Finding a great electric car for a relatively low price always used to be a bit of a struggle – until the arrival of the Renault 5. Yet this isn't an electric car that's just cheap, because driving a Renault 5 (also known as the R5) will also make you feel very cheerful.
For a start, there's how far it can trel between charges. Even entry-level models he an official range of up to 193 miles on a charge, and that's usefully enough for the needs of most people. If you opt for the larger 52kWh battery which we recommend, though, that figure jumps to 253 miles, which could mean that you only need to charge up a couple of times a week. And speaking of charging, you'll be waiting a similar amount of time for a 10-80% top-up as you would for the rival Citroën ë-C3, Mini Cooper SE and Peugeot e-208.
Then there's the way the Renault 5 looks. If the Instagrammable exterior wasn't enough, the interior is as comfortable and as well appointed as an Ikea bedroom, with a superb Google-based infotainment system that's easy to get along with. Plus, its physical climate controls are easier to use on the move than the purely screen or voice-based controls of some rivals. And while anyone approaching six-feet tall is inclined to feel a bit cramped in the rear seats over long journeys, the 5's boot is larger than those of the Fiat 500 or Mini.
There's almost endless scope for personalisation, too, with a range of colours which will help you to stand out from the crowd, and an extensive list of options which includes a very French baguette holder.
Finally, consider the price, because even the most expensive Renault 5 will cost you less than £30,000, which is more than £1000 less than the cheapest Mini Cooper SE. And given that price, it's little wonder that all versions of the Renault 5 should be eligible for the Government grant.
With all of those attributes taken into account, it's little wonder that the Renault 5 is our reigning What Car? Car of the Year.
"Unlike some rivals, there's no mechanical connection between the 5's brake pedal and the brakes themselves. I was nervous about this, but I needn't he been – teh system makes it easier to slow down smoothly than in rival electric cars" – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Renault 5 review