One of the most anticipated EVs - Renault’s all-new 5 E-Tech Electric - has made its debut at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show and those keen to be the first to own one can, for £150, buy an ‘R-Pass’ to order theirs 10 days earlier than everyone else.

The 5 was initially unveiled as a concept three years ago and what has been revealed in Geneva is pretty close to that with Renault calling it '95 per cent faithful' to the concept. When the original Renault 5 was released in 1972, it sold over 5.5 million units across five continents until 1985 and the E-Tech Electric certainly is a modern homage to it - borrowing specific styling from the Renault 5 Turbo for its wing extenders and light signature - yet it has a more futuristic look and tons of modern technology to match.

In terms of size, while it isn’t as small as the original, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric measures just under 4m (3.92m) long, which is 9cm shorter than a Clio. Sitting on 18-inch wheels as standard, the car has a width of 1.77m but Renault says that it “adds to the car's on-road presence without compromising its agility on city roads.”

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is the first vehicle to be designed entirely on AmpR Small, the new Ampere platform dedicated to B-segment electric vehicles.

All cars going into production will be front-wheel drive and customers will get a choice of two electric motors producing 120bhp or 150bhp and a 0-62mph time of 9 and 8 seconds, respectively. There is the choice between a 40kWh battery which offers 186 miles of range and a 52kWh battery that gives you 248 miles of range.

Inside, the dashboard has a retro look that evokes feelings of the original 5. Bold colour choices adorn the sporty seats (inspired by the 5 Turbo) and door panels to match the exterior paint job and many of the materials used in the upholstery and trim are recycled and have been upscaled for use. The driver faces a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a central multimedia screen which is powered by the OpenR Link system with Google built-in for the Techno.

The feature that has everyone talking, however, is the basket that can be fitted onto the centre console specifically designed to hold a baguette. Well, it is a French brand, I suppose.

There is a choice of five colours available from launch including Pop Yellow seen in the main picture, the others being Pop Green, Artic White, Diamond Black and Midnight Blue. The two-tone paintwork with the Diamond Black roof will also be available on some trim levels.

Prices for the Renault 5 E-Tech have yet to be confirmed but it is expected that a similar price tag to the recently announced Vauxhall Corsa Electric (£26,895) is most likely. The first deliveries are scheduled for the UK in Q1 of 2025 and further details regarding spec are due later this year.

Scenic E-Tech electric voted The Car of the Year 2024

In other Renault news, the Scenic E-Tech electric has been voted The Car of the Year 2024.

Announced at a ceremony at the Geneva Motor Show, the car was chosen by a jury of 59 motoring journalists as the winner, beating other finalists the BMW 5-series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Toyota C-HR, and Volvo EX30.

The Scenic E-Tech becomes the seventh Renault vehicle to be awarded ‘The Car of the Year’ title. Previous winners include the Renault 16 (1966), Renault 9 (1982), Clio (1991), Scenic (1997), Megane (2003), and Clio (2006).

The win comes after Renault announced a new entry-level price for Scenic E-Tech with its Comfort Range available in the UK. Orders are now open and prices start at £37,495.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Renault