Renault has reinvented the 5, with prices expected to start from £25,000 and deliveries in 2025.
Taking inspiration from the 2021 concept car, the R5 E-Tech has kept the retro styling and harks back to the original. Based on the AmpR small car platform, it allows for agile handing and new tech – it’s bigger than a Zoe but not treading on the Clio’s toes.
Instantly hitting is the light signature, with two rectangles with rounded edges in the front bumper. Renault 5 cues are apparent too with the wheelarches echoing those of the original.
The new R5 is 3.92m long, which is just 9cm shorter than a Clio.
Powering the new incarnation of the 5 are two batteries: a 40kWh with 186-miles of range and a 52kWh battery with 248-miles. The 5 will get ‘Vehicle to Load’ and ‘Vehicle to grid’ – to help with energy costs. Up to 100kW charging is possible, meaning an 80% charge in 30 minutes.
Three trims including: ‘Evolution’, ‘Techno’ and ‘Iconic Five’, with the latter getting an alternative wheel design with ‘Chrono’ alloy wheels. 18-inch alloys are standard on all models, with ‘Techno’ wheels featuring the same design as the show car from three years ago.
The interior has a definite hint of retro about it. The R5 Turbo-style seat design with a ‘H-Shaped’ feature and highlights Renault’s ambition for innovation. The denim fabric used on the seats, dashboard and door panels is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. A horizontal 10-inch screen faces the driver with the central touchscreen being the same size, powered by OpenR and Google connectivity with the top two trims.
‘Reno’ is your new best friend with R5 – in other words, another assistant.
Boot space is 326-litres, which is on more than a Peugeot e-208 but less than an MG4 which costs around the same.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed but £25,000 is mooted and deliveries are expected in the first half of next year, with customers able to jump the queue when ordering opens with an ‘R Pass’ for £150.
Michael Docherty 