Renault has confirmed this morning that it will revive two of its most iconic numbers as part of its shift to electric cars in the next half decade.
The Renault 5, which was made from 1972 to 1996 and also became a rally icon, is confirmed to return as an electric supermini, having been revealed as a concept car early this year. It will hit the market in 2024 with a price tag of around £18,500.
And the Renault 4 – which was originally produced between 1961 and 1994 – will also be reborn as a compact crossover, the French firm announced.
Renault boss Luca de Meo outlined how the French maker will launch 10 new EVs before 2025 and plans for 90 per cent of all European car sales to be electric by 2030.
A motoring and rally icon reborn: Renault confirmed the Renault 5 will be reborn as a sub-£20,000 electric city car by 2024. It will retain the looks of the 5 Prototype revealed earlier this year, which is styled to look like the 5 Turbo hot hatch of the 1980s
The Renault 5 was France’s best-selling car for over a decade, between the seventies and eighties, with total production of the first-generation car (built until 1985) exceeding 5.5 million units.
It is also fondly remembered by hot hatchback and rally fans as one of the iconic performance cars of the era.
This is why the unveiling of the Renault 5 Prototype EV in January caused such as stir.
De Meo said the reborn 5 will play a major role in the revival of the French firm’s fortunes and switch to electrification in the next five years.
It will be built on Renault’s new CMF-BEV platform for small electric cars and use revamped battery technology that’s due to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable.
![Joanna Lumley washing her Renault 5 outside her flat in Holland Park, London. In order to meet regulations to race, 200 versions of a road-going version of the same vehicle had to be produced over a 12-month period](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/15/08/38038640-9146735-image-m-9_1610700116334.jpg)
Joanna Lumley washing her Renault 5 outside her flat in Holland Park, London. In order to meet regulations to race, 200 versions of a road-going version of the same vehicle had to be produced over a 12-month period
![Barbara Carrera drove the Renault 5 in the 1983 Bond film, Never Say Never Again. The 5 was France's best-selling car for over a decade was more than five million were produced](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/15/08/38038638-9146735-image-m-12_1610700166730.jpg)
Barbara Carrera drove the Renault 5 in the 1983 Bond film, Never Say Never Again. The 5 was France’s best-selling car for over a decade was more than five million were produced
![A photograph of the original Renault 5 in a brochure with the car painted in the tricolour of the French national flag](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/15/08/38038632-9146735-image-m-15_1610700312134.jpg)
A photograph of the original Renault 5 in a brochure with the car painted in the tricolour of the French national flag
![The 5's return: Side-by-side, you can see some of the shared design cues of the 5 Prototype with the iconic 1972 original](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864139-9740933-image-m-7_1625055808524.jpg)
The 5’s return: Side-by-side, you can see some of the shared design cues of the 5 Prototype with the iconic 1972 original
In fact, he claims the 5 will be brought to market in 2024 with a price tag that around 33 per cent less than the existing small electric Renault, the Zoe.
The most basic version of a Zoe costs from £27,505 in the UK – which means the 5 could launch with a target price in the region of just £18,500, inclusive of the Government’s existing £2,500 Plug-in Vehicle Grant.
Instead of lithium-ion batteries, as used in most electric vehicles today, the 5 will have Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NCM)-based batteries, which Renault says will reduce the cost per kWh to around $80 (£58) by 2030.
In terms of driving range, it should improve performance by 20 per cent. Though it estimates that the 5 will be able to drive for 249 miles (400km) on a fully charged battery, which is on par with the current Zoe in showrooms today.
![Renault boss Luca de Meo confirmed this morning that the electric 5 will cost 33% less than the existing Zoe EV](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/14/11/37997476-9146735-image-a-48_1610623731722.jpg)
Renault boss Luca de Meo confirmed this morning that the electric 5 will cost 33% less than the existing Zoe EV
![The most basic version of a Zoe (pictured) costs from £27,505 in the UK - which means the 5 could launch with a target price in the region of just £18,500, inclusive of the Government's existing £2,500 Plug-in Vehicle Grant](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864013-9740933-The_most_basic_version_of_a_Zoe_costs_from_27_505_in_the_UK_whic-a-3_1625055588732.jpg)
The most basic version of a Zoe (pictured) costs from £27,505 in the UK – which means the 5 could launch with a target price in the region of just £18,500, inclusive of the Government’s existing £2,500 Plug-in Vehicle Grant
![It estimated that the 5 EV will be able to drive for 249 miles (400km) on a fully charged battery, which is on par with the current Zoe in showrooms today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864163-9740933-image-a-8_1625055855372.jpg)
It estimated that the 5 EV will be able to drive for 249 miles (400km) on a fully charged battery, which is on par with the current Zoe in showrooms today
Renault has previously said the 5’s return is ‘the rebirth of a cult car, more modern than ever’ and part of its plans ‘to reconnect with its past’ and ‘draw inspiration to find the spirit of those glorious times’.
