FIRST DRIVE: Renault R5 Turbo 3E - 375hp Hot Hatch | Top Gear

It’s called the R5 Turbo 3E, and it’s a two-seat tribute to the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of yesteryears. And unlike most concept cars that’ll turn heads and nothing else, this might just turn your stomach too because it’s designed for DRIFTING.
Don’t be fooled by the all-electric powertrain: it’s rear-wheel drive courtesy of a motor on each of the back wheels, delivering a playful 375hp and 516lb ft. Renault reckons on 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, but stops short of predicting what range you’ll get from the 42kWh battery. Presumably, because you can’t get a WLTP rating when sideways…
At 1.5 tonnes (520kg of that is battery cells) it’s a good deal heavier than the cars that inspired it, but a tubular chassis, protected flat base and FIA-approved roll cage should provide plenty of stiffness when engaging that impossible-to-miss handbrake. Which Top Gear Magazine’s Ollie Marriage wasn’t allowed to touch. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t drift it.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:39 Renault R5 Turbo 3E
02:34 How it drives
04:40 Exterior
06:07 Interior
07:06 Conclusion
WATCH MORE TOP GEAR:
First Looks: bit.ly/TGFirstLooks
First Drives: bit.ly/TGFirstDrives
American Tuned ft. Rob Dahm: bit.ly/TGAmericanTuned
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on KZbin. Here you'll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You'll also find the latest performance car reviews from the TopGear.com crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig.
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[@thembanimdlalose5229]

Can we petition Renault to make a road going version of this 😢

[@CockatooDude]

You know they never will. Don't even get your hopes up.

[@martinprice8935]

It looks shit and what’s it good for?

[@MrIainc2008]

A petrol version is an even slimmer chance

[@mclarenf1lm374]

Just a small city hot hatch like this would be a blessing.

[@murdock6450]

why, you gonna buy one?

[@CounterClaws]

That is by FAR the coolest electric car I have ever seen!

[@bernardoberner4]

Still not cool tho

[@anderson2718]

Laughs in vision n 74

[@yota8325]

Yet the fact is it would be even cooler with a combustion engine

[@bernardoberner4]

Apparently the McMurthy Spierling doesn't exist

[@anderson2718]

@@bernardoberner4 I mean...... its alright I guess

[@notesonwheels]

This crazy out of the box matchbox is literally the way to save 4wheeled art. This car is exactly what we need.

[@Outland9000]

The livery and lilac windows are very cool!

[@steviefpv]

Looks nice but it don’t sound right I hate electric that should have a popping banging loud exhaust. It’s just gay in electric I don’t care what bhp it is.

[@notesonwheels]

@@steviefpv wow. tough life mate. Hope you good.

[@j377yb33n]

@@steviefpv sounds like you don't like cool shit because it's new.

[@ofrenic]

​@@j377yb33n nah its an iconic rally car. Its disgusting having such a beautiful car with no exhaust note. Electric is pure wank.

[@stevenwheeler6278]

That's one of the coolest things I've seen in ages. R5 is a top 3 car for me anyway, but this is mad.

[@thomasclement5730]

Top how for the Clio v6? I still hesitate if i prefer the r5 or the clio ^^

[@seccosec]

Yes, looks like they been doing a nice job. Not all manufacturers can say the same ;)

[@CockatooDude]

Man this thing looks straight out of a Khyzyl Saleem render! It hits all the best elements of old and modern design, and I LOVE that dashboard. Something about simple digital readouts is so satisfying. Embrace the technology, don't try to hide it! Perfection!

[@KCJbomberFTW]

Too bad they’ll only build one and we’ll never see anything this cool on the road by Renault If it had 500 hp like a model 3 and they actually sold it

[@nicholasstocker8864]

As an American, I loved French cars because of how different they are to normal car; and this Renault secures my point. BRAVO RENAULT!!!

[@willvisions]

Love how "cyberpunk" this car looks. Definitely would like to own one similar in the future.

[@us7876]

"Coyote" first thing I thought 😂😂

[@DrInsane76]

They need to put it in Cyberpunk! 🥳

[@adithyadevmattada810]

That's partly because the original car IS cyberpunk. Or at least, one of the hallmarks of car design at the time. Marcello Gandini also designed the countach and the diablo, both of which are pretty much the quintessential "vaporware/80's-aesthetic" cars

[@willvisions]

@@adithyadevmattada810 Yes the Lamborghini Countach is an icon I'll never own. That & Testarossa

[@Caramelo9941]

the led strips and pink tints are spot on

[@z-trip5457]

This Blade Runner Cyberpunk aesthetic is definitely the way to make electric cars cool.

[@twelevensies]

That livery and the interior is ridiculously cool. Love it!

[@prerunnerwannabe]

This thing looks absolutely awesome!

[@oliverburgess1036]

Need to make this into a one race series. Would look so good with all retro liveries on them!

[@jimmybags1494]

I second this motion

[@JoakimBergh]

Imagine MINI doing the same, a retro electric 4wd Morris, would've been insane!

[@kylereese4822]

HE HE HA HA all the EV hate a seriously back fired with it and others not allowed to race....

