Let’s get to it: I’ve bemoaned Ford calling an electric car a Mustang before, and they have mucked up the Capri too by making it look nothing like the original (too many doors, too high, not even a coupe). But Renault have absolutely nailed it with the R5. This thing actually looks like a Renault 5 – just modern – and that matters more than you might think.

For me, this is personal. My mum had a few Renault 5s when I was growing up, and her 1990 Prima special edition was what I learned to drive in, so Renault reviving the marque brings back memories. But, more importantly, they’ve also managed to bring back the character that made the original special, without making you feel like you’re driving a museum piece.

Everything electronic glows in purple or pink

The interior is (possibly too) bold – but I think it’s cool. The grey and yellow colour scheme in my test car was quite something, and everything electronic glows in a rather fetching purple or pink. The passenger dash has quilted leather with yellow stitching, with a purple R5 logo shining through the gloss plastic strip above. It’s retro without being kitsch, and all the controls are angled toward the driver, giving it a proper driver-focused feel.

Space-wise, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a small hatch. Four adults will fit comfortably, but five would be a squeeze, and while the rear view is slightly obstructed by the headrests, there’s nothing too problematic.

On the road, it feels really nice; genuinely pleasant to drive. There’s a bit of body roll through the bends, but the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and feel. You can sense the road without being jarred about. The brakes have that typical French firmness to the pedal – just like mum’s old Prima, actually.

Composed, predictable and enjoyable

The steering wheel feels small when you’re on full lock (thanks to the flat bottom), but it’s accurate enough. Through winding roads it stays composed, predictable and – importantly – enjoyable. The regenerative braking isn’t overly harsh either, which is always a plus in an EV but something that many get wrong.

Noise-wise, the engine doesn’t make much, obviously – apart from an electronic whine, but there’s a bit of wind noise from the windows, which is slightly disappointing. Realistically, had I been using the stereo while testing I may not have noticed, so in fairness the overall refinement is decent and nothing that I would mark down.

It’s a lot of car for the money

Would I buy one? Do you know what, it’s tempting – and with prices starting in the low £20k, I think it’s a lot of car for the money. If I were in the market for a small electric hatch, this would definitely be on the shortlist, and I think that shortlist would be a list of one.

It’s got everything going for it – looks good, feels nice, and, most importantly, it hasn’t forgotten what made the original Renault 5 special.

Renault have managed something quite clever here; something not often achieved. They’ve taken the looks and style – the essence – of the original, and modernised it without ruining it. That’s a lot harder than it sounds, and they deserve credit for getting it right.