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Used Renault 5 E-Tech: Buyer's Guide

The Renault 5 E-Tech is a charismatic electric supermini that invites you to embrace a new era of fun motoring, capturing the spirit of the original Renault 5 with a cabin that wraps you in modern comfort and technology. With a boot capacity of 326 litres and an efficient 52kWh battery returning up to 249 miles of range, it proves that a small EV can be both practical and desirable. Its strong residual values and practical interior make it a smart investment in sustainable driving.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Popular Trims

  • Evolution: The entry-level trim offers excellent value, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch driver display, and rear parking sensors. It covers all the basics for a modern EV experience without unnecessary frills.
  • Techno: This popular mid-range option adds practical features like a 10-inch digital driver display, wireless phone charging, and a reversing camera. It strikes a good balance between cost and convenience.
  • Iconic Cinq: The top-spec trim includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and advanced driver assistance systems. It offers a more premium feel with added comfort for daily use.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options

  • 40kWh Battery: A 120 hp motor paired with a 40kWh battery. It is the most efficient option for city driving, offering a lower entry price and sufficient range for urban commutes.
  • 52kWh Battery: A larger battery option with 150 hp. It offers extended range (up to 249 miles) and more confident performance for longer journeys and motorway driving.

Running Costs:

  • Real-world Range: The 52kWh model can achieve over 200 miles in mixed driving, while the 40kWh version is perfect for city hops.
  • Tax: Zero VED for electric vehicles currently, offering significant savings over petrol or diesel alternatives.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Practicality

The Renault 5 E-Tech is designed to be as versatile as your life demands.

  • Boot Space: Offers a generous 326 litres of space, which is impressive for a supermini EV.
  • Low Loading Lip: The low sill makes loading heavy items easy and convenient.
  • Rear Legroom: Adequate headroom and legroom ensure passengers travel in comfort for short to medium journeys.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Key Features

Key Features:

  • Infotainment: 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, offering seamless navigation and connectivity.
  • Safety: Standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
  • Comfort: Physical climate controls for easy adjustment while driving.

Desirable Options:

  • V2L Adapter: Allows you to power external devices using the car's battery.
  • Harman Kardon Audio: Delivers a premium sound experience for music lovers.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Reliability Rating

The Renault 5 E-Tech is a modern electric vehicle, but a few checks are worth making.

What to Check on a Test Drive:

  • Infotainment: Check that the Google-based system is responsive and the software is up to date.
  • Charging: Ensure the charging port opens and locks correctly and check the condition of the provided cables.
  • Suspension: Listen for any knocks or rattles from the suspension over bumps.

Used Renault 5 E-Tech Safety Rating

The Renault 5 E-Tech is a safe choice, offering modern protection for its occupants.

  • Euro NCAP: Achieved a 4-star rating in 2024, with good protection for adult and child occupants.
  • Key Tech: Standard features include driver drowsiness detection and intelligent speed assistance.

Awards for the Used Renault 5 E-Tech

  • What Car?: Car of the Year 2025.
  • Auto Express: Small Electric Car of the Year.
  • Top Gear: Electric Car of the Year.

Who is the Used Renault 5 E-Tech Best For?

  • City Drivers: The compact size and agile handling make it perfect for urban environments.
  • Commuters: The efficient electric powertrain and comfortable ride ease the daily grind.
  • Style Conscious: Drivers who want a car that stands out with its unique retro-modern design.

Key Alternatives to Consider:

  • Fiat 500e: Offers Italian flair and a stylish design.
  • MINI Electric: Provides a fun driving experience and premium interior.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Renault 5 E-Tech

What is the real-world range of the Renault 5 E-Tech 52kWh model?

The Renault 5 E-Tech 52kWh model offers a competitive driving range, designed to meet the needs of most daily commutes and longer journeys. The official WLTP range is up to 249 miles, and actual range will vary based on driving style, weather conditions, and use of climate control, but expect a usable range of over 200 miles in mixed driving. The standard heat pump helps to maximise range in colder weather by efficiently heating the cabin.

How long does it take to charge the Renault 5 E-Tech at home?

Charging the Renault 5 E-Tech at home is convenient and can be easily integrated into your daily routine. Using a standard 7kW home wallbox, a full charge (0-100%) takes approximately 7 hours and 47 minutes for the 52kWh battery, making it ideal for overnight charging so you start each day with a full battery. The cost of charging depends on your home electricity tariff and the battery size.

Does the Renault 5 E-Tech battery come with a long-term warranty?

Renault provides a comprehensive warranty for the 5 E-Tech's battery, offering peace of mind for long-term ownership. The main traction battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, typically covering battery capacity loss below 70% of its initial capacity. The rest of the vehicle is covered by a standard 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (or similar depending on market).

Is the Renault 5 E-Tech expensive to insure compared to other EVs?

Insurance costs for the Renault 5 E-Tech are expected to be competitive within the compact electric car segment. The Renault 5 E-Tech falls into insurance groups 18 (120ps) to 22 (150ps), which is reasonable for its class, though your individual premium will depend on factors such as your age, location, and driving history. It is likely to be comparable to rivals like the Fiat 500e and MINI Electric.

Does the Renault 5 E-Tech come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The Renault 5 E-Tech features advanced connectivity options to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to connect your phone without cables, and the infotainment system runs on Google software, providing native access to Google Maps and Google Assistant. These features are displayed on the responsive 10.1-inch central touchscreen.

How does the bi-directional charging work on the Renault 5 E-Tech?

The Renault 5 E-Tech features innovative bi-directional charging capabilities, adding versatility to your EV ownership. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) allows you to power external devices like laptops or camping equipment using an adapter plugged into the charging port, while V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) enables the car to feed electricity back into the grid, potentially earning you money or balancing energy demand (requires compatible wallbox and tariff). The system can deliver up to 3.7 kW for V2L and 11 kW for V2G.

Can you fit a set of golf clubs in the boot of a Renault 5 E-Tech?

The Renault 5 E-Tech offers a practical boot space that can accommodate leisure equipment like golf clubs. The boot provides 326 litres of space, which is generous for a supermini and should fit a set of golf clubs with the rear seats folded or carefully positioned. The low loading sill makes it easy to lift heavy items in and out of the boot, and folding the rear seats expands the cargo area to over 1,100 litres for larger loads.

What driver assistance features are included in the Renault 5 E-Tech?

The Renault 5 E-Tech comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver drowsiness detection, plus adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition to help reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys. Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are typically standard to aid manoeuvring.

How do I update the software on my Renault 5 E-Tech?

Keeping your Renault 5 E-Tech's software up to date ensures you have the latest features and improvements. The Google-based infotainment system supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for seamless software improvements, and updates can be downloaded and installed automatically when the vehicle is connected to the internet. You can also check for updates manually through the system settings menu.

Used Renault cars and locations