The 5 Prototype, revealed in January, has styling cues that are very much in the ilk of the compact French supermini that superseded the Clio, especially the R5 Turbo hot hatch, which has become a supremely collectible ’80s classic worth in the region of £80,000 and more – and is recognised as one of the standout machines from the Group B rally era.
Gilles Vidal, design director at Renault, said: ‘The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, a cult model of our heritage.
This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive.’
![Instead of lithium-ion batteries, as used in most electric vehicles today, the 5 will have Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NCM)-based batteries, which Renault says will reduce the cost per kWh to around $80 (£58) by 2030](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/14/13/37997470-9146735-Who_said_electric_cars_couldn_t_be_exciting_While_Renault_has_te-a-48_1610631315605.jpg)
Instead of lithium-ion batteries, as used in most electric vehicles today, the 5 will have Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NCM)-based batteries, which Renault says will reduce the cost per kWh to around $80 (£58) by 2030
![The Renault 5 EV will be one of 10 new electric cars launched by the brand between now and 2025, says the French firm's boss](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/14/11/37997486-9146735-image-m-50_1610623743434.jpg)
The Renault 5 EV will be one of 10 new electric cars launched by the brand between now and 2025, says the French firm’s boss
![The front LED bumper and bonnet showcase Renault's 1980s logos, while tower-stacked rear lights incorporate aero flaps to improve the streamlining of the car for better range efficiency](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/14/11/37997480-9146735-image-a-53_1610623769205.jpg)
The front LED bumper and bonnet showcase Renault’s 1980s logos, while tower-stacked rear lights incorporate aero flaps to improve the streamlining of the car for better range efficiency
Some of the R5’s features will be reworked for the benefit of the EV.
This includes a bonnet air intake which has been redesigned to hide the charging socket, tower-stacked rear lights that incorporate aero flaps to improve the streamlining of the car for better range efficiency and front fog lamps that act as daytime running lights.
The front bumper also has an LED display, which displays the Renault logo as it was in the eighties.
It is widely expected that the design will remain fairly consistent for the production model due to hit dealers in three years’ time.
And it will also be joined by a new version of the Renault 4, which is currently being called the ‘4ever’ and will soon be showcased in concept form as a small crossover vehicle.
The huge wheel arches, boxy features and compact dimensions of the 5 EV strike a strong likeness to the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo rally cars used in the 1980s
![The Renault 5 Turbo is still considered a rally icon. Here, French driver Paul Chieusse and his co-driver Fabienne Brunet de Bainne are seen competing in the Legend Boucles a Bastogne in Belgium in February 2016](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/37997460-9740933-The_Renault_5_Turbo_is_still_considered_a_rally_icon_Here_French-a-49_1625057455061.jpg)
The Renault 5 Turbo is still considered a rally icon. Here, French driver Paul Chieusse and his co-driver Fabienne Brunet de Bainne are seen competing in the Legend Boucles a Bastogne in Belgium in February 2016
![The Renault 5 Turbo - or 'R5' - is one of the adored cars of the fearsome Group B generation, alongside the likes of the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037 and Delta S4, Peugeot 205 T16, Metro 6R4 and Ford RS200](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/37997472-9740933-The_Renault_5_Turbo_or_R5_is_one_of_the_adored_cars_of_the_fears-a-50_1625057483550.jpg)
The Renault 5 Turbo – or ‘R5’ – is one of the adored cars of the fearsome Group B generation, alongside the likes of the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037 and Delta S4, Peugeot 205 T16, Metro 6R4 and Ford RS200
![The 5 Prototype has a rally-style bonnet air intake, though it has been redesigned to hide the charging socket. Front fog lamps act as daytime running lights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/14/11/37997482-9146735-image-a-51_1610623756956.jpg)
The 5 Prototype has a rally-style bonnet air intake, though it has been redesigned to hide the charging socket. Front fog lamps act as daytime running lights
![The original 5 became a massive hit, especially in France, due to the quirky looks, compact dimensions and very affordable price](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864147-9740933-image-a-12_1625055909593.jpg)
The original 5 became a massive hit, especially in France, due to the quirky looks, compact dimensions and very affordable price
![It outsold all other cars in France between 1972 and 1986](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864141-9740933-It_outsold_all_other_cars_in_France_between_1972_and_1986_Produc-m-22_1625056022128.jpg)
![Production of the mk1 car (pictured) ended in 1985, including the Turbo performance version, while the mk2 - which became better known as the Super 5, or 'Supercinq' - was built between 1984 and 1996. It was replaced by the Clio](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864143-9740933-image-a-23_1625056029222.jpg)
It outsold all other cars in France between 1972 and 1986. Production of the mk1 car (pictured) ended in 1985, including the Turbo performance version, while the mk2 – which became better known as the Super 5, or ‘Supercinq’ – was built between 1984 and 1996. It was replaced by the Clio
Mr de Meo said it will signify the brand’s intention to make the relaunched 4 a ‘timeless classic’, with Vidal promising a ‘retro-modern’ design.
