Fun, iconic, innovative and in tune with modern times, the Renault 5 is back, reinvented to bring some sparkle to the world of compact electric vehicles.
The original Renault 5 sold over 5.5 million units across five continents from 1972 to 1985. Always ahead of its time, it was the first car to achieve fuel consumption below the symbolic 5 litres/100km at 90km/h, and was even available in an electric version as far back as 1974. It was visionary to the end, marking the beginnings of eco-design with a roof made from bonded natural fibres, unrivalled interior space and innovative style.
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, faithful to the 2021 concept car, harks back to this glorious past while building on the enduring love-affair it shared with many. Yet it is also the epitome of modernity, from its all-electric AmpR small car platform through to its agile handling and cool, new technology. That includes Reno, the avatar who is ready to partner you on every journey, and a unique charging indicator on the bonnet.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric fuses evocative design cues from three models: Renault 5 and Supercinq for their overall look, and Renault 5 Turbo for its wing extenders and attitude, sitting squarely on the road.
Unique in the Renault range, the light signature features two rectangles with rounded corners positioned in the front bumper, in the same place as the fog lamps on the Renault 5 Turbo. A floating design with the same rectangular effect is etched into the glass of the full LED headlamps.
While the wheel arches are circular, the structure of the wings echoes the characteristic shape of the arches on the original Renault 5. The colourful roof trim (in black, red or gold), the deep red of the vertical rear lights and the vibrant colours of the bodywork also bring to mind the original Renault 5 and its ability to make the city look brighter.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available with two lithium-ion batteries. The biggest, which will be the only one available at market launch, has a capacity of 52 kWh and a range of up to 400km WLTP. The second has a capacity of 40 kWh for a range of up to 300km WLTP. Both use NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology, for the best energy density on the market today.
The electric motor of Renault 5 E-Tech electric uses Renault’s preferred technology: wound rotor synchronous. As it has no permanent magnets, it uses no rare earths, thereby reducing its environmental impact. The magnets are replaced by copper coils, with the wires being ordered and routed in such a way as to withstand the centrifugal force of the rotor.
The motor is available with two power ratings: 110 kW / 245Nm) or 90 kW / 225Nm. The 110 kW motor is paired with the 52 kWh battery, while the 90 kW motor is paired with the 40 kWh battery. The first motor will be available at launch, with the other following at a later date. For the 110 kW version, Renault 5 E-Tech electric accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 8 seconds and from 50 to 75 mph in under 7 seconds.
Inside Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the dashboard stylishly combines the most outstanding features of several generations of Renault 5: for example, the two-tier structure facing the passenger, the padded transverse layout, and the rectangular instrument cluster with rounded edges. On the Iconic Five high-spec trim level, the “Renault 5” signature can be seen on the black horizontal trim facing the passenger above the “padded” area, which with its elegant backlighting adds an extra touch of luxury and high-tech design.
We are seriously looking forward to this car coming to NZ, more details to follow
