Test drive: High 5 Renault for this modern classic

Retro rides are big business with manufacturers drawing on past favourites to drive new, modern electric cars into the future.

Some new electric cars share an old name but are very different characters to their predecessors but full marks to Renault which has nailed it with the revived 5.

The new pure electric version clearly harks back to the original 5, which came to the end of the road in 1996 after two generations spanning nearly a quarter of a century.

The modern silhouette shouts Renault 5 and it picks up design cues including high-rise tail lamps and that old bonnet air intake is now a battery charge indicator on all but the entry model.

Most importantly, this fresh-faced 5 is fun to drive and full of charm. No wonder it was voted this year’s European Car of the Year.

There are currently three trim levels – entry Evolution, mid-range Techno and Iconic 5 top model – but a tennis-inspired special edition Roland Garros is available to order now and arrives later this year.

Evolution is offered only with a 120hp electric motor and 40kWh battery with this urban range version having a range of up to 192 miles on a single charge.

Most owners will go for Techno and Iconic 5 which also get a 150hp electric motor and 52kWh comfort range battery for a range of up to 252 miles.

Even the entry model includes appealing features – cruise control and speed limiter, auto high beam, lane departure warning, air conditioning and 18in diamond-cut alloy wheels.

I could happily live with Techno which includes LED front and rear lights, reversing camera, a bigger 10.3in digital driver information display on top of the central 10.1in connected multimedia system, adaptive headlights and a wireless smartphone charger to highlight just a few tempting enhancements.

It also features Google built-in with more than 50 apps and advanced connected services and ‘reno’, the official Renault avatar, a virtual driving assistant to make journeys easier and more entertaining.

While the infotainment system works well, I like the separate row of heating and ventilation system controls below the touchscreen which are easier to use on the move.

Step up to Iconic 5 and gains include heated front seats and heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and lane centring, blindspot warning and handsfree parking.

The 150hp electric motor gives brisk performance, with 0-62mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 93mph, which is more than enough for most situations. Eco mode is great for urban driving, sport for ultimate performance and there are also comfort and customisable ‘perso’ settings.

A light foot benefits economy and the 52kWh battery takes five hours 11 minutes to charge from 15 to 80% on a 7.4kW home charger and 30 minutes using a rapid public charging station.

Those 18in diamond cut alloy wheels, in various styles depending on model, look great filling out the wheelarches but ride comfort is not sacrificed even on poor urban roads thanks the well-sorted, supple suspension.

The Renault 5 handles well on twisty roads and the steering has plenty of feel, compared to the lifeless, overlight set-up on some EVs, and weights up in sport mode. It is not heavy at parking speeds and a 10.3m turning circle helps make the Renault 5 very manoeuvrable.

Front-seat occupants enjoy a feeling of space in comfortable wrapround seats, helped by a clear centre console as the gear lever is behind the steering wheel, and average-sized adults fit in the back of this five-door, five-seat supermini.

The 326-litre boot, one of the biggest for an electric supermini, is well shaped but has a high lip. Rear seats fold 60/40 for larger loads.

Five colours include eye-catching yellow and green alongside midnight blue, black and white and there are roof personalisation design options.

The Renault 5 is affordably priced from £22,995 to £29,995 for the special edition Roland-Garros flagship.

Renault has to be applauded for reinventing the 5 hatchback as a pure electric supermini. It has a modern look and feel but retains the characterful charm and fun factor that made the original such a much-loved supermini.

High 5 Renault!