The legend that defined a generation returns to the urban jungle – the Renault 5, this time as a fully electric E-Tech Electric model. The French automotive giant has revived the iconic design from 1972, combining a nostalgic past and a promising future, appealing to both history buffs and followers of sustainable mobility. The Renault 5 is definitely the star of the Geneva Motor Show, but it divides opinion. Especially in our editorial office.
After almost a quarter of a century, he is taking a break Renault 5 is back on the scene, this time in an electric version that promises, but in a way too pompously promises a revolution in the segment of city vehicles. At Renault, the revival of this model was designed with the modern challenges of urban mobility in mind, while at the same time they managed to preserve the spirit of the original, which won the hearts of many in the 1970s. The new generation of the legendary Friday may redefine the current generation as well and lead it into e-mobility. But maybe?! One of the goals on the board was definitely the magic limit of the price of an electric vehicle, which is set at 25,000 euros for the R5. But unfortunately not a version that anyone would want to have in their garage. More on that later.
First, the design. The retro-futuristic design of the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric pays homage to its predecessors, with a modern twist. Characteristic headlights and vertical taillights, together with pronounced wheel arches, emphasize the model's heritage, while modern lines add freshness and dynamism to the vehicle. The focus is on details such as the integrated rear door handles, which give the vehicle the look of a classic three-door model, and the red accents on the rear spoiler, reminiscent of the legendary R5 Turbo. The car is beautiful and the author immediately bought the overall design. But design is not everything in electric cars, or rather it can only be the beginning of love. An electric car must first be electric and then beautiful. Tesla, for example, knows this well.
Interior - a classic that comes back like disco music
The interior of the vehicle is a combination of classic elements and modern technology. Digital instruments and a large touchscreen multimedia system emphasize the vehicle's modern character, while retro elements such as vertical seams on the dashboard and rectangular air vents preserve the nostalgia. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric boasts a spacious interior and a trunk that, despite its compact external dimensions, offers a surprisingly large amount of space. I think the cooperation with Google is excellent. Good. Or rather, one that will take bigger steps in the future with the help of artificial intelligence. In addition to Google connected services, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric brings innovation in the form of Reno, the official avatar of Renault, representing an intelligent, helpful and friendly travel companion. Developed by Renault to offer customers a more pleasant and intuitive electric experience, the Reno avatar has a real personality. It is designed to respond to user questions and commands (eg: “Hey Reno, schedule a charge for tomorrow at 8am” or “Hey Reno, how can I increase my range?”), giving the vehicle a relational signature full of empathy. If you believe the "marketing" fairy tales. At the moment, Google is a bit behind in the AI race, but we all hope that it will step on the gas.
Technically French otherwise - which is good and bad at the same time
With its length of 3.92 meters and width of 1.77 meters, the new model ranks among the larger representatives of city vehicles. It will be available with two battery variants, 40 kWh and 52 kWh, which will offer a range of up to 400 kilometers depending on the variant chosen. Engine power varies between 110 kW (150 hp), 90 kW (120 hp) and 70 kW (95 hp), which ensures lively driving characteristics and quick response of the vehicle. Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be the first model on the new platform AmpR Small, which promises to optimize space and performance. If you choose a bigger battery and a more powerful engine, you will transform into a city knight, where your electric steed will shine with all its power of 150 KM (horsepower) and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) of elegant torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h merges in less than eight seconds, which is faster than changing into your favorite high heels, while the transition from 80 to 120 km/h takes you to the next level in less than seven seconds - more exciting than sale at your favorite boutique store. The top speed, which is otherwise limited to an "urban" 150 km/h (93 mph), feels like you're on a catwalk, except your track is paved and with no limits other than an electronic one to keep your ride within the framework of urban chic. But the new Renault R5 can tow 500 kilograms of cargo. In principle, the above data is nothing special in the world of electric vehicles, so the author hopes that the manufacturer will also prepare an R5 turbo with at least 400 horses. But the car is relatively heavy, about 1500 kilograms, which surprises me, given the limited size and battery.
