RAY MASSEY: How a few baguette holder in your new Renault hatchback?

As new Renault 5 hatchbacks have begun rolling off the ship into Britain, I managed to grab one of the very first imported batch for a test on UK roads.

It wasn’t my first drive in the award-winning electric car, whose accolades include European Car of the Year as well as similar superlatives from WhatCar? and Top Gear. Last autumn, I took a left-hand drive version for a sunny spin around the South of France, where it proved great fun.

But how does the retro hatchback from revolutionary France fare on our own King’s Highways in deepest Surrey? Right royally, actually. And here’s why.

To start with, it really turns heads as the R5’s sharp styling suits its extra-loud colours. In the Cote d’Azur, my car was a banana shade called ‘Pop Yellow!’ Back in Blighty, I drove a ‘Pop Green!’ that would make Kermit blush.

Plus, my latest British-plate right-hand drive landed from Portbury Docks just as the first rays of seasonal spring sunshine started peeking through – which enhanced it all the more.

The interior is fun and trendy without being too self-reverential. Among clever interior gadgets, it even has its own optional baguette holder accessory clipped into the centre console.

Bright spark: The electric R5 comes in hippy-dippy acid colours

To drive, it was just as I remembered: nippy, zippy and a bit hippy-dippy. The standard R5 is available in three trim levels – evolution, techno and iconic five – with (depending on specification) 40kWh or 52KWh batteries. The car I drove was the 150hp techno comfort range with a diamond black roof, the more powerful 52kWh battery, a claimed range of up to 251 miles, and a price as driven of £27,395.

Acceleration feels brisk – officially it sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 93mph – but it is really the engaging joy behind the wheel that makes this car a winner.

There are three driving modes to choose from: eco, comfort and sport. As before, the latter two work best for me.

Starting at £22,995, prices for the all-electric R5 make it a reasonable proposition. The most powerful version, a kitted-out Roland Garros special edition, is available for £29,995, and went on sale this week. There are some small quirks, but put that down to French eccentricity.

My own overall verdict of the R5 on British roads? A brilliant interpretation from the original French, losing nothing in translation. Encore!

Morgan launching new Supersport model

As a student, I would cadge open-top lifts from a pampered mate who owned a Morgan at a ridiculously young age. Ever since, I’ve had a soft-spot for these traditional British motor cars.

Tuesday’s launch of the Malvern-based car-maker’s new Supersport flagship model – a blended coach-built car updated for the 21st century, starting at £102,000 – has done nothing to dim that desire.

Powered by a 335bhp engine, this low slung two-seater accelerates from rest to 62mph in 3.9 seconds, and up to a top speed of 166mph.

It has some styling tweaks and technology enhancements, as well as increased stowage behind the seats and even a boot, but the principle remains: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Founded in 1909, Morgan said: ‘Every car will be coachbuilt by Morgan’s skilled artisans at Pickersleigh Road.’ As it should be.