Latest news with #Renault5E-Tech
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Renault's R5: From cult classic to electric revival
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a nostalgic return to form for the French automaker, with bags of retro charm and modern electric mobility. Reviving one of Renault's most iconic nameplates, the new Renault 5 is more than just a design homage, it's a serious hatch for the growing electric supermini segment.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
EV car grant returns with savings of up to £3750 on 'affordable' models
The EV grant is back, meaning electric cars are set to become more affordable. As private sales of electric cars stall, the Government has finally announced the relaunch of an Electric Vehicle (EV) grant scheme. The result will mean the price of a new zero-emissions car could be slashed by up to £3750. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the discounts could be applied to new EVs from Wednesday (July 16). Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Labour's new Electric Car Grant will be available on EVs priced under the scheme's £37,000 barrier. Importantly, only models from manufacturers that have committed to a 'Science-Based Target' (SBT) for carbon reduction and emissions, and have already showcased reductions, will be included. The scheme will operate on two tiers. The full £3750 discount will be available on cars deemed the most environmentally friendly. Other EVs not deemed 'green enough' will be discounted by £1500. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, what EVs would be available if they meet the sustainability criteria? Important to stress here, the government has yet to disclose exactly what the sustainability criteria will actually be, or how it will be measured. It has also yet to define the SBT's threshold figures. Kia EV3 Amongst those electric cars that slip in under the £37,000 threshold include the (priced from): Renault 5 E-Tech (£22,995) Fiat 500e (£25,035) Mini Cooper Electric (£26,905) Renault 5 E-Tech Renault 4 E-Tech (£26,995) Ford Puma Gen-E (£29,995) Peugeot e-208 (£30,150) VW ID.3 (£30,860) EV Charger Kia EV3 (£33,005) Volvo EX30 (£33,060) Omoda E5 (£33,065) Hyundai Kona Electric (£34,500) Cupra Born (£35,690) The £37,000 figures was chosen because, according to the government, 'it covers the more affordable end of the market, thus ensuring funding for the Zero Emission Vehicle transition can reach as many people as possible'. And it's worth highlighting that, with many manufacturers already heavily discounting electric cars, it's not out of the realms of probability that some carmakers will reduce the car's recommended retail price (RRP) in order for it to fall within the Government's £37,000 cut-off point. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Across the UK, registrations of electric cars showed a near 26% year-on-year increase in May. Significantly, despite that growth, the shift toward EVs has been more substantial among fleets than individual consumers. Private buyers have been slower to adopt, primarily because of cost concerns. The new scheme will see the Government allocate £650 million in grants: that's enough to subsidise around 173,000 electric car purchases at the maximum grant amount of £3750 per car. This latest scheme comes three years after the previous Conservative government axed the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), which offered a fixed £1500 off list prices on EVs priced below £32,000. Following that, demand for EVs has fallen short of the target figures which were announced at the time. Not surprisingly, recently the car industry has called for support to stimulate the market, particularly for private buyers.
