AN ICONIC hatchback that was beloved by petrolheads in the ’80s is just months away from a return as a small EV to rival the Fiat 500.
The model will launch as one of the cheapest on the market, with an expected price of around £25,000.
The return of the Renault 5 is reported to be ‘imminent’[/caption]
The original model was discontinued in 1996[/caption]
The Renault 5 made its debut back in 1972 as a hardy but affordable supermini.
It swiftly found fame in its homeland, ranking as France’s most popular car every year between 1972 and 1986, with over 5 million made.
Success was also found in the UK, with the 5 gaining a cult following among enthusiasts along with its four-door cousin the Renault 7.
However, the model was finally discontinued in 1996, bringing a close to its 24-year production run.
That was until it was revived in February of this year as the Renault 5 E-tech, an electric version of the beloved classic.
Now, Autocar reports that the new motor has been spotted undergoing its final UK tests ahead of an “imminent” release.
The resurrected five takes its styling from the original but will sit on the same mechanical platform as the modern Nissan Juke and Renault Clio.
The battery pack will use a specially-designed inverter that has allowed designers to shave 15kg of weight and 3cm of length off compared to its sister models.
This has allowed the firm to put in a 40kWh battery, giving the 5 roughly doubly the capacity of the Zoe (another of its siblings) while still weighing 100kg less.
Bosses suggest that the focus has been on improving the dynamics of the cars, including relaxing the handling and a new suspension system.
The base model, 40kWh version is expected to have a range of around 186 miles, while the larger 52kWh variant can stretch to 249 miles.
The former will be equipped with rapid charging capability, while both include a very neat money-spinning feature.
New charging tech means the 5 can engage in bi-directional electricity transfer, allowing it to send out up to 11kWh of power to external devices.
In effect, this could allow drivers to take advantage of cheaper energy prices overnight, before selling energy back to the grid at peak hours to turn a profit.
This function will be offered in France via Renault’s Mobilize app and could make its way this side of the Channel too.
Speaking of the financials, the 5 is expected to come in at around £25,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs on the market and not far off the cheapest cars overall.
The brand puts this down to using a pre-existing platform, allowing it to undercut bespoke rivals like the £28,000 Fiat 500e.
Guillaume Sicard, Managing Director Renault UK, said: “Since the original concept was revealed, interest in the all-electric Renault 5 has been incredible.
“We strive to produce cars that support sustainable mobility yet are also emotive, and this award confirms that this is a winning formula in every sense.”
