The new Renault R5 could be one of the most exciting small cars to launch this decade, offering a mixture of retro looks, relaxing electric power and range that’ll leave direct rivals crying for their chargers. Keep reading to find out exactly what you can expect.
Renault R5: exterior styling and design
The Renault R5 will follow the same recipe as the MINI Electric: give your new small car the retro styling of a beloved older model (the Renault 5 in this case), then fit it with an electric powertrain that’s bang up to date.
Up front, the R5 gets the same bluff nose as the old model, along with a modern interpretation of the classic model’s headlights, fog lights and a super-thin grille.
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There’s more change around the sides, with the smooth design of the old model being replaced with a more angular look that’ll help disguise the large battery in the floor. However, both new and old cars share the same constant line that runs from the roof to the rear bumper.
Head to the back and you’ll see modern touches like a light bar and sparkling LED tail lights, but also a homage to the old car in the form of a grey plastic lower bumper.
Renault R5: interior, design, infotainment and practicality
While we’ve got a very good idea of what the exterior of the Renault R5 will look like, not much has been confirmed about the interior.
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However, you can expect it to be inspired by the original Renault 5, which was available with a contrasting colour scheme for the headlining, dashboard and carpet. Expect personalisation to be key.
While the original 5 had round dials, the R5 is likely to get a digital display in place of a conventional instrument binnacle. You’ll find another portrait screen in the centre of the dashboard with voice activation and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Expect the Renault to communicate with you using coloured light, a tactic already employed by the likes of the MINI Electric whose speedo bezel lights up depending on how you use the car. The idea is to give the car a Tamagotchi-style personality.
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As well as having features that’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy, the Renault will also be practical. You can expect it to have space for four tall adults at a push – aided by rear doors that you don’t get in the MINI or Honda – and a boot that’s bigger than those of either of its rivals.
Renault R5: battery capacity, performance and range
The Renault R5 is expected to be fitted with a relatively large 50kWh battery – both the MINI Electric and Honda e have 35kWh batteries – that would give it a range of more than 245 miles, much better than the 100-odd miles its competitors are capable of from a charge.
Charging speeds have yet to be confirmed, but you can expect to be able to charge the battery from 10-80% in 30 minutes using a public rapid charger.
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The Renault is expected to be offered with a choice of 110- and 135 horsepower electric motors and while performance won’t be lightning quick – the most powerful version will get from 0-62mph in nine seconds – expect it to feel quicker than the numbers suggest.
Thanks to having one gear, the R5 will drive like an automatic and its regenerative brakes mean it’ll slow automatically when you take your foot off the accelerator. Factor in the car’s silent running and instant performance, and you can expect it to be very relaxing to drive in town.
On the flip side, its generous battery capacity means this will be one small EV that’s capable of city-to-city jaunts, and you can also bet it’ll come with a suite of autonomous driving aids that will take the pain out of long-haul drives.
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Renault R5: price and release date
The Renault R5 was confirmed for production back in September 2021, with Renault targeting a starting price of less than £18,000 at the time, in order to undercut models like the MINI Electric and Honda e. However, it seems unlikely the R5 will stick to that – due to factors like the Coronavirus, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis – but a price tag of £25,000 could be possible and would make the Renault cheaper than its immediate competition.