Renault 5 - Boot space, comfort & practicality
Rear-seat space is average for the class, but the boot size is decent
There’s only one bodystyle available for Renault’s supermini-sized EV, and 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.
More reviews
Car group tests
In-depth reviews
Road tests
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 | |
| Length | 3,922mm |
| Width | 1,774mm (2,020mm inc mirrors) |
| Height | 1,498mm |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Boot space | 277-959 litres |
Dimensions and size
At 3,922mm long, the R5 is a full 128mm shorter than the familiar Renault Clio, and 64mm longer than another compact retro small car whose success the R5 will hope to emulate, the MINI Cooper.
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 (especially if those in the front are nudging six-feet tall or more) because rear legroom is a little tighter than in the Renault Clio, allowing a larger boot capacity. However, many will find the back seats much more accommodating than a standard three-door MINI, and if you want the same retro-reboot style of the R5 in a more versatile package, the Renault 4 will be along soon to fulfil that brief.
All versions of the Renault 5 come with Isofix child mounting points on the outer seating positions of the rear bench. Just like the MINI Cooper, the R5 also has a child seat mounting point on the front passenger seat, giving families a little more flexibility when it comes to fitting everyone inside.
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.
