The Renault 5: A Game-Changer in the EV Market
Fifteen years have passed since electric cars first flooded UK showrooms, and as a long-time fan, I’ve witnessed both the excitement and challenges surrounding their adoption. High prices, range anxiety, and inadequate charging infrastructure have hindered the EV revolution. However, I’m now convinced that the Renault 5 is the most credible and convincing electric car to hit the British market.
My first encounter with the all-new Renault 5 was at a secret test track last summer, where I was struck by its understated yet charming design, both inside and out. The car’s honesty and spirit won me over, and I was genuinely charmed. This sentiment was echoed by attendees at The British Motor Show, where the R5 received widespread acclaim from both the public and industry professionals. As a judge for the international Best Cars of the Year (Best COTY) organisation, I was proud to see the R5 crowned The New Car World Champion 2024/2025.
Shiro Nakamura, a fellow judge and renowned car designer, praised the R5, saying it “expresses modernity” while paying homage to its predecessor. Tim Shaw, co-presenter of TV’s Car SOS, was equally effusive in his praise. Following Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo’s invitation to take another drive, I was once again impressed by the car’s looks, feel, and performance.
With a starting price of £22,995, the entry-level R5 offers exceptional value, complete with striking Pop Green paint and 18-inch alloys. While it’s a compact hatchback that’s more suited as a 2+2 than a five-seater, the R5 boasts an on-road presence that’s unmatched in its class. I’ve rarely been moved to give a ‘highly recommended’ label to a new car in my three decades of writing for Auto Express, but the standard R5 is one of those exceptions.
The Renault 5’s winning combination of design, value, and credibility makes it a special pure-electric car for the real world. If you’re in the market for an EV, the R5 is certainly worth considering.
