Renault is in the home stretch before the launch of its electric reissue of the R5. As proof, the revisited city car has been seen several times on the road fully camouflaged. The opportunity for us to glimpse the lines of this almost final version.
As you may know, Renault intends to rely on a well-worn but effective spring to find a place in the electric market: nostalgia. To do this, the diamond brand will resuscitate two legendary models, namely the R5 and the 4L. Indeed, the two emblematic city cars will return from 2024 in a “watted” and modern reissue.
And precisely, Renault is now in the final stretch before the launch of the electric R5 on French roads. In fact, the manufacturer is currently refining all the details with open road testing through camouflaged pre-series prototypes. No wonder here, this is the procedure adopted by the vast majority of manufacturers: prototype, internal tests and road tests before presentation of the final model.
The one that is supposed to replace the Zoe in the brand’s catalog has been spotted several times on the hexagonal bitumen. Despite the camouflage, we see that the pre-series model does not seem to stray too far from the concept car presented by Renault in January 2021.
A pre-series model quite close to the 2021 concept car
The tracks are certainly narrower, but also less exuberant and exaggerated than on the concept. Another difference, mirrors have grown in size, while the antenna now sports a shark fin shape. Another notable modification is at the front, where Renault has visibly installed a lower air intake that houses the radar sensor.
If we are to believe the shapes protruding from the camouflage, the front handles look classic. In back, this R5 has opted for door handles installed on the lower part of the windows. A style popularized by Alfa Romeo and found in particular on the Clio and the ZOE.
Regarding the rear lights, we also note that the manufacturer wanted to wink at the original, with this vertical layout. Then, the side shots allow us to appreciate a little better the volumes of the city car. As announced, the electric R5 will present itself as a hyper-compact electric city car. Just look at the tiny rear overhang to understand that we should not expect a monstrous chest.
Unfortunately, the photographers behind these indiscreet images were unable to get close enough to the vehicle to capture the interior. It will be necessary to reach other exits of the R5 to know more about it.
Credits: Motor1