The evolution of the iconic Renault 5

2022 saw the Renault 5 celebrate its 50th anniversary, and with it, the world was given a taste of things to come, with the French manufacturer showcasing its re-imagined Renault 5 E-Tech model. I look back at the iconic car over the decades, its cultural impact, its future, and a new generation of fans.

Throughout the swinging 1960s and the early flamboyant 1970s, the French market for small cars was pretty much shared between the world’s first mass-produced hatchback – the Renault 4 and the ever-popular quirky Citroën 2CV. However, that all changed in the late 1960s when a directive from the then Renault boss, Pierre Dreyfuss, was sent out to engineers, asking them to develop a small car that was a “Voiture à vivre”. A car for all seasons, that was practical and efficient as well as encapsulating everyday life, from work and leisure to town and country.

Under the code name 122, the project got underway in 1967. A small yet innovative design approach was taken that would create a versatile and elegant car. Engineers would ultimately maximize appeal with an offbeat, slightly unconventional design. Code name 122 would become the Renault 5.

The first supermini ever manufactured by the French carmaker was finally launched, initially as a 3-door hatchback in 1972, with a 5-door variant later joining the line-up. Upon its launch, the front-wheel drive Renault 5 quickly became an iconic symbol of France and a hit with customers. Its compact size and efficient powertrains made it a popular choice for city driving. It made motoring accessible and affordable to the masses, including young drivers and urban dwellers.

Renault launched a mass marketing campaign to accompany the car, appealing primarily to families and younger drivers - particularly female drivers, in urban and rural environments. Utilising the cartoon character “Super Cinq”, their campaign slogan was “Hi, I’m Renault 5. But in town and on the open road, people call me Supercar”.

With its sleek styling and distinctive design, the 5 stood out from other cars of that era. Featuring straight lines, square headlights, and a sharp sloping hatch roof, it was also one of the first ever cars to feature reinforced polyester and fibreglass wraparound bumpers - something that became an industry standard.  Based on the Renault 4, the 3-door variant didn’t feature door handles; instead, a lever was indented into the bodywork.

The reliable powertrains from the popular Renaults 4 and 8 were utilised. The entry-level L model was fitted with a 782cc with 33.5hp, and the TL model was equipped with a 956cc producing 44hp. A 5 TS and 5 LS model variant were later added to the line-up with a 1.3-litre powertrain borrowed from the Renault 12. 1976 saw minor powertrain upgrades. The 5 was initially sold as a four-speed manual (with a dash-mounted gearstick), with a three-speed automatic arriving in 1978.

The car's popularity quickly spread beyond France, with sales in the UK and other European countries surging. Due to its popularity and success, the Renault 5 narrowly missed out on being crowned the European Car of the Year in 1973 – with the plaudits going to the Audi 80.

1976 saw Renault launch an Alpine version, one of the first hot hatches on the market. At a cost of £4,149, it was also accompanied by a Gordini – French tuned version, which had 93bhp and could top 110mph with 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. The souped-up 1.4-litre powertrain and five-speed manual attracted great attention with its body kit, alloys, and anti-roll bars. An upgraded Turbocharged version was launched in 1982 with enhanced performance and minor tech upgrades.

Following the success of their Alpine/Gordini, Renault decided to shake things up by introducing the 5 Turbo. Designed primarily as a rally car, Renault made a street version available. The 5 Turbo featured a turbocharged powertrain behind the driver, creating a mid-engine hot hatch. In a change to the norm, it was a rear-wheel drive rather than a front-wheel. The 1.4-litre, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder engine delivered 158hbp. With its distinctive flared wheel arches and sizeable rear-side air intakes, the 5 Turbo was the most powerful French production car ever made at the time of its launch. The 5 Turbo was a force to be reckoned with. It was driven by actress Barbara Carrera in the non-official 1983 James Bond movie 'Never Say Never Again', opposite Sean Connery.

By 1980, the Renault 5 was the second biggest-selling car in the world. Production of the first generation ran from 1972-1984.

In January 1985, Renault launched their second-generation 5 with a moderate facelift. With a completely new bodyshell and platform – based on their larger Renault 9 and 11 models, the new 5 was bigger than its predecessor, though it remained recognisable. New design cues were added along with a tweaked aerodynamic design. Upgrades to technology, safety, powertrains, and efficiency were all added. The new design was a hit with drivers and helped cement the 5’s reputation as one of the most popular cars of its time.

A GT Turbo “hot hatch” joined the line-up. A modified four-cylinder, eight-valve, 1.4-litre air-cooled turbocharged powertrain produced 113bhp and delivered 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. A water-cooled facelift appeared in 1987 with tech, safety, and powertrain upgrades. With its sporty handling and performance, the 5 GT Turbo quickly became popular with enthusiasts.

Production of the second generation ran from 1984-1996. As sales began to dwindle, the Clio model eventually superseded the Renault 5, and after nearly 25 years, the 5 was discontinued.

The Renault 5 became the best-selling car in France from 1972 until 1986, with a total production exceeding 5.5 million units, making it France’s most popular car.

It was practical, affordable, and stylish, making it a popular choice for drivers worldwide. Although it has been discontinued, the 5 remains integral to Renault’s history, inspiring designers and engineers alike, so much so that Renault decided to revive the supermini.

The all new Renault 5 E-Tech will be an electric vehicle with a modern design that pays homage to the original while incorporating new technology. Launching this February, it’s already generated excitement amongst fans of the original. With its classic, cutting-edge design, it’s the first vehicle based on the Renault-Nissan partnership, with the new version set to utilise the platform used on the electric Nissan Micra. The five-door electric supermini will feature hidden door handles in the C-pillar, with rear doors featuring a flush finish, giving the illusion of a three-door appearance.

Entry models will be fitted with a 40kWh battery delivering 186 miles of range, with a larger 52kWh battery offering a claimed range of 249 miles. The 5’s motor will produce 134bhp across the line-up. 0-62mph in 9 seconds with the 90kWh (120hp) electric motor and there's a 110kWh with 150hp, delivering a top speed of 93mph.

There’s no doubting the iconic impact the Renault 5 has had over the years, and the new 5 is set to make an impact, much like its predecessors. Time will tell if the new re-imagined 5 captures the imagination of old, but I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t bet against it.

#electriccar #Renault5 #Renault #french #PHEV #France #iconic #cultural