Image: Groupe Renault Newsroom
Renault has unveiled a modern take of the popular Renault 5 in concept form - only this time, it's fully electric.
The original Renault 5 was produced for two decades between 1972 and 1996 and quickly established itself to be one of the most popular superminis of all time and one of France's most notable peoples' cars.
If you thought however, that the original was desperate for an upgrade, then you might be in for a treat because Renault appear to be in consideration of bringing it back to compete against the Honda E, the new electric Fiat 500 and the Peugeot E-208.
Image: Groupe Renault Newsroom.
The quirky EV is part of Renault's plan to move the brand upmarket alongside six other EVs to be launched by 2025, and once it reaches production, the car will be produced in their Douai factory - which is exactly where the old R5 was produced between 1974-81.
According to Auto Express, Groupe Renault CEO, Luca De Meo said the electric R5 will be using the same fully electric variant of the platform in which the hugely successful ZOE sits on. Specifications haven't been finalised, but the ZOE uses a 50KW/h battery back and has a range of 245 miles.
A choice between a 108bhp and 132bhp motor is available in that ZOE, so you can imagine the R5 may be similar underneath.
Image: Groupe Renault Newsroom
It's one thing to be excited about the release of a new Renault 5, but one question that remains is whether there will be different versions of it. Perhaps a new Gordini version or a mad Group B tribute based off the brutal Renault 5 Turbo Maxi from the 1980s?
Only time will tell, but one thing that is apparent in the modern car industry is that retro is appearing to be the way into people's wallets. The Honda E for instance is a tribute to classics such as the N360 and original Civic, as is obviously the Fiat 500e.
Another question is what will competitors bring to the table? Perhaps a new Peugeot 205 or VW revitalising the MK1 Golf? Oh, and on a more prestigious level, wouldn't it be nice to see a production version of the Peugeot 504 Coupe-inspired electric concept? (The E-Legend)
Image: Peugeot Media
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