Classic meets contemporary: Renault revives the 5 as electric city car
Launching this autumn, the Renault 5 combines up to 249 miles of range with a speculated starting price around £25,000
The revival of the Renault 5 has been unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor show, an all-electric city car set to compete with the MINI and Fiat 500 when it arrives in UK showrooms this autumn.
The exterior of the Renault 5 pays homage to its iconic 1970’s predecessor while adopting a contemporary aesthetic.
Notable features include 18-inch wheels that enhance its stance, a distinctive air-intake motif on the bonnet that doubles as a display for charging status, and playful headlight designs inspired by Manga characters that add a unique facial expression to the car.
The vehicle measures just 3.92 metres in length, but boasts a taller roof profile compared to the Clio hatchback.
Inside, the Renault 5 has a choice of finishes, including recycled materials, whilst interior tech includes a standard 10-inch central infotainment system across most of the range, with the entry-level version sporting a seven-inch digital instrument panel.
Underpinning the new Renault 5 is the AmpR Small platform, developed by Renault Group's Ampere EV division and specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Powering the Renault 5 are two electric motor options for the UK market: a 121bhp/225Nm and a more potent 148bhp/245Nm variant, paired with battery options of 40kWh and 52kWh, respectively.
The top specification propels the vehicle from 0-62mph in under eight seconds, with a maximum speed of 93mph, and offers a range of up to 249 miles (400km) on a single charge.
Charging capabilities include up to 100kW for the larger battery, ensuring a quick 15-80 per cent charge in under half an hour, complemented by a heat pump and preconditioning via a smartphone app.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Renault 5 is positioned to offer a compelling option in the growing electric vehicle market.
While UK pricing remains unannounced, expectations suggest it will be competitively placed against rivals, potentially starting at around £25,000.