Returning to USA? The all-new Spunky Renault 5 electric hot hatch would THRIVE stateside

#renault #renault5 #hothatch
The French automaker, Renault, could make a fierce comeback in the USA with it's all-new #electric #hatchback .. Here's how it could happen.
Source:
media.renault.com/renault-5-e...

[@ralfstam6633]

The iluminated 5 on the hood is actually a charging percentage display and lights up when the car is connected to a charger.

[@limitedreach4446]

Nissan has their own Micra version of this being developed by Renault’s EV division, Ampere.

[@Eugen-E]

Renault Group cancels Ampere IPO The automaker planned to spin off its EV and software business in the first half of 2024.

[@nick.i.am97]

@@Eugen-E 🤣

[@RagShop1]

I had a 1985 Encore 'Spring Special' just like the one you first showed with the black lower body and red upper half. LOVED that car!❤

[@julienbee3467]

Was it fun to drive ?

[@RagShop1]

@@julienbee3467 It wasn't truly sporty but it was okay. It only weighed about 2100 lbs. (no air conditioner) and it was automatic but its 78 HP was enough for such light weight. Only real caveat was its poor panic braking; it tended to be unstable under hard braking. I would've later bought a 1987 Alliance GTA had I felt better about money. That manual trans. car with far sportier suspension would've been more fun.

[@rainerknuth]

Alpine A290 is comming, same car with more power ( maybe 220 HP ) Alpine is Sportcars from Renault same AMG for Mercedes and M GmbH for BMW.

[@guillaumeherve-gruyer989]

I saw a 270hp figure

[@YannR34]

Yep, the Alpine A290 will be a bit larger, and a bit longer for what I've heard, because it will have to fit the bigger Megane motor in it, and possibly a version with a second one in the back, the multi-link suspension of the R5 allows it. Special front design with other head light too and other back light and more muscly shape.

[@sgrant9814]

Reminds me of the renault cinq (le car) previously sold stateside. Living in mexico the past four years, renault is fairly popular here and offers a number of very small cuv that would be good for electrification.

[@chillaxinn]

We need subcompacts like the Renault 5. Bring back affordable cars, even if its an EV. The Fiat 500e is back, hopefully the subcompact/city car segment can make a comeback! I'd like to see the return of the Honda Fit!

[@tails300]

I’ll pass on those, but a Honda Fit hybrid would be nice.

[@1022gtv]

You should have quoted "Renault Le Car" instead of "Encore." If it were released in our market, it would be really popular with Gen Xers who knew the original R5.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

The 5 may come as a Nissan Micra EV, or some Mitsubishi. I think Mitsubishi is more in need of it though.

[@papps44]

I live in the UK and if I ever have the money I would buy it. I currently run a 2014 Peugeot 308 with a 3 cylinder turbo engine with 130bhp and i love it. Stellantis are building great cars seriously while the vw group are not paying attention to what drivers want.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Oh man. AMC should’ve never gotten bought out by Chrysler. They were on a path to profitability with innovative cars that won “car of the year” awards, but Renault financials went kurplunk over in Europe. I actually think the Renault cars made by AMC were the most modern American cars out of that time. Remember how Chrysler LH platform cars were actually based off an AMC unfinished concept? And that platform helped Chrysler during the 90s. I wish AMC and their quirky cars were still around.

[@DavidDLee]

I remember seeing the Renault 5 decades ago, including a GT variant, along with it's brethren, the Peugeot 205. The latter I actually had the pleasure of driving.

[@AdrienAbimes]

It's confirmed that the images you got will be the stock version sold in the EU. The 5 on the hood will display the battery %. Imo Renault will never come back to the US because Nissan and Mitsubishi are well established there already. Mitsubishi already rebadges Renault Clio into Colt in the EU.

[@seanhershey3390]

I’d love a new LeCar.( my friend had one)..we had a few alliances on our car lot…

[@alengreen589]

reliability is not the strongest point for Renault here in Europe.

[@jonpetter8921]

This is based on new EV powertrain though, like the Nissan Arya. It shares the same platform with Nissan Arya. Thier EV lineups has nothing to do with their previous ICE cars. So your comment is irrelevant.

[@alengreen589]

@@jonpetter8921 ok thanks

[@YannR34]

And this car has so much tech inside, with the best imbedded system on the market. and even including V2L and V2G.

