Fleet preview Renault 5
One of the most anticipated cars of the year is on its way. And although reviving an icon, Renault is also adding new EV tech and software, as Guy Bird reports
Exterior:
It’s a sign of the Renault design team’s confidence that they chose to preview the new E-Tech production car directly alongside its conceptual forebear and previous generations. The 2021 5 Prototype won instant and widespread praise by cleverly sampling elements from multiple generations of the old Renault 5, including the 1972 Mk1’s smiling front eyes, the 1984 Mk2 Supercinq’s vertical rear lights and the Turbo variant’s wide shoulders. The Renault 5 E-Tech keeps the Prototype’s chunky-but-compact proportions – at 3.92m long, 1.77m wide and 1.5m tall – and also many of its details. Minor alterations include downward-pointing outside edges to the front lights with a different light signature inside with a crosshair- style broken square outline replacing the Prototype’s ‘zig-zags’. For production, the Prototype’s charging flap also moves to behind the front wheel arch, but the black bonnet punctuation remains, now showing a graphic ‘5’ that flashes when charging is in progress.
Interior:
The inside of the 5 E-Tech was arguably more eagerly anticipated than the exterior, as Renault didn’t even show a conceptual cabin within its 2021 5 Prototype. Luckily it does not disappoint. Sporty and figure-hugging H-shaped seats reference the ones from the old Turbo, while the vertically-ribbed and padded passenger- side dashboard and grid of square shapes in the ceiling both nod to previous models’ similar detailing. There
are cabin compromises from that sub-four-metre exterior length though. Although rear passenger headroom is fine, room for knees and especially feet is tight. Head of design Gilles Vidal suggests that might not be such a big problem, given the R5’s probable majority use case (via an explanation for its driver- angled centre screen). “Even though it’s more of a family car than a hot hatch, there is still a heritage of hot compact cars from Renault,” he explains. “So we have a little tilt to the screen, especially as we have to admit that often, there will only be one person on board anyway.” Regular boot space is 326 litres (VDA) with 19 litres more available in cubbyholes.
Costs:
UK deliveries are due early 2025, with Renault aiming for a €25,000 starting price in Continental Europe. Logically, the Sterling (£) price should be less, but while still a year away, R5 prices could well start from £25,000 upwards, given that the 5 E-Tech will launch in the UK with the larger 52kWh battery.
Powertrains:
The EV-only model will be offered with two lithium- ion batteries and ranges – 40kWh for 186 miles and 52 kWh for 248 miles – respectively paired with 120hp and 150hp power units. The latter version sprints to 0-62mph in under eight seconds and on to a 93mph top speed. Charging at up to 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC will be possible and Renault claims its Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) technology results in greater battery energy density and a 20kg weight saving compared to the Zoe’s pack. The 5 also features a bi-directional charger.
28 | March 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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