The all-new Renault 5 returns as a head-turning electric supermini, blending retro-inspired design with modern comfort, smart tech, and everyday drivability writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? The Renault 5 is back — and not just in name. Reimagined as a fully electric supermini, this new version blends nostalgic styling with modern tech and everyday usability. Once the go-to car for students, first-time drivers, and families on a budget, the Renault 5 now aims to be a style-forward, practical EV for a new generation. It’s compact, clever, and carries more personality than most cars at double the price. Styling? Retro done right. The new Renault 5 is a masterclass in how to update an icon without losing its soul. At just under four metres long, it strikes the perfect balance between playful and premium. Eye-catching colours like Pop Yellow and Pop Green turn heads, while playful touches — such as the digital ‘5’ charge indicator and those cheeky, blinking headlights — give it genuine character. This isn’t just a badge revival. Where others might borrow the name and ditch the charm (hello, Ford Capri), Renault has remained true to what made the original 5 so beloved — and made it even better. Under the Bonnet? The Renault 5 Techno trim comes with a 52kWh battery and a 150hp (110kW) electric motor, delivering front-wheel drive performance and a WLTP-rated range of up to 410km. There’s also a 40kWh option offering around 300km. It’s not a performance EV, but it’s zippy, composed, and responsive — with enough punch for spirited city driving and confident motorway cruising. What About Inside? The cabin is as clever as the exterior is cool. A 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google’s OpenR Link infotainment system dominates the dash, complemented by a vivid digital instrument cluster. The gear selector is mounted by the steering wheel to free up space, though it’s a touch too close to other controls. Materials are solid, with nice touches like a padded roof liner adding unexpected comfort in this segment. Space is decent up front; the back seats feel tighter — teenagers may grumble — but for most daily uses, it’s more than adequate. And Safety? Awarded four stars by Euro NCAP in 2024, the Renault 5 covers the safety essentials well. It performed strongly in side-impact and whiplash protection, though it lost points...