[@YannR34]

That is weird the differences in style taste around the world... I love the Yellow high end interior finish. I think this is much more luxurious in the choice of fabric, and the style is so into details and exclusive, so much taste. It fits the Yellow paint one so much, adding a higher end touch and without removing even a bit of the funky feel such important in this car. I wouldn't like this car without this finish. When I saw the car it make me smile and still doing it but seeing the inside was like an explosion of emotion. For me you can't have this car with a prude and "ordinary" interior. It has to pop too. You can't go half way, just free your mind. This car is gonna sell like Croissants (we would say more "petits pains" in French expression, but I felt that Croissant would be more imaged in USA. I'm so proud of this Brand now and trust me it wasn't the case still few years ago, and I'm even more happy that this is a European and French one. 👍 It's gonna be so much fun to drive for sure.

[@ryannatividad3137]

I would love this. Totally doable as a daily suburban commuter car. Charge at home, and plenty of range for daily trips. Love the simultaneously futuristic and retro vibes. Funky, yet clean and modern design. They could target the same buyers as the Mini EV, but be slightly more affordable (albeit giving up some size, features, and performance). So jealous that Europe will be getting both this and the VW ID.2. My ideal daily driver EV is this: a small, reasonably affordable hatchback, that looks stylish and drives decent if not thrilling. I know we've had the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, and similar cars, but why does going affordable mean having to put up with a dorky, frumpy design? Maybe if they offered cooler small cars (both EV and ICE) in the US, we wouldn't have such a poor image of small and affordable vehicles. It's a niche, but Mini does reasonably well in North America, why can't all these other brands?

[@baronvonjo1929]

I agree with your ending comments. Small cars are done so terribly for the US market. They have some success and demand but fail at so much and never attract a big enough audience. I think the bed has been made however. People these days can only afford one car. This might fit most people's needs 80-90% of the time. But Americans need their car for everytbing. It's far too small and expensive to just be a small commuter. Most buyers who can afford a 25k car and are willing to will buy a bigger ICE car.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Also nope. Mini only sold 33k units as brand last year. They do not do well at all if we are being honest. Small cars have completely lost the American car buyer. I drive a small subcompact hatchback myself.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

As an American, I never really cared for Renault. When I was a teenager, I was a passenger in a friend's Renault that caught on fire due to an electrical issue. However, I have been driving Renault vehicles on the Forza Horizon 5 video game. The vehicles in the game reproduce the specs and real-world physics. Some of these newer Renault vehicles are absolutely fun to drive compared to other vehicles in the same class. Although I know it's a car in a video game, it really does make me more interested in Renault.

[@cafn8ed74]

As a self proclaimed s--- box fan, I dig it. A little portly for a subcompact, but acceptable for an EV. (Seriously, does every EV need to weigh 5000 lbs?) Maybe I just like it because the green one matches my Mazda 2.

[@blackcow8114]

dunno, it's most likely that renault will get this into the states by rebadging it as nissan or mitsubishi

[@YannR34]

The illuminated Renault Logo is more a question of restrictions than budget. It wasn't allowed to illuminate brand logo on cars here. But I seems that it just has changed... So we more likely are going to see more of them in the future.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

My kidney's going on marketplace the moment Renault drops an electric Twingo stateside

[@91_C4_FL]

I wish we got Peugeot in the US.

[@rubenhaak2968]

No they are shit tbh the old ones from the 90s were cool and early 2000s but after that only shit in my opinion

[@91_C4_FL]

@@rubenhaak2968 Those are the ones I wish we had lol. I’m sure they are trash now.

[@this_dude5307]

Peugeot was actually supposed to come here in 2023 but the because of the Stellantis merger it was cancelled. I’m still bummed about it to this day.

[@courtneypuzzo2502]

27,000 US Dollars is $24,906 Euros its a similar price to a Toyota Camry LE and that's before shipping costs and other associated charges such as license registration inspection etc. then also depending on state you're in the price to register a classic/antique car also involve limits on how much the car can be driven unless its being used in shows/parades or as a pace car at auto racing events such as the Indianapolis 500

[@SeattleShelby]

Renault saw an opportunity in North America - any Mexican or Californian could take one look at their overheating VW bug and then look at the water-cooled Renault and decide which car they wanted to drive.

[@TinoMiller]

If it comes to the US it will come as a Mitsubishi Mirage EV .. Its not coming as a Nissan in the US ..

