Should you buy one?

Ideally, you should buy two – in different finishes using the circa-200 different ways that Renault says you’ll be able to spec and personalise the 5. Then we’d all get to see this rather special little electric car on the road, as much as possible, after orders open in January 2025 and deliveries start in spring.

Okay, so it’s not faultless. That range is disappointing, the stalks are an annoyingly un-ergonomic feature in an otherwise refreshingly common-sense interior, and some may wish for greater versatility with the brake regen. But otherwise, it’s very hard to fault the little Renault, which really does feel like it’s breaking new ground by bringing real desirability and ‘want one’ factor to a very affordable, practical, everyday electric car.

What we like

The Renault 5 is comfortable and perky to drive, surprisingly roomy inside, has some neat features including V2L, V2G, a standard heat pump and the ability to tow a 500kg trailer. If estimated prices are to be believed, it’s also fantastic value, despite being one of the coolest-looking cars out there.

What we don’t like

The stalks are annoyingly close together so it’s easy to hit the wrong one, brake regen’ could be more flexible, and the real-world range proved rather underwhelming even in warm conditions. Some rivals have longer warranties, too.