Renault 5 - Boot space, comfort & practicality

There’s only one bodystyle available for Renault’s new EV, with a supermini-like footprint. Compared with a traditional supermini, or even a crossover-like model such as the Citroen e-C3 or Fiat Grande Panda, the R5 will seem tight inside. This is largely due to the fact that Renault has prioritised boot space over rear legroom. 

The dark interior roof lining (cool though the waffle pattern might be) and narrow windows accentuate this, but it’s by no means claustrophobic. There are five seats on all models, and while legroom is at a premium, the lack of a central tunnel in the rear footwell, and a relatively wide body mean it’s not too short on foot space. 

The driving position gives a decent view out, but those wanting to drop low into the cabin for a more MINI-like driving position might find things a little limited. The dashboard is also rather high. 

Visibility out front is a little hampered by the tall dash and thick A-pillars, and it’s not much better to the rear because of the high shoulder line that makes the back windows relatively shallow and small. 

Cabin storage is fine, while Apple Airpod users will find a perfectly sized cubby on the dash for them. Renault’s gone down the route of offering lots of different personalisation options inside, with 3D printed inserts for the central cup-holder that can be fitted and swapped over time. 

When not fitted, there’s space for two normal drink bottles, with space for slightly larger bottles also incorporated into the front door cards.

Dimensions and size

On paper and in real life, the R5 feels slightly bigger than an equivalent MINI Cooper E, but not by much. It’s around 40-60mm larger in all three directions. Boot space is much bigger, though, with the R5’s 277 litres trumping the MINI’s 210

How practical is the Renault 5?

Seats & space in the front

The R5 is slightly bigger than most superminis, but isn’t noticeably so inside. Up front, there’s a good level of adjustment, and the seats have lots of height adjustment, but while no one will feel particularly cramped inside, the narrow windscreen and relatively high dash mean it doesn’t have the sense of airiness that some rivals offer.

Seats & space in the back

Space in the second row is noticeably more pinched, though, because rear legroom has come at the expense of boot space. However, because the R5 is the more style-led of Renault’s retro-reboots – the new Renault 4 will focus more on practicality – this is no surprise. However, many will still find the back seats much more accommodating than a standard three-door MINI.

Boot space

Boot space is relatively good for the class at 277 litres. The opening is relatively wide, but there is a slightly high load lip to navigate. There’s not much in the way of floating floors or variable boot heights, and without any under-bonnet storage, this space will also need to house the charge cables. The rear seats fold, but leave a defined ridge in the floor.