Business Insider
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I drove the Renault 5 E-Tech. This chic French EV has one silly feature you'll never find on a Tesla.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is an electric reincarnation of a legendary, hugely popular French car. It's the European car of the year and has proved popular with buyers on the continent. I loved its quirky touches — it's the only car I've ever driven that comes with a baguette holder. It's the accessory you didn't know you needed: a baguette holder. Yes, the Renault 5 E-Tech has just such a feature in the passenger footwell — a gimmick, of course, but a brilliantly quirky touch nonetheless that reminds you you're driving a French voiture. I was going to include a picture of an empty baguette holder, but then I found this one from the car's launch showing Olympic gold medal-winning British diver Tom Daley with an actual baguette in the holder instead. You could also use the holder for a bunch of flowers, should you be so inclined. As you might have guessed from the E, the revived 5 is indeed electric, and there is no gas equivalent. It came about after now-departing CEO Luca de Meo rashly promised in a speech that Renault could make a new car in just 24 months — a very tight timeline in the auto world — and managed to do so only a few weeks past that target. The 5 made its debut way back in 1972 and was an instant hit, becoming the best-selling car in France for 14 years, with about 5.5 million vehicles sold during that period. While it was available in the US in the late 1970s, as Le Car, it didn't exactly bewitch American drivers. Souped-up versions appealed to boy racers, and a turbo model won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981. The new 5 is Europe's car of the year 2025, beating the Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën C3-ëC3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3. It was back-to-back wins for Renault, after the Scenic — a small MPV — took the crown last year. To find out why the 5 won, I took a train on a very warm Friday afternoon earlier this month to the northern edge of London to pick up an R5. It had a 52kWh battery, 150 HP engine, and came in vibrant "Pop! Green." Buying this car would set you back a shade under £27,000 ($36,300), and has a decent WLTP range of 251 miles. This configuration represents the best value for money, according to What Car? The range starts at about £23,000. I hit the M40 motorway bound for the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. I was able to do the speed limit of 70 miles an hour for most of the journey and got there in about two hours. As I failed to connect my iPhone to the audio system before setting off, I tuned into the top 40 singles countdown on BBC Radio 1 — Sabrina Carpenter ended Alex Warren's 12-week run at the top of the chart, by the way. The audio system sounds superb — and was apparently created by Jean-Michel Jarre, the legendary French electronic music artist. For a small-ish EV, the 5 packs a punch, doing the speed limit effortlessly with plenty in reserve, had I wanted to risk a speeding fine. I can't say it's the quietest car I've ever driven, but I can't fault the ride and handling. As well as the baguette holder, there are plenty of charming/weird touches, such as the "5" battery indicator on the hood that lights up. It's part of the car's "modern lighting signature with cheeky welcome and goodbye sequences," as Renault puts it. The 5 is a lot of fun to drive — more than the quite boring MG I tested earlier this year. Not everyone may love its many quirks, such as the fabric on the dashboard and ceiling, and I found the four—yes, four—control stalks plus controls on the steering wheel to be quite bewildering. Maybe I'm just easily confused, but I still failed to master the automatic transmission before having to give the car back. And I still have no idea what the "Multi-Sense" button does. I had about 50% left and didn't want to risk running out of charge on the trip back to London, so I found a charging station in a fairly dismal retail park in Banbury. This was actually the first time I've charged an EV, and it took me a minute to work out the right plug (yes, I am a slow learner). Fortunately I didn't have to create an account to use the charger and could just tap my credit card to release the power. Getting the charge up to about 80% took about 15 minutes and cost just over £15 (about $20). Public chargers are not that cheap in the UK, and had the car been close to flat, it would've set me back about £50 (almost $70) to reach 100% — not too much less than a tank of gas. If you don't have a garage or driveway, the economics of an EV become considerably more complicated, which is one reason hybrids are becoming increasingly popular. In April, the 5 E-Tech was the UK's best-selling EV for retail buyers. In both April and May, it helped Renault take the top spot for private registrations of pure EVs. According to Renault, the car also leads its segment in Europe. Car Dealer magazine also made the 5 its car of the year, calling it the "right car at the right time." "The Renault 5 has both added some much-needed excitement to the lower end of the electric car market, and given Renault dealers some fire in their bellies. This small car is delivering a huge impact," says editor in chief James Baggott. I'm inclined to agree. And you know what's coming now, don't you, American readers? It appears Renault has no plans to bring the 5 E-Tech to the US. Désolé.
