In times of great turmoil and unpredictability, it’s normal for one to long for the perceived stability of the past—a past often idealised by disregarding its darker aspects. This understanding is commonly shared by politicians and car manufacturers alike, explaining the nostalgic homage to the beloved Renault 5 from the early 1980s.
Attempting to inspire a sense of nostalgia can be a gamble. BMW managed it successfully with the Mini, whereas Volkswagen fell short with the Beetle. However, Renault is in good hands, with Group CEO Luca de Meo leveraging his experience from the successful revival of the Fiat 500 in 2007, a move that effectively carried the Fiat brand forward.
There’s a certain relief for Renault since reviving the iconic 5 goes beyond eliciting a nostalgic response. It’s now a beacon of electric power, serving as a key component of Renault’s future strategy. But is a supermini with a roughly €30,000 price tag a truly representative successor to the original “affordable mobility” automobile?
For these retro-inspired cars, the design is paramount, and they must convincingly reflect the aesthetics of their predecessors. It seems that Renault has got it right. The new Renault 5 imitates the silhouette of its ancestor while boasting larger proportions and stronger lines, and looks less akin to a portable greenhouse compared to its 1980s counterpart.
Renault also incorporates modern technology into the vehicle’s design, like the conspicuous charge indicator on the bonnet, influencing the interior layout. Based on aesthetics alone, the car is a triumph. It perfectly resonates with those who first started driving with a Renault 5, those who grew up being passengers, or those who aspired to own one in the 1970s and 1980s.
The pleasant surprises extend to the on-road experience as well. Buyers can select either a front-mounted 90kW (120hp) or a 110kW (150hp) motor with either a 40kWh or a 52kWh battery pack.
Looking beyond its specifications, the car promises a fun driving experience, even if not particularly fast. In contrast with the initial wave of EVs, Renault intends to maintain a slower pace, aiming to extend the range between charging sessions.
The electric vehicle (EV) maintains its agility, mirroring the original 5 and more recent Clio, thriving in busy city settings, much like its contemporaries, the Fiat 500 and Mini. A good balance of quick throttle reaction and affirmative steering adds a pleasant driving experience. However, its performance on broader national roads tends to be more average and even somewhat lacklustre, although the ride remains comfortable.
As an EV, it outweighs the traditional superminis, tipping the scale at nearly 1½ tonnes. The weight comes not just from the sizable battery pack but also from the assortment of safety technology that was never anticipated for compact vehicles in the 1980s when airbags were viewed unfavorably.
The version we evaluated had a 52kWh battery promising a mileage of 410km when fully charged, but we managed 16.8kWh/100km during our drive in the mild September climate. This included the use of systems like climate control which consumed 3.8kWh/100km, hinting at a real-world distance closer to 300km.
This holds its own when compared with its counterparts, both retro-styled and some of the larger Chinese models, and it doesn’t pretend to be an SUV, which arguably is its biggest attraction point.
Avoiding the generic crossover isn’t a simple feat these days, but Renault manages it. The downside is some space restrictions, particularly noticeable in the back seat. To retain the maximum possible boot space, which at 277 litres is more than its competitors, compromises had to be made. But the driver’s comfort was non-negotiable, thus, a decent amount of legroom and a comfortable low-slung seat position.
The outcome is a somewhat cramped back seat. There is a notable crunch on foot space, which coupled with a narrow width and a low front seat, proves uncomfortable even for teenagers. The overall width of the back seat also poses a problem – it’s not a cosy space for three passengers.
A stronger nod to its past and a four-seater layout may have been a beneficial move for Renault, in line with previous Renault 5 versions. Consideration could also have been given to sliding back seats, allowing owners to balance legroom and boot space according to their requirements.
Do the upcoming plans include making EV charger units wheelchair-user-friendly? It’s unfortunate because, despite its shortcomings, the 5 serves as an impressive vehicle in numerous ways. It also provides an extraordinarily chic alternative to the unexcitingly dull crossover cars that are overwhelming the market. Renault intends to build on this with a reimagining of the Renault 4. However, initial views hint that it might relate less to the original, appearing more like a crossover.
Many motorists who grew up with the Renault 5 are likely to revisit their past with this contemporary version of the vehicle. Its electric nature could potentially be a less important aspect. With the 5, Renault has potentially birthed the closest competitor to the Mini in a long time. Despite the slightly high price tag, the vehicle’s nostalgic charm may convince numerous Irish car purchasers to open their wallets.