I don’t often say this about electric cars, but I’ve been waiting to try this one for a while. Ever since Renault first dropped images of a retro-fabulous concept that looked like it’d teleported straight from a 1970s disco into a new Star Trek movie (The Roads of Khan!), I’ve been itching to tickle its torque and see if the drive matches the desire.

And the desire comes from the effortless cool of retro-execution done right. Modern enough to be Selfie-Savvy and old-skool enough to carry off the lurid leotard hues of a Fame reunion dancing on a New York Taxi’s roof (the Checker Cab not the Hybrid Camry).

So it’ll grab young attention with a woke slap to startled fresh faces, and simultaneously strum the heartstrings of GenXers reminiscing about trips in rattly old 5s to the arthouse cinema, later critiquing the monotone movies with sneering cynism between puffs of Gauloises!

And yet Renault’s most mesmerising new car almost didn’t happen. It started life in 2020 as nothing more than a cheeky design mock-up by a chap named François Leboine. A “hey, wouldn’t it be wild if…”

“Stop it, we’re not doing retro,” came the immediate dismissal. “We’re not into faux pastiches of the past!”

Mais excusez-moi avec airs, but when Le Chef Supreme happened to stumble on it, his interest was immediately piqued. “Build me a concept,” commanded CEO Luca de Meo, and the rest will become history, under the banner of “Renaulution” the company’s move to rejecting bland boxes and going for a renaissance of design. Cars with style, emotion… dare we say soul?

Let’s be honest, it’s what the EV market really needs right now (one of the only ways legacy car companies can tackle the appeal of the Chinese tech-fest upstarts, IS to fall back on heritage).

Enter the Renault 5 E-Tech.  Not just another electric city car but a statement. A throwback with an eye on the future. A nostalgia trip with a plug.

It looks so… so French! Oh… I could bust a baguette! In the metal, the Renault 5 E-Tech looks sensational. Playful. Sharp. Just the right side of quirky. It’s packed with design nods to the original – the signature headlights, the stance, the little flourishes.

There’s even a glowing “5” on the bonnet that lights up while charging. Number Five – it’s alive!!

It’s a little bigger than you’d think, and certainly dwarfs the petite original. At 3,922mm long, it’s 140mm shorter than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric, but about the same width, and slightly taller. Perfect proportions for threading through tight Parisian (or London) streets or clipping corners on your favourite B-roads (more on that in a mo).

But here’s a tip: don’t get in the back if you can avoid it. Especially if you’re tall, or have long legs… or both. Particularly both. Too tight for tallies, good enough for ISOFIXed baby seats though.

And while we’re on negatives, despite a colour palette pinched from the 70s brochure (including intense sparkle-popping green and yellow) they also offer black. Don’t get the black one. It drains the natural joy of beholding the delightful details.

Spec and Price – as cheap as a Royale with Cheese. When I first saw the concept, I thought – as most of us would – “Well that’s lovely, but it’ll probably start around 30 grand and go very north, very quickly from there.”

I could’ve choked on my “kah-fay” when Renault announced that the 5 E-Tech starts at just £22,995. I had to check twice… actually I’m checking again now as I’m writing this. And the range-topper? In the 40s you say? Nah. Still under £29k.

There are two power options. The base model gets a 120bhp motor with a 40kWh battery, offering around 190 miles of range, and a 0–62mph acceleration time of 9.0 seconds. Not slow by any means. But the one I drove – and frankly the one you want – is the 150bhp version, with a bigger 52kWh battery, 248 miles of range, and a sprightlier 7.9 second dash to 62. That puts it in warm hatch territory.

Inside, it’s more French design brilliance. Trim with flair, roof lining with squares, and Techno spec gets recycled denim upholstery. Yup, recycled Denim.

You get a widescreen setup with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen running Google’s OpenR Link system, plus a digital driver display. The tech is smart, easy to use, and doesn’t try too hard to be futuristic. Thankfully, some physical buttons still exist.

Unlike the rear, upfront, it is a little more accommodating for my lanky frame and fine for most. Boot space isn’t too bad at 326 litres, rising to 1,106 litres with the seats folded. More than enough for a trip to IKEA or a weekend away.

On the Road: Can it bogey with the best? This is where I was really hoping it wouldn’t fall flat – and it didn’t. The Renault 5 E-Tech drives beautifully. Not just “for an EV”. Just… full stop.

The ride is composed, the chassis has real polish, and the steering – while not exactly brimming with feedback – is well-weighted and sharp enough to give you confidence on twisty roads. Stick it in Sport Mode and it perks right up. The accelerator gets more responsive, the suspension firms up a touch, and – dare I say it – there’s a sense of drama. Tres bon!

No, it’s not noisy. But there’s just enough sci-fi hum and shove to keep things interesting and the tyres scrabbling for grip in that fun anarchic way. It zips about with real enthusiasm.

So, is the Renault 5 E-Tech the coolest electric car of 2025?

I think it just might be. It’s delicious to look at, good to drive, packed with amusing details, and crucially –  it’s relatively affordable. It’s got personality AND a price tag you can befriend? That’s what’s sorely missing in many of today’s electric cars.

Initially reluctant to go retro Renault might have been, but it’s nailed the vibe. However, for me, this is the amuse-bouche. And the main course – the forthcoming 530bhp Turbo E. Wowsers. This is Renault saying “you wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts!” C’est magnifique!