This is the new Renault 5. One of 5 new EVs Renault is launching

Singapore - Remember the Renault 5? The cheap-ish, cheerful and popular oddball French hatchback which plied our roads… oh maybe 30ish years ago…

It is going to make a comeback, this time as a full EV.

French car maker, Renault, is preparing itself for a new chapter, and wants to reposition itself from being an “automotive brand” to a “technology, services and energy brand”. For us, Renault’s “Nouvelle Vague” rabbit hole, would essentially mean that all of their cars from now on, are going to be EVs.

Wearnes Automotive, Renault's official dealership here, have confirmed that all internal Combustion Engine (ICE) model cars have been sold out. Buyers here can look forward to a new range of EVs, which will begin to arrive from the early 2023 onward.

So what can you expect next? 

Well, allow me to start with the uninteresting blah blah first, before we continue with the R5.

Renault Kangoo E-Tech

The first vehicle will be the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. This is the third generation of the Kangoo Z.E.; the first generation electric vans were introduced here in 2012.

The new Kangoo E-Tech boasts a cargo volume of 4300 litres, and a maximum payload of 800kg; all of this over a 3100mm wheelbase. Renault says that the Kangoo E-Tech will have the quickest 22kW AC charging capabilities in its class, and 75kW charging. The latter would mean that the LGV can reach 80% from 20% within 30 minutes.

Renault Trafic E-Tech

Renault’s largest van will be an EV too, boasting maximum cargo carrying volume of 8900 litres, and will be among the largest electric vans available locally.

Renault Megane E-Tech

It's back, but it looks more like an SUV now. And there is some good news. The new Megane E-Tech will be Category A COE-friendly, and brings with it spacious comfort, immediate EV performance and that affordable running cost.

The Megan E-Tech is the first of Renault’s “2.0 generation” EVs to be built upon the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV (Common Module Family for Electric Vehicles) architecture.

Renault 4EVER

‘Diamonds Are Forever’ which is a James Bond film has got nothing to do with Renault’s new 4EVER full electric B Segment SUV. But Renault’s Design Vice President, Gilles Vidal, had a hand in looking to the past, taking inspiration from the original Renault 4.

The small SUV is expected to arrive on our shores in 2025, but sans those fancy Trophy add-ons, which you can see in the picture. Like the Renault 5, this will be based on the new  CMF-BEV architecture for B segment EVs.

Renault 5 Electric

Now this one would be very exciting, and unlike the original petrol powered 5s, it may be cheerful, but it is definitely not going to be cheap. The new Renault 5 takes inspiration from the original Renault 5 GT Turbo and the Supercinq. 

There are some cool design elements, like the off-centre bonnet air-intake, which actually functions as the EV charging port. Then, there is its welcome animation, which starts from the new Renault Logo, and extends into the hatchback’s front grille, and then onto its headlamps. The fog lamps which also serve as DRLs, are nifty squircles which “float” the source of light. 

Wearnes Automotive confirms that the Renault 5 will use the same electric tech as the ZOE… which would probably mean that it gets a 50kWh battery. We can expect the R5 to reach our shores somewhere in 2024.

Look out, MINI Electric!

PHOTOS Renault Singapore