Which small EV is best for you? Renault 5 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric compared

The new Renault 5 E-Tech is a superbly cool-looking electric hatchback that offers good range, a fun driving experience and a very reasonable price tag. But how does it stack up against the competition?

If you’re feeling more sensible, an alternative like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric might appeal. With Carwow discounts, it’s definitely comparable in price to the Renault 5 – and what it lacks in visual flair it makes up for with a longer range and roomier interior.

But which of these two cars gives you the most bang for your buck? We’ve lined up the key differences to help you decide.

Design: retro cool vs staid and sensible

The Renault 5 E-Tech is a real looker, especially if you’re a fan of retro design. Inspired by the original Renault 5 from the ‘70s, this modern-day reboot mixes old-school charm with contemporary tech. Its bold lines and futuristic flair make it a proper head-turner around town. Step inside, and you’re met with a clean, minimal cabin complete with a large touchscreen and Renault’s latest infotainment setup.

The Corsa Electric plays it a bit safer in the design department, with a more conventional silhouette. It’s also identical to the regular petrol Corsa, while the Renault 5 looks totally different to the equivalent Clio. Though the Corsa does look quite smart, it’s undeniably duller than the 5. The interior is logically laid out, with everything where you’d expect it to be, and the cabin feels roomier than you’d think for a car this size. It might not grab as much attention as the Renault, but it makes up for it in straightforward, user-friendly design.

Batteries and charging: evenly matched

Both the Corsa Electric and the Renault 5 come with a choice of two power outputs and battery sizes – a more entry-level model intended for those who mainly do city driving, and a more expensive version that’s more flexible for longer journeys.

You can see in the table below how they stack up – and how closely matched they really are.

As you can see, there’s little to separate them when it comes to performance. The Corsa Electric’s entry model seems like the clear winner over the Renault, but it has a higher list price meaning the 5 E-Tech is slightly better value. From our experience with the Corsa Electric, we’d say the range calculations are rather less accurate than the Renault’s, however, making them more closely comparable. For real-world use, you won’t notice much difference at all.

Both vehicles are good to drive, feeling nippy around town thanks to the instant response of their electric motors. The Renault 5 is the clear winner when it comes to driving fun, though. The quick steering and stiff suspension mean it feels sporty and agile, while the Corsa just feels a bit dead and dull. The Vauxhall is the clear winner for motorway driving, though.

Value for money: which car offers more for less?

These two cars are again, very comparable. The Renault 5 E-Tech has a lower list price than the Corsa Electric, coming in at less than £23,000 vs nearly £27,000 for the Vauxhall. However, with Carwow discounts on the Corsa Electric, it’s actually the cheaper model – you can save more than £8,000 on average, which is an amazing figure for a car that costs less than £30,000.

Both models come with all the basic equipment you’d expect. LED headlights as standard mean that even the cheapest versions of each look smart, and you get touchscreen infotainment systems with smartphone mirroring – what more do you really want?

Move up the range and the Corsa Electric offers some pretty cool ‘big-car’ features, such as Matrix LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and plenty of safety kit. But the 5 isn’t exactly poorly equipped, and top models get posh equipment too such as a premium stereo and keyless entry with a slim card.

Verdict: which small EV should you choose?

Both the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric are solid choices in the world of compact EVs. The Renault 5 is perfect if you want something with flair, a sense of fun, and a wallet-friendly price. But if you prefer a more subdued design and want added practicality and a touch more range, then the Corsa Electric could be your match. For us, the Renault 5 wins every time – it looks so good and drives so well that the poor Corsa barely gets a look-in.

Still undecided? There are loads more electric cars worth checking out. Dive into our best EVs page to see what else is out there—there’s a perfect plug-in for everyone.

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Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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