Even a single glance at the Renault 5 will tell you where its inspiration is carried from. Be it the squarish-LED headlights to the vertically stacked LED tail lights, multiple design cues are a modern interpretation of the original Renault 5 hatchback. The French carmaker has also incorporated neat design elements to further elevate the visual drama. These include rear door handles placed near the C-pillar to mimic the 3-door look and red-piping across the window line for enhanced sporty appeal.
Like its exterior, the interior of the Renault 5 incorporates a few funky design details. The centre of attraction is an instrument binnacle which houses a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a TFT digital instrument cluster. Renault has also collaborated with Ircam institute of music and sound and with Jean-Michel Jarre to develop welcome sounds and pedestrian alarm for the roads.
For the iconic nameplate, Renault did something that is rarely done before that is designing a platform around the vehicle’s design, reversing the development process. The new Renault 5 is also the first model to sit on the brand’s AmpR dedicated small EV platform, which has been designed for B-segment electric vehicles. The key highlights from the development is a flat floor, 2.54 metre long wheelbase, less than 1500kg kerb weight and 326 litres of boot space.
Renault has also put focus on sustainability and its unique electric motor is one of key attractions. Unlike the magnet motors, which use rare earth metals, Renault’s wound rotor synchronous technology doesn’t boast any earth metals thus reducing its environmental impact over its arch rivals. Speaking of specifications, Renault will offer the Renault 5 with three motor outputs — 150PS, 122PS and 95PS.
The front mounted electric motor of the Renault 5 draws power from a 52kWh battery pack, which is good for a claimed range of over 400km on a single charge. The battery can juice up its cells with both 11kW AC charging and up to 100kW DC fast charging. A few markets also get a smaller 40kWh battery pack option, which offers 300km claimed range.