Renault 5 E-Tech - Cars Collection

The Renault 5 doesn't really need a long introduction. When it was launched in the autumn of 1971, it quickly became a success - a charming little car with a design that stood out and innovations that were ahead of its time. In fact, it was the first car to feature plastic bumpers at both the front and rear. Its siblings, the Renault 15 and 17, had previously had plastic bumpers at the rear only, but now the Renault 5 had them both front and rear.

The model was produced in two generations until 1996, and over the years it had everything from 40 horsepower in simpler versions to 160 hp in the legendary Renault 5 Turbo.

Now it's back. The third generation Renault 5 is all electric - and full of personality. I got to experience it first-hand during the Swedish media test drive back in May 2025, where I photographed the car for Renault Sweden and helped other journalists with images. Unfortunately, I forgot to publish my own article afterwards due to memory problems following my motorcycle accident in 2022. But it's a car that deserves attention - even in retrospect.

The pictures of the green Renault 5 in the Old Town of Stockholm I took specifically for Renault Sweden. And now, revisiting the experience, I realise: Renault 5 E-Tech is just as fun as you hope it will be.

I've always been a fan of electric cars - and the Renault 5 fits that mould perfectly. It's small, easy to drive, agile and also really stylish. The driving feel is lively, the steering direct and the comfort surprisingly good. Despite its compact dimensions, the cabin feels spacious, and it's not particularly expensive either. For those who live in the city or a little outside and are thinking of making the step from bike to car, Renault 5 is an obvious choice.

Renault has really dared to play with its heritage. A small French flag adorns the top of the headlamp, and a stylised rooster appears at the bottom of the windscreen - a new feature for all Renault models. On the bonnet there's a black plaque with an illuminated number 5 indicating the battery status - a charming detail. And yes, the baguette holder is real. French with a twinkle in its eye.

The infotainment system sits in an instrument cluster reminiscent of an old radio - stylish retro design meets modern function. The 10-inch touchscreen controls most things in the car, but Renault has wisely kept three physical buttons for power and volume control. Below the screen is a compartment for wireless mobile phone charging, and around the steering wheel are three levers: gear, wiper and stereo. Personally, I would have liked to see fewer levers - but that's a matter of taste.

The Renault 5 E-Tech is intended as a city car, not a long-distance vehicle. The 52 kWh battery version provides up to 410 kilometres of range, while the smaller 40 kWh version is good for around 300 kilometres. For daily commuting in the city and overnight charging at home, this is more than enough. Compared to the previous Renault Zoe, the 5 is a real step forward - both in design, safety and driving feel. Renault has really struck the right balance between nostalgia and the present.

I'm already looking forward to the upcoming Renault 5 Turbo. Those of you who read CarsCollection.com may remember my article about Volkswagen Golf and Lamborghini Countach both turned 50 last year. The owner of the Countach also owns an original Renault 5 Turbo - and I hope to photograph that car alongside the new electric Turbo version when it arrives in Sweden.

In conclusion, I must show my friend Tom Bertlings Renault 5, which he recently put his stamp on - just as I would have done myself if I had bought one. The car is lowered by H&R springs for the right posture and rolls on stylish Compomotive Wheels MO6 with 5 millimetre spacers, mounted by WEVO. Wrap zone has also contributed tinted windscreen and windows, darkened headlights and a subtly tinted Renault logo at the front. A modern interpretation with a perfect balance of nostalgia and attitude.