I’m a car expert – the Renault 5 hatchback is coming back as an electric vehicle – and the price could make it a winner

THE Renault 5 hatchback is coming back as an electric vehicle – and the price could make it a winner.

Renault is stepping up efforts to keep the new electric 5-hatchback cheaper than the soon-to-be-discontinued Zoe, which starts at £29,995.

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The price is yet to be confirmed, but Renault’s Executive Vice President for Engineering, Gilles Le Borgne, told Auto Express: “It’s going to be a really affordable car. £21,500) and still be profitable. That is the challenge.”

This EV will be a modern interpretation of the classic Renault 5 hatchback that was introduced in 1972.

The design features numerous references to various versions of the original 5 stable, including the cult classic Renault 5 GT Turbo and the Supercinq.

Renault Design Chief Gilles Vidal said: “The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, an iconic model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive.”

The French automaker confirmed it is set to launch in 2024 – and will compete with other electric vehicles such as the Fiat 500 and MINI electric.

The new 5 will be the first car to be built on the CMF-B EV platform, created by the Renault-Nissan alliance specifically for smaller electric vehicles.

Luckily, it supports fast charging with a maximum charging power of around 130kW – which can charge the car from 0 to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Buyers have a choice of two electric motor options – a 132 hp car and a 108 hp car.

Le Borgne also indicated that the entry-level vehicle would have a 40kWh battery installed, which will offer a more limited maximum range but will also be cheaper.

The Renault 5 will be manufactured on Renault’s new CMF-BEV platform, which has been specially developed for electric vehicles.

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