Renault 5 returns as E-Tech EV hatchback

Renault is looking at their glorious past to offer something quirky and unique for the future.

The French automaker has launched the all-new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. And that’s right rally fans, it’s a throwback to the Group B classic but reimagined as an affordable electric vehicle.

Based on the Renault AmpR Small EV platform, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric measures 3920mm long, 1770mm wide, 1500mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2540mm. The EV hatchback also has a front motor setup and a multi-link suspension in the rear for better handling.

It takes its retro-modern looks from the Renault 5 concept EV that was shown back in 2021, in which the boxy silhouette and styling are still very much reminiscent of its predecessor. To give that 3-door look, Renault integrated the rear door handles into the C-pillar. But of course, on that “modern” side, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric features LED headlights that “blink” in the opening sequence.

Inside, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric continues the retro theme with boxy styling combined with vibrant interior colors and modern cabin amenities. The upholstery used inside was also made from recycled and bio-sourced materials. And just for fun, Renault is offering a baguette holder as an optional interior piece. Very French indeed.

The dashboard has a dual-screen setup with a Google-powered Open R Link infotainment system that supports various apps and services such as the “Reno” AI digital assistant. In terms of space, there’s seating for five and 326 liters of cargo.

Renault offers the 5 E-Tech Electric in three different power outputs and two battery pack choices. Customers can choose between a 95 horsepower, 215 Nm electric motor, or a 120 horsepower, 225 Nm electric motor in the base 40 kWh battery pack. For extended range and increased power, there’s a 150 horsepower, 245 Nm version that’s paired with a 52 kWh battery.

In terms of performance, the top-spec version can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 8 seconds, with top speed limited to 150 km/h.

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is V2G (vehicle-to-grid) ready and can travel up to 300 kilometers in the base battery version. On the other hand, the upgraded pack gives you up to 400 kilometers of range on a single charge. The EV can juice up its batteries using up to an 11kW AC charger, or up to 100 kW on DC. Charging the hatchback using DC power from 15 to 80% will take around half an hour for both battery packs.

In the European market, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric costs around EUR 25,000 (PHP 1.5M) and is poised to compete with the likes of the GWM Ora, the MG4, the Mini Cooper EV, and the BYD Dolphin.