Renault’s new 5 E-Tech has just been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, with this new electric supermini arriving with a retro-infused design, plenty of interior tech and some nifty battery options that help to deliver a good amount of range.
One of the most hotly anticipated electric vehicles, the new 5 is expected to arrive on the UK’s roads during the start of 2025 where it’s set to carry a price tag of under £25,000. But what else can you expect from this striking new EV? Let’s take a look.
Design
Obviously, the new electric 5 takes a big chunk of inspiration from the iconic Renault 5 which sold between 1972 and 1985. But in the process of updating this memorable model, Renault has incorporated some new design touches.
For instance, the bonnet vent now displays a light-up ‘5’ graphic which glows to showcase the car’s battery charge while the boxy wheelarches take direct inspiration from the famous Renault 5 Turbo. At 3.92 metres, the 5 is still very compact by modern car standards, too.
Interior
The classic Renault 5 was pretty stripped-back inside and the new 5 has continued to follow this route. That’s not to say it’s bare-bones, mind you, as you still get a pair of 10-inch displays for all your driving and media information and they’re both orientated towards the driver so they’re easier to operate on the move.
There’s a padded dashboard, too, while the air vents have been designed to mimic the look of the headlights. Plus, there’s a 326-litre boot alongside an extra 19 litres of storage space dotted throughout the cabin.
Battery tech
Naturally, battery technology is absolutely core to a new EV. It’s why the new 5 will be offered with a choice of battery sizes, with both a 40kWh and 52kWh version available. You’ll get 186 miles from the former and 249 miles from the latter, while there are maximum charge rates of 80kW and 100kW respectively. Renault says that when connected to a suitably rapid charger, an 80 per cent charge should take 30 minutes. You’ve also got three options of motor, bringing 94bhp, 121bhp and 148bhp.
Renault has also included clever vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology in the 5, which means you can fit an adaptor to the charging port and use the car’s batteries to power domestic items such as a kettle or vacuum - or whatever you like. Plus, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems will enable owners to use their cars to send power back into the grid during peak times and earn extra money.
Quirky features
In typical French fashion, the Renault 5 is packed with quirky features. One of the talked-about touches in the new 5 is the baguette holder - so Parisians can keep their fresh bread steady on the move - while the LED headlights have been designed to ‘wink’ at the driver when they approach the vehicle.
The seats take their inspiration from those fitted to the R5 Turbo, while the denim upholstery they're trimmed in is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic water bottles.
Quiet cabin
Renault says that it has worked hard to make the new 5 as refined as can be when it comes to sound - or lack of it. It’s why the French firm has equipped the new 5 with the same ‘top-of-the-range’ soundproofing as its other high-end EVs, which should ensure that the cabin remains as hushed as can be.
The electric motor also features some clever vibration-damping technology, while an acoustic windscreen comes as standard on all versions to help maintain an ultra-quiet interior.