Renault 5 E-Tech
Remember the Renault 5? 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 This was replaced by the second-generation model and was eventually superseded in 1991 by the Clio.
Just on-sale, the new electric incarnation is already winning awards, including most recently, the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year award.
Underneath, this is the first electric Renault to use the company’s AmpR chassis architecture. Key to this is the underfloor battery, which ensures a low centre of gravity, along with the multi-link rear axle which equals keen dynamics. The 5 E-Tech is offered with two batteries; a 40kWh with an expected range of up to 190 miles, and the 52kWh that we’re focusing on here, which has a range of up to 252 miles depending on spec. There are also two electric motor options, offering either 120hp or 150hp. The e-motor itself is derived from the Megane E-Tech – 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 100kW (DC) charging, depending on the battery.
Firstly, it looks fantastic. Period cues 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. Other highlights include the short overhangs, large wheels, and the choice of personalisation options. Ultimately it remains faithful to the 2021 concept and retains the ‘want’ factor that went with that. It is also a shape that suits bold colours.
Inside, the 5 is modern, but its retro-futuristic design makes it feel like the latest version of the seventies original. Highlights include the distinctive air vents, the contrast stitched panel on the passenger side, and the two 10in screens for the infotainment and instruments.
The driving position is excellent, with decent space. The tombstone-like front seats, which echo those fitted in original 5s, are supportive and are attractively trimmed. Sadly, despite the long 2.54m wheelbase, rear legroom is average – and the tallest rear passengers might find their heads brushing the textured roof lining. Elsewhere, there’s a deep 326-litre boot, although the high loading lip doesn’t help the practicality.
On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech’s comfortable and composed ride impresses most. Then there’s the precise steering – although it’s not as sharp as the electric version of our current Business Car of The Year, the Mini Cooper SE. There’s also some body roll, and the handbrake setup is fiddly. Still, it’s dynamic and fun to drive.
The Renault is the most expensive of the four cars we’re looking at here, and has the highest expected depreciation. More positively, it has the lowest expected fuel cost, which helps it to a third place finish overall.
| Model | Renault 5 E-Tech Techno Comfort Range 52kWh |
| P11D | £26,930 |
| CO2 (tax) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£26 |
| Range | 248 miles |
| National Insurance | £111 |
| First year VED | £10 |
| Subsequent VED | £195 |
| Battery size/power | 52kWh/150hp |
| AFR | 7p |
| Residual value | 44% |
| Depreciation | £15,022 |
| Fuel costs | £2,937 |
| SMR | £1,744 |
| Cost per mile | 32.83p |
Citroen E-C3
Considering the price, the E-C3 impressed us with how good it is. The ‘SUV-style’ design with a taller stance equals more interior space, while the front and rear design shows off the new and distinctive Citroen family look. Despite the value price point of the E-C3, interior materials with the range-topping Max equipment grade (£1,700 more expensive than the entry-level Plus grade) don’t feel cheap.
Citroen claims the extra height of the E-C3 has boosted legroom, thanks to the angle of the seats, and it is fair to say that both leg and headroom for back seat passengers are good for a supermini.
The Citroen is the cheapest car we’re looking at here, resulting in the lowest National Insurance and depreciation figures. Its 199-mile range, although modest, puts it in joint second place with the Fiat. Elsewhere, the E-C3 is a mid-player, but because it’s so strong in many areas, it finishes top, with the lowest cost per mile figure.
| Model | Citroen E-C3 Max 44kWh |
| P11D | £23,635 |
| CO2 (tax) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £12/£24 |
| Range | 199 miles |
| National Insurance | £98 |
| First year VED | £10 |
| Subsequent VED | £195 |
| Battery size/power | 44kWh/113hp |
| AFR | 7p |
| Residual value | 42% |
| Depreciation | £13,727 |
| Fuel costs | £3,108 |
| SMR | £1,699 |
| Cost per mile | 30.89p |
Fiat Grande Panda
Another iconic model making a production return is the Fiat Panda. This car is designed to capture the look, feel, and spirit of the original – but has grown to take on B-segment rivals.
Like the Citroen E-C3, this Fiat shares the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform. As a result, the Grande Panda has tall, slim styling which suits the Panda’s boxy silhouette best, and is one of the first nods to the original.
Just like the Citroen, the Grande Panda’s interior feels spacious, as even in the back, head and kneeroom impress. Additionally, the 361-litre boot is practically shaped. This is an affordable car, but with its materials and modern design, it feels more premium than both its Citroen and Vauxhall Frontera sister cars.
Even in range-topping La Prima spec, at £23,920, it’s priced just behind the winning Citroen. However, the Grande Panda boasts the worst expected residual value of the group at 38%, which consigns it to a fourth place finish in this comparison.
| Model | Fiat Grande Panda La Prima 44kWh |
| P11D | £23,920 |
| CO2 (tax) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £12/£24 |
| Range | 199 miles |
| National Insurance | £99 |
| First year VED | £10 |
| Subsequent VED | £195 |
| Battery size/power | 44kWh/113hp |
| AFR | 7p |
| Residual value | 38% |
| Depreciation | £14,953 |
| Fuel costs | £3,097 |
| SMR | £1,838 |
| Cost per mile | 33.14p |
Mini Cooper E
The last all-electric Mini Cooper SE was fun to drive, but its 120-mile range limited its appeal to fleet. It was all change last year, with its replacement, our current Business Car of the Year, which looks great, and is brilliant to drive. Although, the Cooper’s price premium against the others here, means only its entry-level ‘E’ version, in ‘Classic’ spec is competitive.
The Cooper Electric hatch range starts with the E, which is powered by a 40.7kWh battery, and a 184hp electric motor. This is capable of a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds, and has the smallest range (just!), of 190 miles.
Minis always tend to perform well when it comes to residuals, and the Cooper’s 45% figure is indeed the strongest here, although it’s in second place for depreciation behind the winning Citroen thanks to the E-C3’s lower P11D value. The Mini also boasts the lowest SMR figure here, which helps it to a second place finish.
| Model | Mini Cooper E Classic 41kWh |
| P11D | £26,840 |
| CO2 (tax) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£27 |
| Range | 190 miles |
| National Insurance | £111 |
| First year VED | £10 |
| Subsequent VED | £195 |
| Battery size/power | 41kWh/181hp |
| AFR | 7p |
| Residual value | 45% |
| Depreciation | £14,931 |
| Fuel costs | £3,000 |
| SMR | £1,483 |
| Cost per mile | 32.35p |