[@MrBaskins2010]

i hate how almost every car stateside keeps getting bigger and more expensive. I just want a bare bones car that functions; dont need radio or even heat

[@rolandtb3]

Any chicken tax as made in France? How does range compare to EPA or actual, % same, less based on speed, etc? How much to compensate for winter and elevation? Hopefully Mitsubishi variant, faster with longer range, $30-$35k, better charging times. New vehicles: form, fit, ride quality, reliability, resale?

[@ultrafight4997]

I wish skoda was coming to the US

[@roberthoyt7921]

I'm not sure if the R5 might mean Renault would come back to the US, but it could set a standard for future EVs. Mitsubishi may already consider exiting the US and Canada for good especially given its weak yet uninteresting lineup in these markets. Should Mitsu stay, the brand should be rebooted into a performance-oriented brand thus revive the Lancer sedan and Pajero/Montero off-road ladder-frame 4x4 SUV as well as build the Triton pickup.

[@nicolasdumon8831]

Pour tout ceux qui disent que Renault n’est pas fiable : Mercedes a choisis de mettre un moteur Renault dans ses véhicules 110cv. C’est pas pour rien, fiable et increvable (j’en suis témoins).

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Cool

[@gerary]

Just slap a Subaru badge and call it the Justy

[@brandonperlow9091]

When I saw this yesterday, my first thought was rebadge this as a nissan. Nissan's leaf is pretty much forgotten about, and Nissan doesnt really have much buzz about their cars aside from the Z. They could solve the problem for an affordable hatch ev, especially if they make the highest model R5 here,. I think building it in North America, and leveraging nissans parts bin, they could sell the car for 30K and get subsidies too.

[@rainerknuth]

Sorry written in German, my english is not good. Der Renault R5 ist eine Ikone in Europa. Renault wird es nicht zulassen das dieses Auto leicht verändert unter einen anderen Marke verkauft wird. Die Basis ( Technik..... ) wird sicherlich Nissan oder Mitsubishi nutzen können um eigene Autos daraus zu entwickeln.

[@brandonperlow9091]

​@@rainerknuth Sie können einige Karosserieteile austauschen, andere Lichter, Schalter und Sitze (von Nissan) verwenden und es in ein anderes Auto umbenennen. Verzeihen Sie mir meinen deutschen Google Translate They can change some body panels, use different lights,switches, and seats (from Nissan) and rebadge it as a different car.. Forgive my German google translate

[@TheJcman72]

Nissan Micra and Alpine A290 will use that same platform.

[@ludosys4903]

The main criticism over here in Europe is that the entry model is not suitable for DC fastcharging it's battery, so nobody will consider this entry level, even if the price point is attractive for an EV (25K €, approx the same amoint in $). Count on 35K € for a more powerfull verison / bigger battery/ some options and than it's coming too close to Tesla territory for a car that barely fits 2 adults and 2 kids in a child seat. How nice the design is with a wink to the old R5 from the 70's, I'm a but hesitant if it will sell wel.

[@etrain6125]

Giving me Honda E vibes

[@bobbyjones2112]

In city drivin. Like why would we need a car just for in city driving when we could just use our one car for all driving purposes. Most people don’t wanna buy two cars. And that horsepower is way too low, that needs about 450 hp in order for Americans to buy it…lmao😂

[@royaltyallen1162]

Idk man,small cheap cars is a dying segment here in the states

[@Eugen-E]

Still they are not very reliable cars here in EU )))

[@faheemabbas3965]

And that’s why that thing and Renault as a whole don’t exist to me.

[@nick.i.am97]

🤣

[@melaniezette886]

Yes but cheap to repair

[@Eugen-E]

@@melaniezette886 Not really )) To replace a clutch kit on a boring car like a Megane 1.5 diesel 110hp can cost over 1000€ and that's without labour. And we don't talk about official dealer service. And that's just maintenance. We don't even talk about engine/transmission problems or other things that have to be replaced compared to a Prius, for example timing belt which they use even now in 2024 on their engines.

[@nicolasdumon8831]

@@faheemabbas3965Mercedes a choisis un moteur Renault pour ses voitures petits moteurs, parce que c’est fiable et increvable !

[@tomas9830]

Ill never understand why americans need huge cars.

