Renault 5: Good humor as standard
Sometimes a test almost makes us nervous: during the first short test drive, we thought the Renault 5 was terrific. But is our verdict still correct after a major practical test? We can give the all-clear: The new R5 really does everything right.
"I practically grew up in a green R5 for nine years," says the wife cheerfully. And the neighbor exclaims: "A car frog!" We could actually write this test report on the new R5 - officially called the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric - purely with quotes: The frog-green electric car reaps enthusiastic comments. There's no doubt about it: since Fiat's 500, no automobile rebirth has been as successful as the renaissance of the legendary R5 (1972 to 1996).
The little Frenchman leaves no one cold. Not even us in chilly March: unlike many other electric cars, the R5 doesn't heat half-heartedly. And although it keeps you nice and warm, it never runs out of range from heating, contrary to the preconception of electric cars. The standard specification for our test variant with 110 kW/150 PS and 52 kWh battery promises 410 kilometers. In the everyday test, it is always at least 300 kilometers. Not bad.
The R5 also disproves the prejudice that electric cars are too expensive: the R5 is available from 24,900 francs. Of course, our test car with more power, a large battery and medium equipment costs 34850 francs including options - not a little for a 3.92 meter car. But lifestyle costs money, and people are happy to spend far more on Mini Coopers and the like. We think so: The R5 is worth it. Because Renault has really done everything right here - and not just with the retro design.
The R5 never feels like a makeshift, but rather mature and safe. Nevertheless, it is enormous fun: a real city artist that corners and turns so effortlessly that the four driving modes are ultimately irrelevant. The R5 always puts a smile on our faces; a good mood is built in as standard, so to speak. Comfort? Like all small cars, the R5 is not a sedan, but rather has a firm and firm ride. But it remains quiet, never hurts even on bad roads, and because the electric motor gets going spontaneously, the 150 electric horsepower is always well fed.
So no disadvantages? One: the rear is cramped. The door handle in the rear window triangle is already impractical, the entrance is narrow, and inside, your knees scrape against the front seat - okay in the Agglo, but nothing more. In the front, everything is airy and comfortable. Only "Reno", the voice control avatar, is annoying from time to time when he tries to be too intentionally cool. No matter, the large displays are puzzle-free and there are even real buttons for the important things.
Autosprint conclusion: We would be very surprised if we didn't come across the new R5 very often soon. In this class, electric not only makes sense but is also great fun, and the cool French car drives as well as it looks. My compliments!
Pros & cons
Renault 5
+ Pleasant driving behavior
+ Cozy-cool furnishings
+ Very smooth operation
- Rear seat only suitable for short journeys
- Seating position not ideal for everyone
