It promises to be one of the hits of the year.
The Renault 5 aims to be one of the bombs of the year and, at least on paper, seem to have everything necessary to win the public's favor. Now, is all that glitters gold? We analyze the five main virtues and the two defects of the French electric car.
An attractive design that is faithful to the original
When Renault showed the prototype for the first time, it gave us the pleasant surprise of having managed to adapt the design of the classic model to modern times and its modern nature. In the final production model he has managed to keep it practically intact, which is a plus because it simply catches the eye.
Versatile size
The Renault 5 remains, as it was in its day, a model belonging to the B segment. However, times change and it has grown in size, which makes it a more practical and versatile vehicle than its predecessor, without losing its characteristic agility to move in urban environments.
It measures 3,920 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,500 mm high; with a wheelbase of 2,540 mm. In addition, its 277-liter trunk capacity, although not excessively large, is correct.
Interior technology
That successful combination between retro and modern has also been achieved in a cabin that has quite a bit of personality, something that is not so common to say in the middle of 2024.
Logically, the '5' opts for screens, always presenting a combo of instrument panel and central digital screen. The first can be 7 or 10 inches, while the second is always 10 inches and the multimedia system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly.
In addition, enjoy ChatGPT and a voice recognition system; but it does not forget the analog component by maintaining physical buttons for certain functions such as, for example, air conditioning.
Furthermore, the cabin as a whole presents a retro atmosphere thanks to the materials and colors chosen to shape the dashboard, the door panels and, above all, the seats. These combine two-tone fabric in the central area with leather for the sides, as well as a stripe pattern that gives it that antique look.
An affordable price
Price is one of the main workhorses of electric cars, but, luckily, brands are entering the phase of developing and launching affordable models on the market.
The Renault 5 is not going to be in the league of cars like the Dacia Spring or the Invicta D2S, but it promises a starting price of less than 25,000 euros.
The exact rate for the Spanish market still needs to be finalized, but whatever it means to go below that limit is already an interesting point. Above all, taking into account that in return it offers a 95 HP engine that is already correct for a utility vehicle of these characteristics (1,425 kg) and a range that will be around 300 km.
A varied and escalating mechanical offer
Many brands are choosing to launch electric models that are limited to a single mechanical option, but Renault is opting for a more interesting approach with the new R5, forming a range with multiple alternatives that adapt to the needs of a more varied audience.
Thus, the utility vehicle will be able to mount three different engines, with 95, 122 and 150 HP of power; which covers everything from a fairer access block to a propeller for those looking for greater performance.
In addition, they will be combined with different types of batteries. The first two are associated with a 40 kWh battery and the upper one with a 52 kWh battery. Although homologation is still pending, the French brand announces a range of about 300 km for the former and about 400 km for the latter.
Defect: Reloading of basic versions
The presence of one or another battery does not exclusively affect the range of action, in the case of the Renault 5 it also limits the recharging capacity of the model.
And the 40 kW battery can only be recharged in alternating current with powers of up to 11 kW, with which it takes about 3.5 hours to go from 10 to 100% charge. Anyone who wants to enjoy fast direct current charging, up to 100 kW, will have to opt for the 150 HP variant with a 52 kWh battery.
In addition, the 11 kW AC charger is only unidirectional with the 95 HP motor, it is from the intermediate block that it allows charging in two directions.
Defect: That exterior screen…
Renault has been able to adapt the features of the original R5 to its electric nature and the clearest example is that what used to be an air intake on the hood has now been transformed into a screen that shows the state of charge of the battery when opening the hood. car.
It is a striking detail, but it worries us as it is exposed to any undesirable person passing by on the street causing harm.