As with phones, the speed of car charging is increasingly important to buyers. The so-called HyperCharge. Here, Renault disappointed those who praised it for years that its car models offer up to 22 kW AC speed charging at your own home or city charging station. The Renault R5 only offers the classic 11 kW, which is a shame. The battery could be charged at a home charger in just over 2 hours. There's also no ultra-fast DC charging, with speeds pretty much limited to 100kW on the larger battery. Here, VW looks more courageous, as already in the basic "versions" the ID offers a charge of around 135 kW. The smallest engine with 95 horses is not supposed to have fast charging. Which is almost bizarre in a way, as I would expect you to be able to charge the vehicle with at least 50 kW. You will be able to charge your house with the new R5, as it enables V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology. The French already know that in the cities, Parisians will be happy to sell energy on the exchanges and earn money when the car is parked. In the future, electric cars will be storage units that will serve as grid stabilizers at peak times.
With a starting price of around 25,000 euros, which is relatively high for a 95 horse version, without the possibility of fast charging, it will Renault 5 E-Tech Electric accessible to a wider range of buyers looking for an electric vehicle with a rich history and a modern touch. But only for urban adventures, because this version will not be suitable for anything else. With him, the author would not dare to go to Trieste for a coffee. Unfortunately, a really likeable one like that will cross the line 30,000 euros, before 35,000 euros, which is already a psychological limit for a small electric car, which is hardly anything other than a second vehicle in the family. Production will take place in France, underscoring Renault's commitment to local production and sustainable mobility.
It's new in a way Renault 5 like Honda E, who went on a diet, learned to save money and changed into more practical clothes. The Honda E was charming to look at, both inside and out, but it had the appetite of a rich man and the endurance of a couch potato. The Renault 5 is supposed to be like a good friend who shows the Honda E where it went wrong: "Look, this is how a car is made - "cheaper" and with more energy in the battery!" Although not fully valid as written, I hope you will forgive the irony of the author. Renault simply does not realize that it should make a "people's car" for extremely affordable money, but the volume of sales after a few years would turn it from red numbers to black numbers. Instead of Renault imitating Tesla, whose only strategy is sales volume - at the expense of good pricing policy and increasing RVC exclusively with each additional unit produced. A mid-equipped model with a 150 kW engine and a 52 kWh battery should cost 29,990 euros to convince the masses rather than just the special few. But in terms of prices, the Opel Corsa Electric is already completely unreasonable. Here, the author really does not understand the philosophy of manufacturers who, like VW, promise a useful electric car for 25,000 euros. But no one fulfills this promise, because for this money they deliver a useless car.
In the official PR texts of Renault, this gem found its way, which enthusiastically tells about the times when the Renault 5 was a true pioneer, as it was the first car to consume less than the symbolic 5 liters of fuel per 100 km at a speed of 90 km/h ... and that already in 1974! Yes, you read that right! But there was also an electric version, and this one was available almost half a century ago, with a range of 110 km! It also entered the world of eco-design, using natural fibers to improve sound insulation, interior space, design and fuel consumption. As a true visionary, in 1986, with the last challenge, he ventured into the circular economy with renewed models Renault 5.
If that's not a testament to French charm and humor, then I don't know what is. It almost seems like Renault is talking about how little has actually moved in the last 50 years when it comes to automotive innovation with chic and elegance. As if to say: "Oui, oui, we were already on electricity back then, when you were still dreaming of petrol bugs!" And it is this somewhat tragicomic touch that reminds us that the path to date has been full of twists and turns, but at the same time, with a French smile on his face, he admits that every step, however small, was part of a larger story of progress. As if, in the spirit of a good old French movie, the car said with a smile: "Regardez-moi, I was already green before it was even 'in'." And before there was a French baguette holder.
New ones Renault 5 E-Tech Electric it is not just a vehicle; is a symbol of the revival of an icon that combines nostalgia and innovation. At the same time, it is reasoning unreasonable compromises. Personally, I wouldn't offer the low battery version. It would offer the option of one drive and one battery at a price of 25,000 euros, and it would behave exactly like a Tesla. Otherwise, with a promising combination of design, technology and relative price, this model is ready to win the hearts of a new generation of drivers who value heritage and at the same time strive for a sustainable future. With this model, Renault is not only reviving the memory of the past, but also setting new guidelines in the electric vehicle segment. Unfortunately, he will not succeed because he did not follow the new rules of the game. And this one was written by someone in Silicon Valley.
