Renault 5 E-Tech Hatchback

90kW Evolution Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto [2025]

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No, we haven’t suddenly started reviewing classic cars. The Renault 5 really is back – and not just in name only.

Despite taking a break for nearly thirty years, the once popular rectangular wedge-shaped French hatchback has returned, looking somewhat familiar, albeit in a futuristic way.

Ford has brought back the Puma and the Capri, but they bear little resemblance to the classics of yesteryear.

On the other hand, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric (to give its full name) looks like it never went out of production. The continuity from the old model must be seen to be believed.

Of course, it has plenty of modern touches and appears thoroughly contemporary, but there are also respectful nods to its past.

Admittedly, Renault has appeared keen to distance itself from a bygone era, especially as this new car is all-electric, so the Renault 5’s re-emergence in the first place seems surprising.

Its revival came about by a happy accident. A designer made a mock-up that was initially rebuffed, only for the company's CEO to believe there may be some mileage in reintroducing it. And now it’s finally hitting the roads.

Believe it or not, we’ve had to wait several years to get our hands on this new one – Renault first announced its intention to build it in early 2021.

So, has four years of anticipation been worth it?

We have taken one for a drive – albeit with the steering wheel on the left-hand side – to find out.