[@Hello_there_obi]

A 5 lap race then 😂

[@UncleManuel]

An electric Renault 5 Turbo inspired concept car that can drift (aka it actually works) and has a teddy bear as knee padding. You have to applaude the Renault design team for actually building this and having lots of fun with it. We definitely need more of that! 😁😎👍

[@TheSultan1470]

what

[@gekkehenkie0001]

I cringed when I saw the concept sketch ... then this beauty popped up an had me grin from ear to ear. Holy crap!

[@dec2721]

Ah, Ivan. Proper chatterbox that lad.

[@detaart]

Ah Renault's long standing tradition of making crazy and desireable concept cars, only to move on and take a lukewarm shit on a plate and sell it as the megane/twingo/whatever.

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

I really would love to know how they made those Back to the Future-esque gauges. It looks like it's something you might be able to buy (I hope).

[@aberreg]

Look for "renault scenic vision widgets", those are the same. Lovely indeed!

[@mikeyb5612]

This is what I have been waiting for. I NEED ONE!

[@jaramogidaniel]

that's some sick power slide marvelous

[@catinthehat5140]

That already exists as the orignal car though

[@tonybarton3746]

My uncle had one of the original turbo 5 s , going down the main road at 30 in town , he just touched the hand brake , viola we where facing the wrong way , hilarious for a 12 year old 😂😂

[@tomyeplcharger]

Un sans faute 👍...on peut toujours rêver d'une version de production 🙏

[@nightbond9285]

A voir... mais sincèrement, j'ai des doutes.

[@MoldyWormStudios]

I love all these nostalgic concept cars car companies are bring out at the moment like this and the Hyundai N-Vision 74, sadly they will never be mainstream 😢

[@adamwhite9304]

Praying these come into production , hopefully hear more soon 🫡

[@lambadainc8510]

If they'd release this I would buy it straight away!

[@stevevaughn4389]

They need to make this road going 😍

[@skully70]

Anyone else think it was a Hoonigan/Ken Block car based off the livery!? I Definitely love the silhouette!

[@chisha8415]

Honestly this looks amazing

[@hewkiiCZ]

It is perfect. Perfect. Everything, down to the last minute details.

[@christiandeuer2425]

Was never a big Renault Fan, but they made a good Job over the last Years.

[@timwilks666]

The exact opposite of this.

[@NailsOeltjen]

I love EVERYTHING about this and would sell my soul for it.

[@leehobbs14]

If I ever wanted an electric car this would be it I absolutely love the way this beast looks

[@owenchuarbx]

I wish Ken Block can live to see this. This is Hoonigan Material

[@HailingSailor]

He'd have a lot of fun with this if he was still here, RIP.

[@drakedraco850]

Dang bro!That engine sound is FANTASTIC like Jet engine with a suppressor..sounds cool..and the Car design..Wow looks awesome ..coz no need for mod .Keep up the good work RENAULT@@!!!!

[@VampyrMygg]

I really love the retro cars like this that we've seen a couple of now, like Hyundai's N74, which sadly won't see production, but also had that amazing retro design from the 1974 concept car designed by the guy who designed the DeLorean. And while I'm not a fan of the windows and the color of this R5, I do love most of everything else, and I love the kinda cyberpunk 80s retro details, like the LEDs in the front that flicker with kinda 80s reminiscent patterns and colors, too bad it's very unlikely to be road legal with that because it's such a cool touch, that's if there'll ever be a road going production version of this, I really wish there would, even if I wouldn't be able to afford one, just seeing them on the road would make me happy.

[@Fruit_gaming]

you got me, this is somehwere on my wishlist now

[@caprise-music6722]

Kudos to Renault! Wonderful work

[@tomheaden8647]

Nice to see manufacturers having a bit of fun and creating something different for once, we need more of this in the modern age of drab, boring, grey, black and silver electric and/or hybrid SUVs currently occupying the roads.

[@jweatherly26]

I fully agree, im still waiting for the day i dont have to worry about how far im allowed to drive after im forced to own an electric car but getting people hyped about actually owning one is a start...

[@parz173]

god i pray they make a road version of this, with that weekend project digital dash and all. i love this

[@unreal1066]

I think its really interesting where hot hatches could go. With Abarth and their great looking car and this, I'm more positive about what the future might hold. Pugs, Ford, Honda, VW everyone get involved

[@ThePontiacgto65]

The first interior and dashboard of R5 turbo were Awesome,Personally I love it!

[@KOL630]

Such a sick car. Renault are definitely the undisputed king of hot hatches. Get it made Renault!

[@Wesley_C]

This car is looked so stunning, it’s a history of R5 Turbo cars.

[@thenamescarter8279]

Its rare that i like old designs brought into the modern era with modern tweaks but i love the look of this.

[@opusgazelle]

The 2024(?) R5 electric is the car I’m most excited about. Imagine this Turbo body on a road version…

[@socks2441]

imagine it with a petrol engine

[@Cody-Bear]

I'm now getting recommended this after it got released in GTA Online 😂

[@user-lz3jz5kj3n]

This is actually amazing wow 👌

[@diogofaustino4348]

This is insane and it needs to happen❤

[@tristanbased-af2159]

the gopros in the eyes is brilliant hahah

[@Turshin]

Somebody was thinking of "Kenny from the Block" when they created this. Nice job guys. This thing is very cool.

