Renault 5 gets one-pedal driving as it becomes UK’s best-selling EV

Renault has introduced one-pedal driving to its best-selling Renault 5 as part of a package of updates.

The new feature is now standard on techno trim and above and brings four levels of braking regeneration, including one that will bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal.

Like the Renault 4 and related Nissan Micra, Renault 5 drivers will be able to activate this via steering column-mounted paddles.

At the same time, Renault is adding a driver fatigue monitoring camera to all variants of the R5, and extending personalisation options. These include ‘PoweR5’ decals for the rear wings and the ‘NumbeR5’ decal pack, which is now offered across a wider choice of trim levels. Customers can also benefit from a new data package for the car’s connected services, offering 2GB per month for streaming apps.

Renault announced the updates at the same time as confirming that the Renault 5 has become the UK’s best-selling EV.

The multi-award-winning hatchback led the EV registrations chart in April, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Its success comes as EVs enjoyed a 26% year-on-year boost in registrations and as interest in EVs continues to climb in the face of uncertainty around fuel prices.

Renault’s own data shows that EVs now account for half (49%) of all new Renault passenger car sales and enquiries into EVs have been climbing in recent months.

Adam Wood, managing director of Renault UK, said: “We’re seeing a very clear change in the market, with more customers actively moving towards electric as the cost of running a petrol or diesel car comes under greater scrutiny. Renault 5 E-Tech electric has captured that moment perfectly, combining a sense of fun with everyday usability in a way that really resonates.

“Becoming the UK’s best-selling EV so soon after launch is a strong indicator of that shift, but we’re not standing still, by continuing to introduce features that make a genuine difference in daily driving.”