The highly successful Renault 5 E-Tech is set to receive an MY27 update, which will see extra range and improved tech, without adding a penny to the price.
The updated model will be available in both Urban and Comfort Range, and sees aerodynamic enhancements to the lower body and door mirrors, as well as optimised battery electronics.
But the improved range is what fence-sitting prospective EV owners will be most concerned about with this new update and, as a result, the 40kWh, 120hp Urban Range now offers up to 197 miles, while the 52kWh, 150hp Comfort Range extends that to 259 miles.
New SmartMode anticipates driving style
There’s also the introduction of a new SmartMode, which automatically switches between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes depending on how the car is being driven. The new system will draw on the sharper Sport mode for occasions like accelerating for an overtake, before dropping back to Eco mode required for more steady town and village driving.
While SmartMode will do this work automatically, drivers who prefer more control can change modes themselves through the OpenR Link touchscreen or by voice command. The dedicated Multi-Sense button has now been removed from the steering wheel.
Drivers’ phones will be able to stay fully charged too, thanks to a new magnetic, cooled wireless smartphone charger using the Qi2 standard, which restores up to 50% of a phone’s battery in an hour. Additionally, a more conversational Gemini AI assistant is joining the Renault 5, which will let those in the car speak more naturally rather than relying on rigid voice commands.
Customisation options increase
As well as the range and tech improvements to the Urban and Comfort models, buyers will also have more customisation options on the 5’s exterior and interior.
New Flame Red and Shadow Grey paint shades will join the colour palette later in the year, while Midnight Blue on techno+ and iconic five+ now has a contrasting red roofline, along with new sticker packs.
Inside, the previous yellow upholstery is replaced with a new mottled blue design, with minor upholstery and stitching revisions elsewhere in the range.
How much is the updated Renault 5 E-Tech?
Despite the improvements in range and tech, the on-the-road price for the 5 will only start from £21,495 and still qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
Order books will open today for those interested in purchasing what is considered to be one of the most popular EVs on the market.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Renault