Lastly driving dynamics. Car really doesn't have any appreciable pull. Same as the Honda E. But it is very quiet with respectable road noise. The Renault 5 really does feel like it is well put together and when driving, I didn't hear any rattles or squeaks that usually are found in cars in the sub £30k bracket. One thing that was really disappointing is that it is not true 1 pedal driving, the car will not come to a complete standstill. Also the turning circle is noticeably worse than the Honda E, the Honda E is rear wheel drive so the front wheels can basically go 90, the Renault 5 just cannot compete with this. The Renault 5 also doesn't have many cameras, just a sole rear camera. I don't know how many of you reading know Marlow bridge, but the bollards there are diabolical and I am thankful every time I cross using the Honda E full 360 and fender/front wheel cameras to cross. The Renault also didn't make to many beeps, my Honda E loves to tell me about lane departure which I've gotten use to but no such annoyance from the Renault 5. I really didn't like the Renault 5 steering wheel, they should've just kept it round, this is not a race car and I much prefer a round steering wheel.

 

Great pics. So many lovely references to the original and Mk2 in the interior (plus a definite '80s SNCF vibe in the textured grey felt roof!) I desperately want one of these but not going to be a practical choice for me for many years...

 

It looks lovely both inside and out. Of course, it may be less alluring to a younger generation who have never seen a 5 in the flesh.

Price is still an issue so for renault to really make a dent they need to be a bit more agressive in that category.

That being said, Renault seem to make some very convincing EVs so they are on the right track.

 

"Price is an issue", really? For the spec, quality and detailing it is a bargain when compared to what else is out there.

As for Renault needing to be a bit more aggressive "for them to make a dent", you honestly haven't a clue, this car is literally flying off the shelves!

"On the right track" lol!

 

Thanks for the photos. It looks nice but it's a shame it can't match the Honda for tech. As you say the cameras are really useful, and the wing mirror ones make it feel very next-generation. If they added a DVR function with parking mode it's hard to imagine a better setup.

 

Interesting comparison and good review thanks for posting, but personally I would not even swap my Zoe for a Honda E. I find the looks challenging to say the least, ok the Zoe is no looker but the Honda just looks weird to me, and RWD means it a definite no no, no matter how good it is. Also Don't know if they have improved the range but a friend had one and struggled to get over 100 miles on a charge, I get over 200 even off my crappy Zoe. The Honda has just too many compromises for me, RWD, interior / boot space, range and mainly looks. What car seems to agree with me awarding just 2 stars and they actually like the look of it too !!
Honda E Review 2025, Price & Specs | What Car?
Obviously that's subjective but its the main draw for me. So a lightly used R5 would probably be next, Or maybe even a Dacia Spring if I went new, Only do 2000 miles a year if that going to the gym and the shops meaning I last charged the Zoe on 11th January and still have 25% and 51 miles left 6 weeks later. I am not even that keen on the Alpine either and its too much for what I would use it for so that's out too. I also have a rather faster ICE car still so am happy with the Zoe doing the donkey work for now.
Still if your happy with it, what ever it is and it works for you that's all that ever matters I guess...

 

That's exactly it, you got to pick the car that suits your particular set of needs. I knew exactly what I was getting with the Honda E and it has served it's purpose faultlessly. I've put over 12000 miles on it in 12 months without ever having to use a DC charger. I obviously analysed my journey types and knew that 100 miles of range (Summer I do actually get 120) would be sufficient. I can't think of a time where I suffered with range anxiety as charging the car where and when needed is just part of my day. In terms of looks, the looks were 100% the reason I bought the car I think it is ageing very well, it is actually one of the concerns I have with the R5, I feel the shape will not age nearly as well as the Honda E (But this is not measurable and all subjective).