We’re happy when Business Car appears to start a trend. We say this, as the Business Car Awards were one of the first to recognise the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, which alongside Renault’s Most Improved Manufacturer title, received the ‘One to Watch’ award at the 2024 celebrations.
Since then, the Business Car judging team have been lucky enough to drive it. They think it’s thoroughly deserving of the Best Small Car and overall Business Car of The Year titles, presented at this year’s awards. This is on top of the coveted Car of the Year trophy.
Electrification in B-segment cars is nothing new to Renault, as the groundbreaking Renault Zoe (the 5 E-Tech’s indirect predecessor), was launched in the UK 13 years ago, offering an electric car that was easy to drive, with a good range for its size.
Following the Zoe’s pioneering work, Renault is now reinforcing its position as a pre-eminent electric car manufacturer, by looking to its past in terms of the iconic retro design and style, with the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.
Retro-futuristic design
Remember the Renault 5? How could we forget, after all 5.5 million of the original first-generation three- and five-door hatches were sold across five continents from 1972 to 1985. This was replaced by the second-generation model and was eventually superseded in 1991 by the Clio which carries on today, with all-new, sixth-generation models incoming in 2026.
Period design cues from the original ‘5’ include the unique charge indicator on the left-hand side of the bonnet (where an air vent was on the original), and vertical rear light clusters, echoing the original, and made slightly wider on this car. In fact, the lights and arches pay homage to the original wild rear-engined 5 Turbo.
Other design highlights include the short overhangs, large wheels, and the choice of personalisation options.
Inside, the R5 is modern, but like the outside, its retro-futuristic design makes it feel like the latest version of the seventies original. Highlights include the distinctive air vents, the contrast stitched dashboard panel, and the two 10in screens for the excellent Google-based1 infotainment and instruments.
The driving position is excellent, with decent interior space. Elsewhere, there’s a deep and practical 326-litre boot.
Ultimately, the R5 remains faithful to the 2021 concept and retains the ‘want’ factor that will continue to prove an attraction to fleets – especially as Business Car has voted this Renault the best.
Modern chassis architecture
The looks inside and out of the R5 E-Tech Electric might be retro-futuristic, but underneath it’s bang up to date, being the first electric Renault to use the company’s AmpR chassis architecture, which is optimised in the R5, for performance, with the next model being the all-new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric.
Key features include the underfloor battery, which ensures a low centre of gravity, that along with the multi-link rear axle is designed to give keen dynamics.
The Renault 5 is offered with two batteries, a 40kWh with a range of up to 190 miles2, and the 52kWh, which has a range of up to 250 miles. There are two powertrains, a 90kW version with 120hp, or the 110kW, with 150hp. The e-motor itself is derived from the bigger Megane – but it’s been reworked and is now more compact, resulting in a 15kg weight reduction.
When it comes to charging, all 5 models benefit from 11kW (AC) charging as standard, with up to 100 kW (DC) charging, for the 52kWh version. Choose the 40kWh battery, and the maximum DC fast charging is 80kW.
Fun to drive
On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric’s comfortable and composed ride really makes an impression. Then there’s the precise steering, and tidy, engaging drive. Overall, the Renault 5 feels dynamic, and fun to drive.
Value for money
Evolution, Techno, and Iconic equipment grades are available. All are well equipped, and fantastic value for money. With prices starting at £21,495, including the £1,500 electric car grant, in Business Car’s opinion, this Renault makes rivals look expensive, and as such is the best small car package for fleet drivers.
1Google, Google Play, Google Maps, Waze and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC
2WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes only. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
