The Renault 5 is one of my favourite electric cars – here are five reasons to buy one
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson loved the Renault 5 when he reviewed it, and right now there are some great deals on this funky little electric car which only boost its appeal. Here are five reasons you should consider the Renault 5 as your next car.
The Renault 5 is proof that cheap cars can also be cheerful, because it’s so packed full of character that you can’t help but smile when you look at it. Here are five things I love about this car, as well as three pitfalls to consider before taking the plunge.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Five reasons to buy a new Renault 5
1. Just look at it
The Renault 5 is an example of retro styling done right, because it looks just like the classic hatchback from the 1970s with enough of a modern twist that it’s not just a facsimile. The bright colour options help it stand out even more – I especially like it in yellow.
2. There are some great deals at the moment
The Renault 5 starts from just under £23,000, which already makes it one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. However, you can save an average of over £3,000 on this car though Carwow.
If you ask me, the Iconic Five + model is the best value. It gets the larger of two battery options, boosting range from 192 miles to 250 miles, as well as an excellent Google-based infotainment system, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats.
This model usually starts from just under £29,700, but with Carwow savings and the £3,500 government EV grant you can get one for just over £25,000.
3. The interior is fabulous
Just like the exterior, the Renault 5’s interior looks super-cool. I love the two-step dashboard and bright fabrics, and it feels surprisingly posh for such an affordable car. The Google-based infotainment system is also a doddle to use, and it has apps such as Spotify and Google Maps built-in.
4. It’s great to drive
Electric cars are usually pretty easy to drive, but the Renault 5 is also good fun. It feels agile thanks to the sharp steering, and it feels surprisingly light for an EV. The little Renault is also comfortable over bumps, and easy to manoeuvre in town. It’s so good to drive that I don’t think it’s worth spending the extra few grand for an Alpine A290 – a hot hatch which is based on the Renault 5.
5. You get a heat pump as standard
A heat pump is a really nice thing to have in an EV, because it warms the cabin by transferring heat from the motors and battery into the car rather than generating heat itself. It’s much more efficient than a traditional heater, and that helps increase the range, but it’s often an optional extra on electric cars. You get it as standard in the Renault 5 though, which is impressive in a car at this price.
Three downsides to the Renault 5
No car is perfect, and the Renault 5 is no exception. Here are three cons to consider before buying.
1. It’s not the most practical car
Even by small car standards, the Renault 5 is quite cramped in the rear seats. Kids will be okay, but for carrying adults a BYD Dolphin is a better bet. The 326-litre boot isn’t the biggest either, but if you want a similar vibe with more cargo capacity then you can check out the Renault 4 SUV. It’s basically the same car underneath, and features similar retro styling, but it has 420 litres of boot space.
2. Basic models don’t get Google integration
That brilliant Google-based infotainment system doesn’t come on the cheapest version of the Renault 5. That said, the next version is only a couple of thousand pounds more and you get the bigger battery with more range, making it better value for money.
3. Low-def reversing camera
The reversing camera isn’t the best. The picture looks like the sort of thing you’d get on a flip phone from the 1990s, and there’s no washer for it either so it gets covered in grime.
But these are small niggles which I could easily overlook. The Renault 5 looks wicked, drives nicely and it’s affordable as well.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.