[@68jwalter]

Look at the Mitsubishi Colt😅

[@this_dude5307]

Rebadging this car as a Nissan or Mitsubishi is not gonna work. Their design languages will not be able to flow well with this car. I know that Mitsubishi has the new Colt and ASX, which are both rebadged Renaults, but obviously it would be a silly thing to do. Mitsubishi only did that so that Renault would be able to max out their production there. They were actually planning on leaving Europe as a whole prior to that. I would much rather have Renault as a brand make a return stateside, especially since they’re bringing their Alpine performance brand here by 2027 or 2028. Renault is also in talks with Autonation for setting up the Alpine dealer network stateside, so dealers may not be an issue as it once was. Time will tell, but I’m hoping that will eventually be the case.

[@tinhinnh]

Is Yugo still in business?

[@baronvonjo1929]

25k for a small hatchback is definitely not going to work well. Far too expensive for what you get and way to cramped and small. Plus while there is some demand hatchbacks just arent the biggest segment here.

[@moeanthony9308]

Not a chance coming to NA. Electric or not it wont sell in this climate surrounded by big honking suvs.Keep these in Europe as they have been

[@Blank00]

As Nissan and Mitsubishi are trying to build back their reputation for reliability, a rebadged Renault will definitely not help.

[@budawang77]

Your km to miles conversion is off. 400 km is 248.5 statute miles. You might have been converting to nautical miles!

[@melaniezette886]

US doesn't want small cheap cars 🇨🇵😄

[@melaniezette886]

But you may get Mitsubishi rebadged one. Renault Clio is rebranded as Mitsubishi here in France. It may come to US, it would be fun.

[@nicolasdumon8831]

Oui les US préfèrent marcher dans la rue avec des craked 😂 Pays de merde 💩, même BADBUNNY il est obligé de venir faire des clip en france tellement que c’est éclater les États Unis.

[@islanddon865]

Having lived in France, l'm a bit opinionated on French cars... Alpine..."Toujours" Peugeot..."Pas Mal" Citrōen..."Comme si, comme ça" Renault..."Jamais"

[@16boh]

Electric cars are like golf carts…you need just the right climate & distances must be short…non fossil fueled vehicles would be great but we must keep in mind the reality of the limits of EVs & physics today…new powered systems will come when ready!

[@markcoopers1930]

But they won't be ready if they never come out and can't be forced to compete in the market. Let them come. It'll come in as a Nissan or Mitsubishi in the states, and they aren't giving up their gassers. Choice is best.

[@lchanceiv]

They should rebadge it as a Nissan

[@tails300]

Nah, it would be DOA in America. Plus 95 hp for nearly 30 grand? Trash 🗑️.

[@ameraboukoura6091]

I freaking hate Renault, they should remain outside the states plus they ruined Nissan

[@renoallstate4573]

I wish I could give this more thumbs up! We just need toyota to make a 100-plus mile range phev, and I'd be happy!

[@Eugen-E]

True story

[@jonpetter8921]

Their new EVs are well received in Europe.

[@Eugen-E]

@@jonpetter8921 know someone who bought a brand new Renault ZOE in 2021 in Germany. Had A LOT of technical problems. The car was sold ))) Crap.

[@jonpetter8921]

@@Eugen-E It s not the only EV with "problems". And their latest EVs, Megane E Tech, received positive feedbacks, build on the same new platform as Nissan Arya, with Google infotainment.

[@andyleo8418]

Grand opening, grand closing. They left for a reason. They can come again, but they'll leave again. The French and Italians suck at making reliable, well built cars.

[@marantamil459]

It isn't a hot hatch.

[@AdrienAbimes]

Alpine will sell a hot version of it ;)

[@marantamil459]

@@AdrienAbimes Yes I know but calling the regular 5 a hot hatch is wrong. The top-spec as shown here will also not be 25K, It will be more like 40K. Knowing Renault the base trim will look dreadful..

[@adamyoung8606]

Style over substance? No, thank you, Le Car 2.0.

[@jlamm2223443]

I would love to see this, but French workers get paid reasonably, so why can't we build something like this right here!!! I want affordable AMERICAN built cars.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

No, no, no! No EVs. Bring this back in ICE turbo form. It was an iconic car. They just ruined it.

[@garyclark6747]

500E 🎯 12:27

[@avdp9095]

Only 300km range for the one with the small battery pack.....real worldrange max 200km....😢😢😢😢the car looks nice but shows perfectly what is wrong with small EV'S......to heavy, no range, cheap batteries and slow charging..... .

[@michaeloreilly657]

More than enough for most people's commutes.