight distribution feels well-balanced for a front-wheel-drive car, with the battery’s mass kept low in the chassis. At around 1,450kg, it’s heavier than a comparable petrol supermini but lighter than many EVs, contributing to its relatively agile feel.
Different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, and Sport – adjust throttle response and steering weight, though the differences are subtle rather than transformative. I found myself leaving it in Comfort most of the time, occasionally switching to Sport when the road got interesting or Eco when range was becoming a concern.
“They’ve done a remarkable job with the chassis tuning,” commented veteran automotive engineer Michael Foster after a brief drive. “It’s not trying to be a hot hatch, but there’s a playfulness to the handling that’s missing from many electric vehicles at this price point.”
Technology and Features: Well-Equipped, Mostly Intuitive
The technology package in the Renault 5 EV is comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. The OpenR Link infotainment system is based on Android Automotive, offering Google integration including Maps, Assistant, and Play Store functionality on higher trims. The interface is generally responsive and logically arranged, though some functions are buried deeper in menus than ideal.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, as is a wireless charging pad. The sound system in my test car – the mid-spec model – was perfectly adequate if not exceptional, with clear reproduction of podcasts and reasonable musical performance.
The driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition – a good package for the price point. These systems generally functioned well during my testing, though the lane keeping could be a bit intrusive on narrower roads with ambiguous markings.
One tech highlight is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car’s battery to power external devices – anything from camping equipment to household appliances during a power outage. It’s a genuinely useful feature that adds versatility to the electric ownership experience.
“The tech implementation feels thoughtfully curated rather than overwhelming,” observed consumer technology reviewer Lisa Chen when I showed her the interface. “They’ve prioritized the features people actually use rather than cramming in gimmicks for the sake of a longer specification sheet.”
Pricing and Value: The Crucial Question
Renault Australia hasn’t officially confirmed pricing at the time of writing, but indications suggest the entry-level 5 EV will start around $42,000 before on-road costs, with the extended-range version commanding approximately a $5,000 premium.
This positioning puts it above conventional small hatchbacks but significantly below most electric alternatives. The closest competitors would be the MG4, BYD Dolphin, and GWM Ora, all of which offer similar sizing and range at comparable price points.
Where the Renault distinguishes itself is in design character, driving dynamics, and European engineering pedigree. Whether these attributes justify its likely small price premium over the Chinese alternatives will depend on individual priorities.
“The value equation looks strong on paper,” said automotive market analyst Sarah Thompson when discussing the 5 EV’s positioning. “They’re bringing genuine European design and engineering at a price point previously dominated by Asian brands. For buyers who value those attributes, it represents a compelling option.”
The warranty package is expected to match Renault’s standard Australian offering – a 5-year/unlimited kilometer vehicle warranty with an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. Servicing intervals are set at 12 months/25,000km, with capped-price servicing likely to be offered.
My Take: More Than Just a Pretty Face
After a week with the Renault 5 EV, I’m genuinely impressed by how comprehensively it delivers on its promises. This isn’t just a cynical exercise in nostalgia – it’s a thoroughly modern electric vehicle with character and capability to match its undeniable style.
The combination of practical range, engaging dynamics, and distinctive design makes for a compelling package, particularly for urban and suburban dwellers looking to make the transition to electric motoring without sacrificing personality or breaking the bank.
It’s not perfect – the firm ride might deter some, rear seat space is limited for larger adults, and some might prefer the longer range offered by larger (and more expensive) alternatives. But these compromises feel reasonable given the vehicle’s positioning and target market.
What’s particularly impressive is how the Renault 5 EV manages to channel the spirit of the original while being thoroughly contemporary. It’s not trying to be a museum piece on wheels, but rather a modern interpretation of what made the classic 5 so beloved – accessibly priced, distinctively styled, and enjoyable to drive.
For Renault Australia, which has struggled to carve out significant market share against the dominant Japanese and Korean brands, the 5 EV represents a genuine opportunity to attract new buyers to the brand. Its distinctive character should help it stand out in a market increasingly populated by competent but somewhat characterless electric vehicles.
If the official pricing lands close to expectations, the Renault 5 EV makes a strong case as one of the most well-rounded affordable electric vehicles available in Australia. It proves that the transition to electric motoring doesn’t have to mean sacrificing personality or driving enjoyment – and that’s something worth celebrating.
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