The Renault 5 is back, reinvented to bring some sparkle to the world of compact electric vehicles.

The original Renault 5 sold over 5.5 million units across five continents from 1972 to 1985.

Always ahead of its time, it was the first car to achieve fuel consumption below the symbolic 5 litres/100km at 90km/h, and was even available in an electric version as far back as 1974.

It was visionary to the end, marking the beginnings of eco-design with a roof made from bonded natural fibres, unrivalled interior space and innovative style.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, faithful to the 2021 concept car, harks back to this glorious past while building on the enduring love-affair it shared with many. Yet it is also the epitome of modernity, from its all-electric AmpR small car platform through to its agile handling and cool, new technology. That includes Reno, the avatar who is ready to partner you on every journey, and a unique charging indicator on the bonnet.

A vehicle of attractive proportions, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is nevertheless the same size as a small, nimble city car. At 3.92m long, it is just 9cm shorter than Clio.

The optimised wheelbase (2.54m) – a promise of generous interior space – with very short overhangs is just 4cm shorter than on Clio.

The width of 1.77m adds to the car’s on-road presence without compromising its agility on city roads. Ideally sized with its underfloor battery, it stands 1.50m tall, just 6cm higher than Clio.

A dual horizontal screen gives a contemporary, high-tech, fun look to the interior of Renault 5 E-Tech. Facing the driver is a 10-inch digital instrument panel displaying driving information in full, with a choice of five different views.

The central multimedia screen is also 10-inch. It is powered by the OpenR Link system with Google built-in for the Techno and Iconic Five trim levels.

The multi-purpose city car

Although Renault 5 E-Tech electric is just 3.92m long, positioned between Clio II and Clio III, it rivals Clio V for interior space, thanks to its AmpR Small platform and 2.54m wheelbase. For interior width in particular, it provides 1.38m at the front and 1.36m at the rear with the three-seater bench.

The battery is placed under the floor to provide generous boot capacity of 326 litres (277 dm3 VDA). This places the car at the top end of the electric city car segment, and even ahead of several bigger traditional ICE-powered city cars. Easy to access with its high floor, the boot can also be divided using the 60-40 split/fold three-seater rear bench.

A further 19 litres of storage capacity is provided by various compartments around the cabin.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available with two lithium-ion batteries. The biggest, which will be the only one available at market launch, has a capacity of 52 kWh and a range of up to 400km/ 248 miles WLTP. The second has a capacity of 40 kWh for a range of up to 300km / 186 miles WLTP.

Both use NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology, for the best energy density on the market today.