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
10 cool cars you can't buy in the US yet
10 cool cars you can't buy in the US yet The U.S. produces over 10 million vehicles each year, more than 10% of the world's total. But even with that output, American drivers can't access every great car. Some of the most talked-about models are only sold overseas. Whether it's because of emissions rules, cost, or brand strategy, plenty of interesting rides stay out of U.S. showrooms. highlights 10 standout cars that drivers in other countries enjoy but Americans can't-yet. 1. Alpine A110 (Next-Gen EV in 2026) The Alpine A110 is a cult favorite in Europe. It's lightweight, mid-engine, and reaches 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Renault plans to electrify the A110 with a new coupe and convertible coming in 2026. Americans never got the gas-powered version, but the EV may be different. Alpine has confirmed it'll enter the U.S. market in 2027, starting with two electric SUVs and eventually this sleek sports car. 2. Suzuki Jimny The Suzuki Jimny is a small off-roader with a 1.5-liter engine and boxy styling. Despite its size, it's built for real trail use, with a ladder-frame chassis and low-range gearing. At just 2,500 pounds, it's agile and rugged. But it doesn't meet U.S. safety standards. Suzuki also pulled out of the American market in 2012. For now, U.S. fans have to import 25-year-old models or use niche legal loopholes. 3. Renault 5 E-Tech The Renault 5 E-Tech brings a 1970s hatchback into the EV era. It offers up to 249 miles of range, a modern cabin with a 12-inch screen, and a price of around $27,000. It's one of Europe's most talked-about electric cars. Still, Renault hasn't sold cars in the U.S. since 1987 and isn't planning a return anytime soon. American buyers will have to admire this one from afar. 4. Honda e The Honda e turned heads with its clean design, compact size, and futuristic cabin featuring five screens. It had rear-wheel drive and a 137-mile range. Despite strong fan interest, it was discontinued in 2024. It never made it to the U.S., and it probably never will. With its short range and $38,000 price tag, it just didn't fit into Honda's strategy here. 5. Škoda Elroq The Škoda Elroq, a compact electric SUV from Volkswagen's Czech brand, hit a big milestone in 2025 when it outsold the Tesla Model Y in Europe. It offers up to 339 miles of range and starts around $37,000. Škoda doesn't sell in the U.S., though, and launching the Elroq would create competition for VW's ID.4, so it stays in Europe for now. 6. Citroën Ami The Ami is a tiny EV meant for short city trips. It costs just $6,000, tops out at 28 mph, and has a 46-mile range. Technically, it's a quadricycle, not a car. It's quirky and cheap - ideal for dense European cities - but there's no place for it on U.S. roads. It can't meet federal safety rules and isn't fast enough for anything outside of neighborhoods. 7. BYD Atto 3 The BYD Atto 3 is one of China's top-selling EVs. It boasts a 320-mile range, fun interior details like dumbbell-shaped door handles, and solid performance for just over $15,000. But BYD has avoided the U.S. due to tariffs and political tension. A new Mexico plant could change that, but for now, the Atto 3 is staying overseas. 8. Cupra Formentor/Terramar Cupra is Volkswagen's performance-focused Spanish brand. The Formentor plug-in hybrid pushes out 306 horsepower, while the Terramar SUV offers tech-forward design and strong road presence. Cupra has plans to enter the U.S., but not until as early as 2030. It'll launch with all-electric SUVs aimed at cities like Miami and L.A., but for now, these exciting models stay in Europe. 9. MG4 EV The MG4 is a compact electric hatchback from China's SAIC, built to compete globally. It's 4.1 meters long, gets around 220 miles of range, and starts near $25,000. Though it's MG's first worldwide model in decades, don't expect it to show up in the U.S. anytime soon. MG hasn't sold here for years, and current trade relations make a return unlikely. 10. Škoda Enyaq The Enyaq uses the same platform as the VW ID.4 and offers up to 339 horsepower and 339 miles of range. Škoda refreshed it in 2025, improving its interior and aerodynamics. But like the Elroq, the Enyaq won't come to the U.S. Škoda still has no plans for a U.S. launch, so this smooth, capable EV remains Europe-only. Geography still matters Even in a global auto market, where you live still affects what you can drive. Brand strategies, tariffs, and safety regulations keep many exciting models out of the U.S. That may slowly shift. Chinese automakers like BYD are building closer to the border, and brands like Alpine and Cupra are planning American launches. But for now, these rides remain global eye candy - just out of reach for U.S. drivers. This story was produced by and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
