For fans of the Renault 5 'prototype' revealed back in January 2021, it has been an agonising three years of waiting to see if the French car maker would make good on its promise to bring the stunning, R5-inspired concept EV to market with its retro style intact. We're very happy to report that Renault has done just that, while also developing what appears to be a well-engineered electric car set to be offered at tempting prices. Here is our first look at the new showroom-bound Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
Reinterpreted style from the 1970s
Approach the new Renault 5 with its key in your pocket and it will actually 'wink' at you with its LED lights. They feature little French tricolours and a distinctive four-corners motif for the daytime running lights that extends into the large fog lights underneath. And while there's undoubtedly influence from the original Renault 5 in the cheeky, happy 'face' of the car and the slope of the stubby bonnet, the detailing is very 2024. In place of the original R5's air vent, for example, is a big bold "5" that doubles up as a charge level indicator.
That 5 is repeated behind each of the front wheels. The R5 sits on 18-inch alloys as standard, and they pleasingly fill out the muscular wheelarches front and rear. This car is shorter than the current Renault Clio but just as wide, giving it a square stance on the road. The retro references continue in the unmistakable side profile and the addition of a red line from the door mirrors, over the side glass and across the rear spoiler. This is designed to mimic the original R5's protruding rain channel and can also be finished in black or gold.
While the first Renault 5 was available in three- and five-door styles, the new one is a five-door hatchback only, and the rear doors are neatly integrated into the shape in spite of the notable slope of the rear hatch. There's no Renault diamond badge on the rear, replaced by a big "5" logo instead, and there's a modern take on the original's slender back lights, too.
Not style above substance, however
Open the tailgate and there's 326 litres of boot space, which can be expanded to 1,106 litres if the rear seats are folded down. The new R5 can even tow up to 500kg. Back in the cabin, there are three seatbelts for the rear and a flat floor all the way across.
Practicalities aside, the Renault 5's interior mixes the latest in infotainment technology with plenty of retro styling cues, all constructed using plenty of recycled material. The design of the cool seats, for example, takes inspiration from those in the mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo, though they're upholstered in 100 per cent recycled material, including a denim-like fabric on some cars. There's a tactile textured headliner, too.
In front of the passenger, there's a padded dashboard with contrast stitching (colours and finishes vary depending on specification) and the air vents repeat the four-corners motif of the front lights. The drivers gets a 'squashed circle' steering wheel and an impressive-looking wraparound section behind housing the digital instrumentation and a 10-inch touchscreen featuring Google and a new avatar called "Reno".
Though Irish-market details have yet to be confirmed, the R5 will be available with lots of customisation options, extending beyond just the colours and materials to items such as the design of the steering-column-mounted drive selector and even the addition of a woven wicker basket. For carrying flowers or a baguette. Obviously.
Choose your range needs
While the R5 will undoubtedly garner attention for its outstanding design, it's promised to be an accomplished electric vehicle, too. Buyers will have the choice of two different battery sizes and three electric motor ratings. Peak power outputs range from 95- to 150hp, while the batteries - 40- or 52kWh - allow for official ranges of 300- or 400km.
All versions feature 11kW AC-charging, while the DC-charging rate is capped at 80kW for the smaller battery. The larger battery can take up to 100kW.
Irish pricing for the electric Renault 5
As the new Renault 5 E-Tech electric is unlikely to reach its first Irish buyers until the "251" period in early 2025, prices for the Irish market have yet to be confirmed. There are hopes that it will come in at well under €30,000, however.