In recent months, the Renault 4’s value has increased at a record pace. In fact, a recent report from Hagerty says it appreciated faster than Series III E-Type Jaguars in the last year.
Like the 5, the electric 4 will be produced on the CMF-BEV platform and use the latest battery technology – though further details of the car remain thin on the ground for now.
De Meo, who spearheaded the recent revival of the retro Fiat 500 in his former role at the Italian marque, said: ‘I know from experience that reinventing a cult products lights a fire under the whole brand.
‘This is a cult vehicle at a price many can afford.
‘And this is only the beginning for the whole Renault brand.’
![The Renault 4 - which was originally produced between 1961 and 1994 (pictured) - will be reborn as a compact crossover before 2025, the French firm announced](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864153-9740933-image-a-30_1625056068429.jpg)
The Renault 4 – which was originally produced between 1961 and 1994 (pictured) – will be reborn as a compact crossover before 2025, the French firm announced
![The value of original Renault 4 classics are up more than 10% in a year, says Hagerty. That means it has risen quicker than a Jaguar E-Type Series III and Ferrari 308 since the middle of 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864159-9740933-image-a-31_1625056072676.jpg)
The value of original Renault 4 classics are up more than 10% in a year, says Hagerty. That means it has risen quicker than a Jaguar E-Type Series III and Ferrari 308 since the middle of 2020
‘Nine in ten Renaults sold in Europe by 2030 will be electric’
Luca de Meo says the French firm aims to have the ‘greenest mix’ of vehicles in the European market in 2025, with more than 65 per cent of models in its range either electric or electrified hybrids.
It will launch 10 new models – including the 4 and 5 – in that period, including an electric Megane E crossover that will go into production next year as the first car built on the CMF-EV platform.
De Meo says it will then boost its share to 90 per cent fully electric vehicles in by 2030.
![Luca de Meo, boss of Renault, told an 'ElectroPop' online audience that the French firm aims to have the 'greenest mix' of vehicles in the European market in 2025, with more than 65% of models in its range either electric or electrified hybrids](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864161-9740933-image-a-32_1625056344014.jpg)
Luca de Meo, boss of Renault, told an ‘ElectroPop’ online audience that the French firm aims to have the ‘greenest mix’ of vehicles in the European market in 2025, with more than 65% of models in its range either electric or electrified hybrids
![An electric version of Renault's popular Megane - the Megane E - was unveiled last year and is among the 10 new models due to hit the market between now and 2025](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/30/13/44864151-9740933-image-a-18_1625056003896.jpg)
An electric version of Renault’s popular Megane – the Megane E – was unveiled last year and is among the 10 new models due to hit the market between now and 2025
‘Today is a historic acceleration of Renault Group’s EV strategy, made in Europe,’ he said during an online ‘ElectroPop’ event.
‘Ten new electric models will be conceived and up to one million electric vehicles will be manufactured by 2030, from cost-efficient urban vehicles to sportier, higher-end ones.
‘As well as efficiency, we bet on iconic designs such as the beloved R5 to bring the Renault touch to electrification, making electric cars popular.’
The Renault Group – which also consists of brands Alpine, Dacia and Nissan – will centre its electric vehicle production at its new ‘ElectriCity’ hub made up of three plants in northern France.
Both the Renault 5 and Megane E will be produced there – the 4ever is also likely to be manufactured there.
Production of electric Nissans for Europe could be shifted to Sunderland, with the Japanese brand set this week to confirm its plans for a battery-making gigafactory in the North East of England by 2024.
Renault, in partnership with Envision AESC, will have its own gigafactory in Douai, northern France, which will open in 2024 with an annual output of 9GWh and a plan to expand to 24GWh by 2030.
The French firm also says it will work with a start-up called Verkor to develop a new high-performance battery for larger models, which will be built in a separate plant.