The Renault 5: A Cult Hatchback Reborn As A Modern EV

• Renault showcased the 5 Prototype as a reimagined EV based on the cult hatchback.

• The French carmaker also revealed plans to launch 14 new models, including 7 EVs, by 2025.

• The 5 Prototype pays homage to the city hatchback as well as its hot hatch versions like the R5 Turbo.

Renault has resurrected the 5 hatchback, which first arrived in 1972, in the form of a concept. After almost 25 years since production ended in 1996, the 5 Prototype pays homage to the predecessor of the Clio. Borrowing design cues from the 5, the Prototype version is a modernised electric vehicle.

The 5 Prototype was revealed alongside Renault’s plans to introduce 14 new models by 2025, including seven electric vehicles. Renault’s “Renaulution” strategy involves 30 percent of its sales to consist of EVs by 2025, which might include the 5 Prototype. The design, though completely modernised, is a nod to the classic versions, featuring references to the Supercinq and R5 Turbo hot hatch versions. 

The LED headlamps are based on the original’s design, and a charging port in the place where the radiator grille used to be. The red stripe is another tribute to the R5 Turbo hot hatch. This coupled with the wide rear wheel arches could indicate a performance variant if Renault plans to see the concept all the way through production.

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With no official announcement on when the 5 EV will go into production, if at all, the concept could end up just being a source of nostalgia for the cult classic French hatchback. Renault is gearing up to begin production for the Megane eVision next year. The electric SUV was revealed in 2019 and will be the first car to be built on Renault’s new CMF-EV platform.