Mini Cooper E vs Renault 5 E-Tech: Which retro EV hatchback is best?
Mini Cooper E vs Renault 5 E-Tech: Which retro EV hatchback is best?
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They both have retro charm, a range of almost 200 miles, and are filled with the latest tech. But which hatchback EV is best for you?. If you’re in the market for a compact electric hatchback with retro charm, then you’re in luck. Both Mini and Renault are neck-and-neck in this sector of the EV market, with their Cooper and 5 E-Tech respectively.
![[The Mini Cooper E is priced from £30,120]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/30/10/13/P90556726_highRes_mini-cooper-e-07-202.jpg)
The latest generation of electric Mini arrived in 2024, while the new Renault 5 E-Tech went on sale at the start of 2025. Both combine retro charm and funky interiors with good range, plenty of tech and a hearty dose of fun. Both are three-door hatchbacks with seating for four, although space in the rear is best only for children. They both have almost 200 miles of range in their basic configuration, but both also offer upgrades with larger batteries that take range close to 250 miles.
![[The Renault 5 E-Tech is priced from £22,995]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/29/10/Renault-5-6.jpg)
We’ve spent many miles in both cars, abroad and in the UK. Below we’ve compared the key aspects of the Mini Cooper E and Renault 5 E-Tech to help you decide which is the best small EV hatchback for you. We have driven both cars extensively on a wide variety of roads in the UK and abroad. These drives included navigating around villages and town centres, winding country roads and motorways. As well as driving the cars and assessing their performance and ride quality, we tried out their infotainment systems and tested the practicality of their back seats and boot capacity.
![[The electric Mini Cooper is a three-door hatchback]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/30/10/48/Mini-Cooper-SE.jpeg)
Independent rating: 7/10. Independent rating: 9/10. Although they offer a similar size, specification and character, the Mini and Renault are priced quite differently. At the time of writing, in January 2025, the Mini Cooper is priced from £30,120, while the Renault 5 starts at £22,995.
![[The Renault 5 is a five-door hatchback with a surprisingly large boot]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/29/10/Renault-5-4.jpg)
