The Renault 5 is one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s. It was a small, cheap, and cheerful hatchback that appealed to millions of drivers around the world. It was also a versatile platform that spawned sporty versions like the R5 Turbo and the Super 5 GT Turbo, as well as an electric variant called the R5 Electrique.
Now, Renault is reviving the Renault 5 nameplate with a modern twist. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a fully electric city car that pays homage to the original design but with a futuristic and eco-friendly flair. It is part of Renault’s ambitious plan to electrify its entire lineup by 2030, and to become a leader in sustainable mobility.
But is the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric car just a nostalgic gimmick, or does it have what it takes to compete in the crowded and competitive electric car market? In this article, I will analyze the features, specs, and pricing of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, and compare it with some of its rivals. I will also share my personal opinion on whether this car is worth buying or not.
Design and Styling
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a clear tribute to the original Renault 5, but with a modern and futuristic twist. The car is compact and boxy, with a sloping hood, a large rear window, and a hatchback tailgate. The car also features some distinctive design elements referencing the 80s icon, such as the rectangular headlights, the black grille, the side vents, and the C-shaped taillights.
However, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is not a mere copy of the past. It also incorporates some contemporary and innovative touches, such as the LED daytime running lights, the flush door handles, the aerodynamic wheels, and the digital rearview mirrors. The car also has a sleek and minimalist interior, with a large touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a voice assistant called Reno.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is available in two trim levels: the standard version and the techno version. The standard version comes in four colors: white, red, blue, and yellow. The techno version comes in two colors: black and silver. The techno version also has some exclusive features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.
Performance and Range
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 100 kW (134 hp) and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). The car also has a regenerative braking system that helps to recover energy and extend the range.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric has a 52 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range of up to 400 km (248 miles) on the WLTP cycle. The car can be charged using a standard 7.4 kW wallbox, a 22 kW public charger, or a 100 kW DC fast charger. The car can go from 15% to 80% of charge in 30 minutes using the fast charger.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric also has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology that allows the car to power external devices, such as laptops, smartphones, or even electric bikes. The car has a 220V socket in the trunk and a USB-C port in the dashboard that can supply up to 3.6 kW of power.
Safety and Technology
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is equipped with 26 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that help to enhance the safety and comfort of the driver and the passengers. Some of the ADAS include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parking assist
- 360-degree camera
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric also has a connected driving experience that integrates the best of Google services. The car has a 10-inch touchscreen that runs on Android Automotive OS, and offers access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play, and Google Pay. The car also has a smartphone app that allows the driver to remotely monitor and control the car, such as checking the battery level, programming the charging, preheating the cabin, or activating the air purifier.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric also has a virtual avatar called Reno that acts as a personal assistant and a companion for the driver. Reno is powered by artificial intelligence and can interact by voice, gesture, or touch. Reno can answer questions, provide advice, execute commands, and even tell jokes. Reno can also adapt to the driver’s preferences, mood, and driving style.
Pricing and Availability
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is expected to start production in 2025 and go on sale in Europe and other selected markets. The electric car is expected to start at around €25,000 ($28,500) for the standard version and around €30,000 ($34,200) for the techno version. Depending on the country, the car will also be eligible for various incentives and subsidies.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will compete with other electric city cars, such as the Fiat 500e, the Honda e, the Mini Electric, the Dacia Spring, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The car will also face competition from other electric hatchbacks, such as the Peugeot e-208, the Opel Corsa-e, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Nissan Leaf.
Conclusion
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a bold and ambitious attempt to revive a classic car with an electric twist. The car combines the retro charm of the original Renault 5 with the modern and futuristic features of a contemporary electric car. The car offers a decent performance, a good range, a stylish design, and a high-tech interior. The car also has a competitive price and a strong brand identity.
However, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is not without its challenges. The car will have to face a fierce competition from other electric cars that may offer better specs, more options, or more reliability. The car will also have to overcome the skepticism of some consumers who may prefer a more conventional or more innovative design. The car will also have to prove its quality and durability, especially regarding the battery and the software.
In my opinion, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a car that is worth considering, but not without doing some research and comparison. The car has a lot of potential but also a lot of uncertainty. The car may appeal to some nostalgic fans but also alienate some modern buyers. The car may be a hit or a miss, depending on how well it delivers on its promises.
