Invicta Motors · Renault
Renault 5: reviews and awards
Award-winning design, driving enjoyment and technology that reviewers love. Here’s how Renault 5 E-Tech electric earns its place alongside the UK’s leading small EVs.
Why the Renault 5 stands out
- Major 2026 wins: UK Car of the Year and Autotrader’s New Car of the Year.
- Strong review scores: 4.5/5 from Auto Express and 9/10 from Carwow, matching the highest ratings in our five-car comparison.
- Enjoyment meets everyday use: reviewers praise its character, driving manners and cabin technology.
A small car with a big reputation
Why the Renault 5 keeps winning
A distinctive design can put a car on your shortlist. The Renault 5 backs it up with the qualities you notice every day: how it feels on the road, how easily you use the controls and how much you enjoy getting behind the wheel.
In its review updated on 8 September 2026, Auto Express awards the Renault 5 4.5/5, praising its driving experience and useful technology. That follows two particularly persuasive endorsements this year: UK Car of the Year 2026 from a panel of motoring journalists, and Autotrader’s New Car of the Year 2026 from owners.
For anyone comparing small electric cars, that mix of expert judgement and owner enthusiasm makes the Renault 5 well worth a closer look.
Renault 5 vs four electric rivals
How do the review scores compare?
The Renault 5 earns a place among the best-rated cars in this shortlist. Here are the published verdicts for it and four established alternatives.
| Electric model | Auto Express Out of 5 |
Carwow Out of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 E-Tech electric | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
| Nissan Micra electric | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
| Hyundai Inster | 4/5 | 8/10 |
| Citroën ë-C3 | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
| Vauxhall Corsa Electric | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Overall model-review scores checked on 12 September 2026. Each score links to the full review. Publishers use their own scales and may assess different versions; the scores have not been averaged.
Renault 5 shares the highest score in both columns, alongside the Micra and ë-C3, and sits above the Inster and Corsa Electric in both publications’ ratings.
The written verdicts explain its appeal more clearly. Auto Express’s Inster review favours the Renault 5 for refinement and sophistication, while What Car?’s Renault 5 review prefers it to the closely related Micra. That gives you useful differences to explore on a test drive.
What the reviewers say
The praise behind the scores
Auto Express
4.5/5“Great to drive in all conditions”
Its latest review highlights the Renault’s driving manners and approachable in-car technology.
Read the full review · 8 September 2026
Carwow
9/10“as good to drive as it is handsome”
Carwow’s verdict brings the Renault’s design and road manners together, while noting that rear space is compact.
Read the full review · 5 June 2026
What Car?
The verdict“a brilliant all-rounder”
What Car? praises its composed driving manners and infotainment, and prefers it to the closely related Nissan Micra.
Read the full review · 23 April 2026
Top Gear
The verdict“As charming to drive as it is to look at and to sit in”
Top Gear also favours its practicality and ability to handle bumpy roads over the MINI Cooper Electric.
Read the full review · 8 January 2026
Carbuyer rates the Renault 5 at 4.1/5. After driving a right-hand-drive car on UK roads, it praises the handling, distinctive design and useful technology. Its verdict also highlights a more comfortable ride than the MINI Cooper Electric.
Rear-seat space is a recurring consideration in the reviews, so bring your usual passengers when you visit. It is an easy way to check that the Renault’s compact proportions work for your day-to-day life.
Recognition from experts and owners
Renault 5’s major award wins
The recognition covers more than appearance. Its awards span overall car honours, urban driving and affordability, with each title and year set out below.
- 2026
UK Car of the Year
Overall winner and Small Car category winner. Twenty of the 33 judges chose the Renault 5 in the final vote.
- 2026
Autotrader Drivers’ Choice
New Car of the Year, Best Car for City Drivers and Most Fun Car to Drive.
- 2026
What Car? Awards
Small Electric Car of the Year. It also won What Car?’s overall Car of the Year title in 2025.
- 2026
Carwow Car of the Year Awards
Urban Living Award winner, recognising the Renault 5’s appeal as a car for everyday city journeys.
- 2026
AM Awards
New Car of the Year and New EV of the Year, voted for by Automotive Management’s dealer audience.
- 2025
European Car of the Year
The Renault 5 / Alpine A290 joint entry won with 353 points, ahead of the Citroën C3/ë-C3 and Hyundai Inster finalists.
- 2025
Auto Express New Car Awards
Affordable Electric Car of the Year.
- 2024
Top Gear Awards
Car of the Year.
The 2026 Autotrader awards are especially relevant if you want to know what a car is like to live with: the awards drew on feedback from more than 160,000 UK car owners across the market. Renault 5 owners helped it take three titles, including Most Fun Car to Drive.
Bring the reviews to life
Find your favourite version
Start with the details you will use most. The current Invicta Renault 5 range includes a heat pump as standard, with Google built-in from techno+. Renault’s openR link system brings navigation and voice control together, making the cabin technology an important part of the car’s appeal.
What Car? recommends techno+ with the 52kWh Comfort Range battery. Ask our Bolton team to show you the available grades, demonstrate the infotainment and arrange a drive. You can then decide which Renault 5 feels right for you.
Renault 5 reviews: your questions
How does the Renault 5 compare with other small electric cars?
In the reviews linked above, Renault 5 matches the Nissan Micra and Citroën ë-C3 at 4.5/5 from Auto Express and 9/10 from Carwow. Both publications rate it above the Hyundai Inster and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. These are overall model-review scores, rather than a comparison of identical trims.
Which Car of the Year awards has the Renault 5 won?
It won UK Car of the Year 2026 and Autotrader’s New Car of the Year 2026. Its other headline wins include What Car? Car of the Year 2025 and Top Gear Car of the Year 2024. The 2025 European title was awarded to the joint Renault 5 / Alpine A290 entry. See the dated award list above for the full selection.
Which Renault 5 version does What Car? recommend?
What Car?’s current review picks the 52kWh Comfort Range battery with techno+ trim. Our Renault 5 model page explains the current versions and their equipment, including Google built-in on techno+ and above.
What makes the Renault 5 enjoyable to drive?
Reviewers repeatedly praise its responsive steering, manageable size and composed feel on faster roads. Top Gear’s review highlights its nimble handling and quiet cabin. A test drive is the best way to see how that character suits your usual journeys.
Where can I find Renault 5 offers and arrange a test drive?
Browse Invicta’s latest Renault new car offers, then contact Invicta Renault Bolton to arrange a Renault 5 test drive and discuss the available versions. The team can confirm current prices, any eligible support and availability for your chosen car.
Experience Renault 5 at Invicta Bolton
See the colours, explore the cabin and discover why the Renault 5 has won over so many reviewers and owners. Our Renault team can help you compare the available versions and find the latest offer for your next car.
