Renault 5 E-Tech Electric driving report: transfer performance
The electric Renault 5 is rightly praised for its advance: it transfers the smart esprit of its role model into the present and is still fun to drive.
(Image: Renault)
- Wolfgang Gomoll
The Renault R5 is part of the automotive history of which the Grande Nation is still proud today. It came onto the market in 1972 and conquered hearts. By the time it was discontinued at the end of 1996, more than nine million drivers had opted for the small car. Now, as a practical electric car, it is also intended to arouse emotions and be fun –, which we can almost fully confirm after a test drive.
The technology of the small electric car is based on Renault's new "AmpR-Small" platform, a further development of the well-known CMF-B architecture (Common Module Family) from Renault-Nissan. The batteries with NMC cell chemistry can be ordered in two sizes, with 40 kWh and a maximum range of 312 kilometers in the WLTP, or 52 kWh for up to 410 kilometers, as in the top version "Iconic Five 150 Comfort Range" that we drove. The large battery can hold a maximum of 100 kW at a DC charging point, the small one 80 kW, allowing it to be recharged from 15 to 80 percent in half an hour under the best conditions. At an AC point, the maximum is 11 kW, then it takes a minimum of three hours and 13 minutes to close this window.
Three drives
There are three drive variants to choose from, starting in January next year with 110 kW, followed later by the 70 and 88 kW versions. The 110 kW engine accelerates the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, which weighs 1524 kg, from zero to 100 in eight seconds and up to 150 km/h.
Fahrbericht Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Ext (10 Bilder)
Renault
)The harmonious tuning of the chassis cannot be expressed in figures. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is not just a means of transportation, like some much cheaper small Chinese electric cars. The French car is also a lot of fun when cornering and the chassis, like the vehicle as a whole, conveys a reassuring sense of commitment. This is certainly no coincidence, as there are two elaborate multi-link suspensions at the rear instead of a cheap, continuous torsion beam axle. The front suspension comes from the Renault Captur. Renault has also kept the tire width within the usual limits, which makes the steering more transparent. Not only is the driving pleasure remarkable, the fuel consumption is also good: After our test drive, the on-board computer reported 12.9 kWh/100 km, Renault states 15.2 kWh/100 km. However, the event agency may have chosen a route with low fuel consumption.
Unavoidable Renault radio operation
The infotainment system with its 10.1-inch touchscreen and 10-inch instrument display is easy to use. The only thing that takes some getting used to is the radio remote control behind the steering wheel, which is slightly flattened at the top and bottom. The rest of the interior is anything but cheap, at least in the top version we drove. In keeping with the spirit of the times, Renault – – attaches great importance to using materials with the highest possible recycled content.
Fahrbericht Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Int (8 Bilder)
Renault
)The substance is very successful on the first short test drive. The electric R5 also offers some clever details that make it appealing, such as the grille on the hood. The French engineers actually wanted to place the charging socket there, but this quickly proved to be impractical because the cable rubbed against the front apron. Now, LEDs in the form of the number five under the grille with individual segments indicate the charging status as soon as the driver approaches the car.
Videos by heise
Stocky and short
The proportions with the short overhangs quote the successful R5 history. With a length of 3.92 meters and 18 inch wheels, the small car has a stocky appearance. It is logical that a car of this size with a wheelbase of 2.54 meters does not offer opulent space everywhere. Adults have enough space in the front, but it is much more cramped behind, and a full-grown Central European would not want to make long journeys in the rear of the Renault. The trunk capacity is 326 liters. If you lay the backrests of the rear bench flat, it becomes 1106 liters. However, the floor is not flat and rises. You also have to heave the luggage over a loading sill.
Price screw
At 34,400 euros for the driven version and a base price of still 27,900 euros, the Renault R5 E-Tech Electric is more expensive than, for example, the Leapmotor T03, which is priced at 18,900 euros and also fulfills the pure mobility task. Citroën is on the road with the ë-C3 for less than 25,000 euros and Volkswagen currently has the VW ID.3 on offer for a short time for less than 30,000 euros, while the even more favorably positioned VW ID.2 is still in the run-up. But the R5 E-Tech Electric doesn't just want to be cheap, it's simply fun. And yes, there will be an entry-level version for around 25,000 euros. However, DC fast charging is not included and the current flows at a maximum of 11 kW. Naturally, Renault is also extending the price spiral downwards. From 2025, the R4 E-Tech Electric and, as early as 2026, the Twingo E-Tech Electric will offer even cheaper alternatives.
(vbr)