It feels like an age since Renault unveiled its electric 5 concept car in 2021, but the French company has finally put the finishing touches on a production model. However, you won’t see it on European roads until early next year.
Unveiled at a much smaller and more intimate Geneva Motor Show than we’re used to, Renault launched a production-ready EV that stayed true to the original 2021 concept (95% faithful, according to the brand), and itself borrowed styling cues from the plucky hatchback that sold some 5.5 million units between 1972 and 1985, but combined it with the latest in electrical architecture and underpinnings.
The Renault 5 E-Tech rides on a new AmpR Small chassis designed by the group to support a range of new compact electric vehicles. The car comes with two battery options – a 40 kWh unit or a 52 kWh unit – with the powertrain capable of delivering 90 kW/120 hp or 110 kW/150 hp.
The electric motors are borrowed from the current Mégane E-Tech, but have been reduced in weight by 15 kg thanks to some technical breakthroughs. Renault says it is eschewing permanent magnets in its engines in favor of copper coils, meaning less reliance on rare earth metals.
Performance is strong enough, but a little disappointing by today’s EV standards. Renault says 0-100km/h is possible in eight seconds in the most powerful models. But we can quickly say that it is imbued with an ‘agile’ handling and fun driving characteristics.
Charging speeds range from 11 kW AC to 100 kW DC fast charging in the larger 52 kWh battery, while the 40 kWh battery has an 80 kW DC connection, meaning both battery packs take around 30 minutes to charge from 15% to 80% charge for their respective batteries. fastest points of sale.
Renault says its aim is to keep the weight below 1,500kg to improve battery power efficiency, although in reality this is being billed as an electric city car and not a high-mileage EV touring car. The longest targeted range is 400 km in the 52 kWh version, and 300 km in the smaller battery option.
It won’t exactly rival the Kias, Teslas and Porsches of this world, but it will bring prices to a much more affordable level.
A nose for nostalgia
In terms of size, with a total length of 3.92 meters, it is shorter than Renault’s latest Clio. But with the wheels pushed to each corner, the short overhangs and clever use of interior space, it’s billed as an electric everyday car that seats five and offers 326 liters of rear luggage space.
In keeping with the stocky, aggressive look of the former coveted Turbo models, all five E-Techs will ride on 18-inch wheels, while the car will be launched in a number of very striking colours, including Yellow Pop and Green Pop. That said, more subdued navy blue and white shades have also been shown.
But perhaps the biggest appeal lies in some of the Gallic quirks and cheeky features that have either been carried over from the concept phase or introduced into the production car. The eye-shaped LED headlights flash as the driver approaches with the key and the digital display on the bonnet acts as a charging indicator and displays the instantly recognizable 5 logo.
Inside, the seats take a lot of inspiration from the old R5 Turbo in terms of overall shape, but they’re covered in a funky denim upholstery made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
In the top Iconic Five trim, the passenger gets a padded space in front of them and the overall dashboard and interior ambience feels luxurious and premium. no phrases that are usually used when talking about the Renault 5 of yesteryear.
Customers can take it a step further and further personalize the interior thanks to 3D printing technology, with the ability to personalize storage spaces and even customize the tip of the gear lever lever – known as the ‘e-pop shifter’ – with a number of preset designs . This small elongated switch cover can be brightened up with the tricolor or funky 5 logos for example.
Technology on board
Renault’s retro-tastic EV will use the same OpenR Link multimedia system found in the electric Mégane. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for speed and uses Google’s Android Auto software to handle much of the app-based action.
Having recently used it in Renault’s hybrid Austral E model, we can confirm that it is smooth, fast and intuitive to use. However, the small 5 E-Tech does not get the same vertical tablet as the large SUV from the French brand. Instead, it features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a horizontal touchscreen infotainment system of the same size.
However, this will be the first vehicle Reno offers – the French automaker’s first attempt at using an AI voice assistant. Apparently, the sense of empathy created will strengthen the emotional bond between the user and their electric Renault 5 E-Tech, the brand said.
We’re not sure about that, but Renault says Reno (still confused?) can handle a lot of vehicle functionality and can even answer questions. The examples given are: “Hey Reno, schedule a charge for 8 a.m. tomorrow” or “Hey Reno, how can I increase the range of my car?”
Additionally, Renault says the ChatGPT integration will also allow drivers to ask broader questions and get answers from one of the world’s most popular AI systems. Plus, Reno can even dig into the vehicle manual and give you tips on how to change a tire.
There’s no official word on pricing yet, but the Renault 5 E-Tech is expected to cost around €30,000 when it goes on sale in Europe.
On that subject, you’ll have to wait until early next year for Renault’s new EV to hit showrooms. It seems that the French brand likes to keep its fans waiting.