The Renault 5 is back – and this time it’s electric.
Inspired by the 1972 original, the Renault 5 is a part of the turnaround plan tonight revealed by CEO Luca de Meo, and will be joined by a smaller Renault 4 electric vehicle.
“The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, cult model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive,” said Renault head of design, Gilles Vidal.
Up front are headlights inspired by those of the original, but the grille has been closed over and the diamond badge hides a charge port.
The angular design of the 1970s original has been modernised, but crucial details like the shape of the hatchback, the rear light signature, and the window line have been carried over.
What will power the Renault 5, when it will launch, and how it will be priced haven’t been revealed.
Luca de Meo has form with retro reboots. He was in charge at Fiat when the company brought the 500 back to life, and said the success of that car was one driver behind his decision to green light the Renault 5.
“The soul of a brand is in its roots. Without falling into the past, she has to reconnect with it and draw its inspiration to find the spirit of the glorious times,” according to Renault.
“This is the role of the Renault 5 Prototype, to show that Renault will democratise the electric car in Europe with a modern approach to the popular and essential car.”
The Renault 5 is a part of the French brand’s plan to focus on profit over volume.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo tonight outlined his plan to step away from its “immoderate quest for volume” and “unresolved approach to market and brand portfolio management”.
The brand will pull back from its plan to sell five million cars worldwide by 2022, and instead focus on developing and manufacturing cars more efficiently in search of greater profit.
You can check out the full details of the new plan here.
