Mat’s Car of the Day: the Renault 5 is a brilliant electric car which you can buy with your head and your heart

I remember when the new Renault 5 concept was first revealed way back in 2021, and I was really hoping the production version would look even half as cool. Thankfully, it did.

It’s one of the most stylish electric cars money can buy, and after getting behind the wheel I was glad to find out it’s also a riot to drive. Here are three reasons why you should consider a Renault 5 as your next car, as well as tips on how to get the best price.

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.

Three cool things about the Renault 5

1. It looks great, inside and out

Let’s start with the obvious, just look at this thing. The Renault 5 turns heads like no other small car on the road, apart from possibly the new Honda Super-N. It looks retro and modern at the same time, and the interior is also trimmed in funky fabrics which make it a cheerful place to spend time.

2. It’s great to drive

Electric cars can feel quite heavy and dull to drive on a twisty road, but the Renault 5 is a bit of a laugh. The steering is perfectly weighted and precise, and you get hardly any body roll through the corners. It’s also comfy enough over bumps, if not quite as smooth as a Citroen e-C3.

3. You get loads of great tech

All versions of the Renault 5 come with a heat pump as standard, which is a more efficient way of warming up the cabin using less energy. Mid-spec cars and up also get an excellent Google-based infotainment system, which has apps like Google Maps and Spotify built in and is as easy to use as your phone.

Renault 5 prices and offers: how to get the best deals

Another great thing about the Renault 5 is the price, because it’s a pretty affordable EV. Prices start from just under £23,000, and you can get one for as little as £21,000 when you buy through Carwow.

I wouldn’t go for the basic car though, I’d step up to ‘Iconic Five+’ trim. This gets a larger battery, boosting range from 192 miles to 252 miles, and it gets that brilliant Google infotainment setup, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a Harman Kardon sound system.

This car usually starts from just under £26,000 with the £1,500 government electric car grant applied, but through Carwow it can be yours for £25,200.

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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