Renault 5 E-Tech 2026 long-term review – third report
It happened again yesterday. Twice now, while navigating the Surrey suburbs, I’ve had a cheery wave from a fellow Renault 5 driver heading in the opposite direction. This kind of car-based camaraderie was the norm when I drove an original Mini, and I know folk with classic Land Rovers do the same. I’ve never experienced [...]
Following a recent heatwave, the Renault 5 E-Tech 2026 remains a striking sight on the Surrey roads, with many examples painted in vibrant Pop Green or Pop Yellow. The driver, reflecting on the camaraderie shared with fellow Renault 5 enthusiasts, noted that this car-based bonding was commonplace in the past, particularly with classic Mini and Land Rover models, but not within the EV community.
The Renault 5's popularity has risen significantly, rising 19% in UK sales last month, cementing its position as one of the top 10 best-selling EVs in the country. The model's distinctive appearance is highlighted by its eye-catching paint jobs, with the author’s Midnight Blue model particularly highlighted with its ability to showcase dust when washed. New cosmetic options for the R5 include gold wheels, a star-patterned roof, grey roofline stripes, and Flame Red paint, evoking the aesthetics of the 1990s Clio Williams.
In terms of performance, the mid-life update has improved the car's range from 252 miles to 267 miles by replacing the 40kWh battery in the entry-level 5 Evolution with a 36.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery from the Twingo. However, the author acknowledges that the range is not consistently delivered, typically offering 215-220 miles with an average consumption of 4.4 miles per kWh.
Inside, the Iconic+ cars will feature blue and grey seats instead of the original yellow seats, and the Multi-Sense button on the steering wheel has been replaced with an auto-switching system for Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual modes. Despite these changes, the R5 has proven to be an enjoyable and reliable vehicle for the author, with its multi-link rear axle providing eager turn-in and taut yet controlled damping.
The car's charging capabilities are significantly more affordable using overnight electricity compared to public EV chargers. While there are minor issues such as the Renault 5’s voice-activated AI assistant and scuffed center console plastics, the overall experience remains positive.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
