Renault’s retro electric hatchback revealed in patent filing

Patent images have revealed the upcoming production-spec Renault 5 looks almost identical to the concept that previewed it.

A few weeks ago, blurry images allegedly of a production-spec Renault 5 were leaked, and now patent images shared by Auto Express UK have given us a better look at the electric hatchback.

The patent images were reportedly published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The Renault 5 concept was revealed in 2021 but more recently Renault has teased images of a camouflaged production model ahead of its reveal at the 2024 Geneva motor show in February.

The patent images suggest the production car won’t stray far from the concept.

They show the vehicle still wears a prominent Renault badge front and centre of the grille, a unique headlight design with slim vertical LEDs, and a boxy front bumper.

The front bumper has two square cutouts that appear to incorporate daytime running lights, and there is a rectangular air intake that runs along the lower bumper which will cool the battery and motor.

Similarly to the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, there is a charging port located on the front fender.

The side profile shows a conventional door handle for the driver and passenger. For the second row, a door handle is hidden in the C-pillar like the Megane E-Tech. There are also distinctive aero wheels.

Around the back, the Renault 5 has vertical tail lights and a dark full-width bar, however unlike the concept this doesn’t seem to be a light bar. A rear spoiler sits atop the tailgate.

There are no patent images of the interior, but on previously leaked images we can faintly see a large screen assembly that stretches from in front of the driver to the centre of the cabin.

The Renault 5 will be the first model to use the AmpR Small platform, previously referred to as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-B EV platform, which will also underpin the electric Nissan Micra as well as the retro Renault 4 and potentially the next-generation Twingo.

The platform will share around 70 per cent of its components with the CMF-B platform that underpins the likes of the Renault Arkana and Captur, and Nissan Juke.

Renault hasn’t revealed battery capacities for the 5, but we know the largest battery offered in the Zoe is a 52kWh unit, which has a WLTP driving range of 395km.

It says however the new design which utilises four large modules rather than 12 smaller ones, is 15kg lighter and takes up “less space to transport more kWh”.

Last year Renault revealed one of the 5’s drivetrain options will be known as the ePT-100kW, which, we think, might have an output of 100kW. The larger Megane E-Tech uses a unit known as the ePT-160kW.

Finally, Renault claims the new 5 will be a “benchmark for its segment in terms of driving pleasure”. This is partially down to the various weight saving measures detailed above, but also the car’s new multi-link rear axle.

Full-scale production of the Renault 5 is expected to start in 2024 and will take place at Renault’s Douai plant in northern France.

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