Renault 5 EV Review – The Retro Electric Car Your Mum Might Approve Of

Discover why the Renault 5 EV might just be the best retro-inspired electric car of the year. Fun, funky, and (sort of) affordable — it's a love letter to the past with all the tech of the future.

A Modern Throwback: Meet the Renault 5 EV

So apparently my mum had a Renault 5 back in the day. I was allegedly around, but I was so tiny I don’t actually remember it. What I do remember is this: she had more photos of that car than of me. And I mean the real ones — the kind you sent off to Boots, waited two weeks, and they came back with someone blinking and another person mid-sneeze. Simpler times. Weird times.

Is the Old Renault 5 Cool? Not Exactly

Let’s be honest — the original Renault 5 doesn’t look particularly cool in the photos. Think: 1980s toaster on wheels. But to my mum, it was the Beyoncé of hatchbacks. She talks about it like I imagine most parents describe their favourite (non-human) child. That’s a legacy to live up to.

Renault 5 EV Design: Retro Without the Rust

Enter the new Renault 5 Electric — a modern-day reboot of the classic. And guess what? It actually works. The styling is retro in all the right ways, minus the tetanus risk. Sharp lines, bold colours, and funky details like a neon-outline windscreen and those pixel-style square running lights give it that “I’m from the future pretending to be from the past” look.

Why Yellow Works (This Time)

Confession time: I love yellow cars. Always have. But usually, owning one comes with the specific regret of waking up and thinking, “Why did I buy a banana on wheels?” Not this time. The Renault 5 EV rocks yellow like it owns the Pantone rights. It’s vibrant, stylish, and bold without tipping into “attention-seeking lemon” territory.

Just skip the version with the massive ‘5’ plastered on the side — it looks like a marketing intern lost a bet.

Interior Review: Quirky, Confused, and Absolutely French

Inside, it’s peak French car energy. Quirky. Fun. Slightly chaotic. The seats are springy, the gear selector is in an unexpected place (is that the windscreen wiper or first gear?), and the dash says, “I studied design in Paris and I have opinions.”

But somehow, it all comes together. The dual screens are fast, responsive, and honestly feel like something you’d get in a much pricier BMW — minus the smugness. It’s got personality and polish, which is rare in small EVs.

Renault 5 EV Price and Value for Money

At £23,000, you’ll probably do a dramatic gasp. I did. But if you compare it to other small electric cars in the UK, the Renault 5 EV starts to look like a smart buy. Here’s the rundown:

Cheaper rivals? MG4, BYD Dolphin, Citroën ë-C3 – yes, but less charm.
Stylish rivals? Smart #1 (£28K) or Cupra Born (£33K) – you’ll pay extra to look slightly more smug.
Best balance of style, fun and value? Renault 5 EV, easily.

It’s not cheap, but it’s cheerful, clever, and very cool.Final Verdict: One Retro Electric Hatchback to Rule Them All?

I can absolutely see myself falling in love with this car — the same way my mum did with hers. Only difference? I’ll actually remember this one. And if you’re in the market for a small electric car with big personality, the Renault 5 EV 2025 should be at the top of your list.

Fancy owning one? Grab a raffle ticket. You might just wake up with the most stylish yellow reason to smile at your driveway.