Small but Mighty: The Impressive Features of the All-New Renault 5

Sleek EV’s impressive specs and stylish design make it a must-have.

The most highly anticipated arrival at the 2021 Geneva Motor Show is none other than the brand-new Renault 5. That’s right, the supermini that was famously dubbed the “Le Car” in the United States has made its official return to Europe, but with a twist – it’s now fully electric.

The Renault 5, which was discontinued in 1996, is now making a comeback as an electric vehicle designed to conquer the city streets. The French automaker has stayed faithful to the original concept car from early 2021 by not modifying its design significantly. According to sources, this electric supermini, officially known as the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, boasts a retro-futuristic appearance that infuses it with contemporary charm while retaining its heritage.

The charming front lights and upright rear lights pay homage to the previous Renault 5, as well as the prominent wheel arches. In an effort to replicate the original design, Renault opted to incorporate the back door handles at the bottom of the C-pillars, creating the illusion of a three-door body style. Although the first and second generations were available in both three and five-door options, the latest model is only offered as a five-door. Certain variations of the car feature red accents on the exterior as a tribute to the R5 Turbo. Additionally, a high-performance hatchback, known as the Alpine A290, is set to debut in 2024.

In terms of the inside, vertical stitching on the dashboard pays homage to its predecessor, as do the rectangular air vents. The extensive framing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment system is reminiscent of the boxy dash from earlier times. The driver’s display comes in either 7.0 or 10.0 inches, depending on the model, while the touchscreen is always a generous 10.0 inches diagonally.

Measuring 154.3 inches (3.92 meters) in length, 69.7 inches (1.77 meters) in width, and standing at a height of 59 inches (1.5 meters), the 2024 Renault 5 is not your average compact car. Surprisingly enough, despite its small stature, this electric vehicle offers a commendable cargo capacity of 11.5 cubic feet (326 liters). Additionally, it sports 18-inch wheels with 195/55 R18 tires, adding to its overall impressive appearance.What sets the Renault 5 apart from its counterparts is that it boasts a wheelbase of 100.0 inches (2.54 meters), giving it a well-balanced size that fills the gap between the Twingo and the Clio models. Furthermore, as the very first vehicle to be built on the AmpR Small platform, previously referred to as CMF-B EV, the Renault 5 promises a high-performance driving experience unlike any other.

The lightest variant, equipped with the smaller 40.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, has a weight of 2,976 pounds (1,350 kilograms). On the other hand, the heaviest version with the 52.0-kWh battery tips the scales at 3,197 pounds (1,450 kilograms). Opt for the base battery and the front-mounted motor will produce 95 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque (215 Newton-meters). However, upgrading to the larger battery will increase the power output to 150 hp and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). With this stronger battery, the car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than eight seconds and reach 50 to 75 mph (80 to 120 km/h) in under seven seconds. At its maximum speed, the highest-spec model can reach an electronically limited 93 mph (150 km/h).

The standard battery provides a range of 186 miles (300 kilometers) in the WLTP combined cycle, while the enhanced pack can go for 249 miles (400 kilometers). Maximum charging power for AC is 11 kilowatts, but with DC it can reach 80 kilowatts for the smaller battery and 100 kilowatts for the larger one. Recharging from 15 to 80 percent takes approximately 30 minutes using DC for both batteries. It should be mentioned that the base model Renault 5, which has a 95-hp motor, does not have the option for DC charging.

It’s quite uncommon for a model in this particular category – whether electric or not – to feature a multi-link rear independent suspension, but the brand new Renault 5 dares to stand out. This adorable city car has been carefully crafted with bidirectional charging capabilities for convenient appliance power, a heat pump ensuring rapid cabin warming, and brake energy recuperation for efficient battery recharging. And as a special surprise, the oversized 5 emblem on the hood also serves as a nifty battery charge indicator.

The most affordable option available for purchase totals at around €25,000 in Europe. Using the current exchange rates, that equates to roughly $27,000. Renault intends to revive the iconic R5, which will be manufactured in France, and plans to also reintroduce the R4. These models will both feature electric engines, similar to the upcoming Twingo redesign. Prior to their expected releases in 2025 and 2026, sneak peeks have already been revealed through concept cars.

Source: Renault