Renault’ s retro revival
WheN car boss Luca de Meo took over at Renault four years ago, he spotted an ‘overlooked’ electric car concept hidden in the corner of the company’s design studio. the previous management hadn’t rated the retro hatchback. But he did — and ordered immediately that it be built.
‘For me, it was love at first sight,’ he told me at the 100th Geneva Motor show this week as he launched the production version of the new ‘back to the future’ Renault 5 — reborn as a lively all-electric family car. I predict it’ll sell like hot cakes.
Packed with personality, it features pupil- shaped LeD headlights that ‘wink’ as a welcome when the driver approaches the vehicle; a lipstick holderinspired ‘e- shifter’ control for drive settings; an electric ‘soundtrack’ created by composer Jean-Michel Jarre; and a woven baguette-holder basket that allows owners to transport their fresh French bread in style. Available to pre-order now, first deliveries of the new Renault 5 etech electric are expected in early 2025 with prices from around £25,000. With a range of nearly 250 miles, it’s a modern zero-emissions take on the original which sold more than 5.5 million between 1972 and 1985. Running on 18-inch wheels in front wheel- drive only and
packed with safety features, there are two battery sizes. the 40kW model has a range of up to 186 miles while the 52kW option extends that to 248 miles.
two motor power levels will be available in the UK: the 90kW (120hp) version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in nine seconds while the 110kW ( 150hp) model cuts that to 7.9 seconds. top speed is 93 mph.
Five body colours include
vibrant Yellow Pop and Green Pop. UK trim levels are: evolution; techno; Iconic 5 and a toprange sporty Roland Garros.
sporty interior seats and styling are inspired by the iconic R5 turbo of the 1970s and 1980s while leather-free fabrics are made from recycled materials.
Charging from a domestic AC wall box takes from 3½ hours, or 80 per cent in half an hour using a rapid DC charger.