Renault’s hot hatch for Europe costs less than any US-market EV

The cult-classic Renault 5 hatchback has returned as an EV—at a lower cost than any electrical automobile at the moment accessible within the U.S.

Unveiled on the 2024 Geneva auto present, the brand new Renault 5 E-Tech combines retro styling and affordability. The design is pretty near the 2021 concept version, and Renault claims a projected base worth of 25,000 euros. That is $27,130 at present trade charges.

The unique Renault 5 was launched in 1972 as a humble economic system automobile, additionally making it to the U.S. because the Renault Le Automobile. It earned the respect of automobile fanatics due to the mid-engine R5 Turbo mannequin, constructed to compete within the World Rally Championship (WRC).

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech

The 5 E-Tech has the identical blocky look as the unique, with rectangular daytime working lights that recall the outdated R5 Turbo mannequin’s fog lights. The hatchback measures 154 inches lengthy, making it barely longer than a 2-door Mini Cooper. Renault packages 4 doorways, 5 seats, and 11.5 cubic ft of cargo house (expandable due to split-folding rear seats) in that footprint.

The inside options seats impressed by these fitted to the R5 Turbo, in addition to denim trim comprised of recycled plastic bottles. A pair of 10.0-inch screens function the gauge cluster and infotainment interface, whereas the shifter is mounted on the steering column, Volkswagen ID.4-style.

Underpinning the 5 E-Tech is a model of the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B devoted EV platform branded AmpR Small by Renault. The automaker will supply 40- and 52-kwh battery packs, paired with electrical motors producing 120 hp and 150 hp. The latter ought to enable for 0-62 mph in lower than eight seconds, in accordance with Renault. A sportier Alpine A290 model can be deliberate.

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech

Renault estimates a most 248 miles of vary as measured on the European WLTP testing cycle. The 5 E-Tech can DC quick cost at as much as 100 kw, and helps bidirectional charging, in accordance with the automaker.

Renault has no plans to return to the U.S., however expects to begin gross sales of the 5 E-Tech in different markets later this yr, with deliveries beginning in early 2025. The Alpine A290 efficiency model also needs to arrive inside that timeframe.

The French automaker can be reportedly contemplating a team-up with fellow European automakers Stellantis and VW to construct cheaper EVs for the European market, Automotive News Europe studies. It is unclear how this transfer, reportedly a response to aggressive stress from Tesla and Chinese language automakers, would have an effect on present EV plans Renault has with its alliance companions Nissan and Mitsubishi.