The production version of the Renault 5 is giving us a sneak peek of some of its concept-derived features prior to its debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show on February 26, all thanks to a fresh set of official teasers. The company has confirmed that this fully electric supermini will adopt the E-Tech moniker, and they have also divulged some details about its styling and technology One of the standout features on the exterior is a novel charge indicator placed on the top of the hood, drawing inspiration from the signature intakes of the original Renault 5. Given the electric nature of this new sub-compact model, Renault’s designers utilized this space for a graphic panel that illuminates whenever the vehicle is connected to a charger, displaying the current charge level. When the battery reaches full capacity, the LED display takes the shape of the number 5.
The teasers also reveal the lighting units
of the R5. The headlights feature different LED graphics compared to the
concept. Renault says that the black dots in the middle of each lens resemble
the pupil of the human eye, inspired by a vintage ad of the original 5. Another
homage to the classic Renault 5 can be seen in the vertically-mounted
taillights, which are linked by a black trim piece. These clusters even feature
subtle extensions from the side panels, aimed at enhancing the aerodynamic
performance of the hatchback by minimizing air turbulence. While the
aerodynamic impact is likely minimal, these protruding elements do look cool.
Renault also included a dark profile shot
of the supermini and a closeup of the pronounced rear fenders which were
inspired by the famed R5 Turbo. Indeed, the wide fenders of the EV make it look
like a hot hatch, meaning Alpine won’t have to try hard to spice up the design
of its own performance-focused version. The French automaker intends to release
additional teasers for the Renault 5 E-Tech leading up to its official
unveiling in Geneva. The teaser campaign is called “R5VOLUTION IS BACK” and
begins on December 1st with posters, while a TV commercial will follow on
December 17 featuring the “Instant Crush” song by the famed French band Daft
Punk.
The new 5 E-Tech will be both designed and
manufactured in France under the newly established Ampere unit within the
Renault Group. The 3.92 m long city car will be the first to
introduce the new AmpR Small platform (formerly known as the CMF-BEV) featuring
a multi-link rear suspension. Renault has officially confirmed two battery pack
options, offering capacities of either 40 kWh or 52 kWh. The larger battery
pack will be available right from the launch, providing a WLTP range of up to
400 km. In the future, it will support V2G (vehicle-to-grid) tech
allowing owners to sell energy back to the grid.
Fans of the model in select markets,
including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, and the
Netherlands, will have access to the so-called R5 R Pass. Priced at € 150 (US$ 164),
this pass grants them priority in the order placement process, ensuring they
are among the first to receive delivery of the electric vehicle. Additionally,
all pass holders will receive a scale model of the Renault 5 E-Tech immediately
after its official debut
Renault has reaffirmed that the initial
pricing for the 5 E-Tech will hover around € 25,000 (US$ 27,300). This positions it directly in competition with upcoming models
from other manufacturers, including the VW ID.2, which is set to be priced
similarly. It comes in at a lower price point compared to the Peugeot E-208 but
commands a slightly higher price than the newly introduced Citroen e-C3.