New fully-electric Renault 5 E-Tech is a welcome blast from the past and will be a massive hit
THIS is the new Renault 5 E-Tech — and this is exactly how you bring back an iconic car from the past. It looks simply incredible, especially in this fetching Pop Yellow colour, and it features loads of design cues from the original Renault 5. Advertisement 6 CHARGE TIMES: Rapid DC charging from 15-80 per cent takes the Renault 5 around 35 mins or up to 9 hours using a 7kW home charger Credit: RENAULT 6 BLAST FROM THE PAST: What was an air vent on the old Renault 5 turbo has now been turned into an LED battery level indicator Credit: Renault Such a welcome blast of nostalgia and unlike some manufacturers, yes Ford I'm looking at you, who have revived old models but created a version that bears very little resemblance to the car it's replacing. Renault have had the good sense to take everything that was good about the old model and re-imagine how it would be if made in the future. Pop princess Dua Lipa, who has a famous album called Future Nostalgia, has hits including the songs Electricity and Blow Your Mind, so I think Renault missed a trick not enlisting her to launch its new EV hatch. Yes, the new Renault 5 is fully electric, unlike the petrol-powered hatchback from the 70, 80s and 90s. Advertisement Key Facts: Renault 5 E-Tech Cost: From €25,995 Engine: 110kW electric motor Power: 150hp Torque: 245Nm 0-100kph: 8 seconds Top Speed: 150kph Battery: 52kWh lithium-ion Range: 410km Real world range: 356km Rivals: Peugeot E-208, MG4, Smart #1, Nissan Leaf But small electric cars are actually the sweet spot for an EV, not massive, super heavy, all-wheel drive SUVs. The new Renault 5 does tip the scales at 1,524kg, but that's not heavy for an EV, and it never feels overweight to drive. There are two battery sizes, 44kWh paired with a 120bhp electric motor and a 55kWh that I'm testing, which comes with a 150bhp motor. It's not crazy quick, 0-100kph takes eight seconds dead with a top speed of 150kph. Advertisement Most read in Motors But compare that to the 1.4-litre Renault 5 GT Turbo that produced 118bhp with a 0-100kph time of 7.5secs and it's not far off the iconic hot-hatch. And if that's not hot enough for you then Alpine is bringing out its version of the Renault 5 called the A290 — and its packing a 220bhp punch. But if you want supercar performance from a Renault 5 then the rear-wheel drive RS Turbo 3E that's built to drift is the one for you. It will produce 540bhp and 4,800Nm of torque and is rumoured to cost €150k. But back to the 5 E-Tech and as it has a wheel at every corner with short overhangs front and rear, it's really agile and handles like it's on rails. Advertisement 6 BOOT SIZE: Its boot is 326 litres and that rises to 1,106 litres with the rear seats down Credit: Jed Leicester 6 RETRO CABIN: Loads of hints to the old Renault 5 like the old-school graphics, logos and fabrics Credit: Renault There's virtually no body roll, the suspension is reasonably firm so the ride is more sporty than soft, but will still absorb bumps and road imperfections. Inside the 5 E-Tech's interior is another treat with lots of yellow trim and fabric and retro logos and graphics. Advertisement Then amazing figure—hugging seats, heated of course and not dissimilar to the original Renault 5 Turbo seats. The dash layout is brilliant with a series of toggle switches for the climate and dual screens, one for the driver and a central touchscreen infotainment system that runs Google operating system. There's four driving modes and everything changes to different colours with Sport turning red, and Sport mode really livens up the performance. But in contrast, Eco mode totally stunts the power output. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Its boot is 326 litres and that rises to 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded down. It has a real-world range of 356km, fast charging from 15-80% takes 35mins or it's nine hours using a 7kW wallbox. 6 Alpine A290 image bank media Test-Drive, from October 25 to 27th 2024 at Mallorca, Spain - Photo Yannick Brossard / DPPI Credit: Alpine 6 RENAULT TURBO 3E: Crazy rear-wheel drive Turbo 3E is built to drift, it's dual in-wheel electric motors produce 540bhp and a crazy 4,800Nm of torque and it's made from aluminum with loads of cabon fibre parts Credit: Renault Advertisement
