New Renault 5 E-Tech Is A Retro Mini Cooper EV Rival For $27,000

The production version of the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric has been officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show as a modern reincarnation of the 1972 original. The styling of the French subcompact hatch remains loyal to its conceptual sibling from 2021, while its fully electric underpinnings promise a range of up to 400 km (249 miles). More importantly, Renault announced a starting price of around €25,000 ($27,100), making it one of the most affordable EVs in the European market.

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The R5 E-Tech Electric’s development time was reduced to 3 years, utilizing the expertise of Renault’s newly established Ampere unit. It is the first production model that rides on the new AmpR Small architecture which is basically an updated and electrified version of the widely-used CMF-B that already underpins the Clio and the Captur.

Concept Looks With A Nostalgic Tone

The retro-inspired exterior is nearly identical to the previewing concept, echoing its silhouette and most styling nuances, right down to the wheels. Yet, discerning eyes will catch a few sly differentiators. These include refined lights at both ends, thicker pillars, as well as conventional door mirrors and handles.

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More: Renault’s Future Lineup To Include 7 EVs, Developed And Built In Europe By Ampere

The LED graphics on the darkened headlights are designed to resemble the pupil of the human eye, inspired by a vintage ad of the original 5. In the welcome sequence, the EV blinks to the driver, as part of a “humanized interface”. On the other hand, the vertically mounted taillights represent the most notable nod to the classic Renault 5. These are connected by a black trim piece and feature subtle extensions from the side panels, aimed at enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the hatchback.

One of the standout features 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.

More: Renault 5 EV Turns Into A $300 Pedal Car With Functional Lights

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Last but not least, the pronounced fenders were inspired by the famed R5 Turbo, giving the EV the appearance of a hot hatch. This means Alpine won’t have to exert much effort to spice up the design of its own performance-focused version.

Tech-Filled And Sustainable Interior

The interior of the R5 E-Tech Electric blends retro elements and vibrant colors reminiscent of the original model with a modern twist. The centerpiece is a 10.1-inch touchscreen which is combined with a digital instrument cluster. The Google-powered OpenR Link infotainment can host over 50 applications and services while introducing the new AI-enabled digital assistant called “Reno”.

Safety equipment includes the Active Driver Assist which is a Level 2 ADAS system. Other notable features include the multifunction steering wheel, complete with a prominent start button, and the modern textiles used all around the cabin using recycled and bio-sourced materials. Renault put a lot of emphasis on the sustainable nature of the EV which will achieve 85% of recyclability. In terms of practicality, the hatchback has a five-seater layout with an available boot space of 326 lt (11.5 cubic feet) and a towing capacity of 500 kg (1,102 pounds).

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Three Power Outputs And Two Battery Options

The new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be manufactured in Douai, France by the Ampere unit. Measuring 3.92 meters (154.3 inches) in length, the city car introduces the new AmpR Small platform, formerly known as the CMF-BEV. The single electric motor, sourced from the larger Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech, is available in three power outputs, producing 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS), 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) or 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS).

The battery pack has a capacity of either 40 kWh or 52 kWh, with the latter providing a WLTP range of up to 400 kilometers (249 miles). The batteries are compatible with DC fast charging at rates of 80 kW and 100 kW respectively. Furthermore, the model supports V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, allowing owners to sell energy back to the grid.

Renault engineers put a lot of work into the chassis setup of the R5 E-Tech Electric, which promises to deliver segment-leading levels of roadholding ability and performance comparable to larger vehicles. This is largely thanks to the multi-link rear suspension, the low center of gravity, and the compact footprint, making it “superbly nimble”.

The starting price for the Renault 5 E-Tech will hover around €25,000 (about $27,100 at current exchange rates), positioning it squarely in competition with several current and upcoming models. It’s expected to match the pricing of the VW ID.2 while undercutting the Peugeot E-208. However, it does come at a slightly higher price than the newly introduced Citroen e-C3. Other rivals include the Mini Cooper Electric and the slightly smaller Fiat 500e.

• Note: This story has been updated to include the latest photos, videos, and information following the official debut (Feb. 26).

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