The levels of expectations around reborn icons reached new heights with the anticipation around this small French classic. John Challen finds out if it lives up to the hype.

WHAT IS IT? Electric supermini | HOW MUCH? From £22,995  | RANGE? 192-252 miles | How long to charge 15-80%? 30 minutes (100kW DC charger)

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Car manufacturers often describe their latest model as ‘eagerly awaited’, but, in the case of the Renault 5 E-Tech, the hype was justified. Fans and drivers of the original Renault 5 from the 1970s and 1980s were excited at the prospect of a modern interpretation of an icon. As were the younger generations who never got anywhere near one of the classic superminis of its time. And, although the electrification of a car and bringing back an old nameplate is nothing new in the auto industry, all eyes were on the French manufacturer to come up with a formula that worked.

Another trope that is sometimes bandied around is that ‘all new cars looks the same’. Again, the Renault 5 blows this lazy observation out of the water at first glance. There are hints of both the original ‘5’ as well as the concept version of the new model, which first appeared in 2021, in the styling. Immediately, the similarities in appearance are obvious. Lighting is one of the biggest USPs with the new car, with ‘welcome’ and goodbye’ sequences, as well as an illuminated charging indicator on the bonnet.

Suffice to say, there is a real sense of fun around the Renault 5 E-Tech in everything from the colours – which include the bright Pop Green and Pop Yellow – to the driving experience. Inside, again there are nods to the classic, but also an embracing of the modern day need for technology and sustainability.

Renault has really raised its overall game in terms of product range, quality and driver appeal in recent years – and the 5 E-Tech is the latest in a long line of comfortable and sensible cabins. Recycled materials have been used alongside decent plastics and upholstery. The main 10.1-inch multimedia screen is large enough and easy to navigate – and home to Renault’s OpenR Link multimedia system that runs with Google services such as voice assistant and navigation. Operationally, both elements worked seamlessly when called upon during our time with the car, which isn’t sometimes the case with such technologies. However, the less said about the quality and positioning of the gear selector – arguably too close to the indicator stalk – the better.

There is plenty of choice for drivers in a vehicle range that starts at just £22,995 (rising to £28,995 for the range-topper). Three grades are available – Evolution, Techno and Iconic Five – and a choice of either a 40kWh or a 52kWh battery. The former offers 120hp and 225Nm of torque and enables up to 192 miles to be driven on a single charge. The larger battery model features a 150hp motor and 245Nm and a theoretical driving range of 252 miles.

Standard kit across all versions includes 18-inch alloys, automatic air-con, cruise control, rear parking sensors, full LEDs front and rear and 11kW bidirectional charging capabilities. Moving from the base model Evolution to the Techno grade adds in goodies such as a larger (10-inch, up from 7-inch) driver display, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging and rear-view camera. In the range-topping Iconic Five, drivers get heated steering wheel (one of the hottest/most effective we’ve experienced, as it happens), heated front seats, hands-free parking and blind spot warning. At every level, it’s a lot of kit for the money, which is probably one of the reasons (as well as the heritage) that Renault is looking at shifting a lot of these cars!

The power figures and zero to 62mph times (9.0 seconds and 7.9 seconds for the two versions) might not sound impressive, but outright performance is not the main aim, here. In truth, the 5 E-Tech is a lot of fun at modest speeds, rides and handles well and, as an overall package, has bags of character and charm. The small details add up to a very distinctive and desirable car – once again, it’s a Renault that hits the spot on so many levels.

The Lowdown

Renault 5 E-Tech

Key fleet model: Iconic Five

Thumbs up: Competitive pricing, exterior lighting details, interior

Thumbs down: Limited rear legroom, gear selector position

Seven-word summary: Renault puts the ‘fun’ back into functional

Also consider: Fiat 500e, Hyundai Inster, Mini Cooper Electric