[@looppp]

I would buy this in an instant. What an insane looking vehicle.

[@Hello_there_obi]

I would buy it and immediately swap it for an ICE engine like it’s supposed to have

[@speedystan7637]

That thing is insane

[@bozzy-101]

It's a shame they never did anything like this with the last generation Twingo. A small 1.4 turbo, aggressive body kit and sports suspension would have made that an interesting little homage to the old 5 turbo.

[@Munkenba]

Sadly I never got the impression that Renault was ever very invested in the last Twingo. It was designed as a Smart car first and foremost, I don't think they ever had the authority/budget/motivation to mess with anything more than skin deep.

[@mathieumansire372]

twingo is cool until you on the highway

[@rafadrzewiecki1905]

I think heat managment in sport version was too complicated to do this cheeply.

[@Makaya9s]

@@rafadrzewiecki1905 i imagine a hood with vents and a front bumper with more open space would do the trick

[@rafadrzewiecki1905]

@@Makaya9s last twingo was rr layout like 911 with trunk over an engine. Problematic thing on everyday use if your turbo heats to the red.

[@benanderson89]

"they went down the jumble sale and bought a bear!" How fortuitous that they found a bear with the Renault logo on its left foot!

[@Thir7een]

I really hope cars like this & the Hyundai N Vision 74 will be made for the road, I have never bought a car brand new but would seriously consider it if it looked even half as good as either of these.

[@senseiwuo]

loved the video nice

[@docaristic9898]

wow…I love it!!!!!!! Renault, this car is a perfect 10 from all stand points!!!! Respect 🍻

[@m2n900]

This way a nice looking car.... I will buy one on the spot.... ❤

[@jakubstusek7527]

The legend they built in the 90s is turning in its grave, gentlemen! I'll probably always be that weird guy next door who has that old car that makes those loud noises and there's a heart (engine) and bzzzz

[@DavidKohout]

That little wideboi is soo cute! 😎

[@siyns2873]

Damn this think looks beautiful, no fancy aero dynamics, just a classic Renault design from cyberpunk.

[@urban1643]

I love how he bumps the steering wheel at 2:34 and the codriver just stops it like nothing happened, trying not to laugh.

[@PapaKiloProductions]

Definitely kerbing those alloys!

[@Roguescienceguy]

It looks like they've given a seventies designer ev-tech and let him design a body around it. I love it!

[@MrTolgig]

best wrap of decade imo

[@bobysmith5662]

It's a piece of art

[@allenp920]

That is one gorgeous looking car

[@viniciuspaiva8932]

lovely, would daily it through the stormy roads of Rio

[@brendandrives]

I don’t want any EV. But I want this thing

[@Ziggyziggy1]

That is just brilliant beautiful design!

[@JoriDiculous]

Awesome. EV turbos really are something else...

[@slonky821]

lol

[@quantrellbishop9263]

This and the taycan turbo lol

[@socks2441]

XD

[@gege3126]

I would love to see this liberty walk vibe kit on a old r5 turbo

[@greyguy.960]

I had a Rinspeed kit on my r5 turbo that had it bored out to 1.5 and a slightly better turbo due to the original blades shattered and going into cylinders 2 and 4 and scratching them. Amazing little car, my biggest regret about selling that, it was a death trap, and the seat structure was like cheap folding chairs. Remember taking the steering column off and it's thinner and weaker than an old 2 man's tent pole. I sold it and got a Vauxhall Nova gte destroyed the engine on that and put a 2-liter cavalier engine into it and that blow-up in Manchester city center was got toed back on the m62 by v8 sd1 how to stay really close in case the police or the rope. We had great Adventures with cars back then, they are different now they work all the time. The only car that lasted was my Chevette 1.3 l with a clock. That's what the L meant an analog clock. Gold exterior,r Brown interior, Brown carpet, and door cards plus Dash. But it was rear-wheel drive and fun. Good old days. That Rinspeed would have been worth a fortune now, I don't think I've ever seen another one or 1 since.

[@sdmalpas]

A chance to have a modern version of the old turbo 2!? Sign me up. If even a few of these design cues end up on the road car....chefs kiss.

[@DragonsDen92]

This thing is coming straight out from the Need for speed unbound game. design,colours aesthetic everything

[@apiestink]

I always get excited when I see top gear. But then I am reminded the exciting people have left top gear...

[@l.shumkov7468]

I like the teddy bear "feature", it has the Renault logo on the foot and very much resembles the Renault Twingo rims from 90s. Great stuff :)

[@veeza7001]

City street racing, this opens ups so many possibilities with out contributing to air pollution. Plus it looks awesome

[@jamiejoy2393]

Yeah just dig holes miles deep and hundreds of miles wide for the batteries instead, good one

[@ineedbigdrink8509]

@@jamiejoy2393EVs are just an improvement, not magic. They have high carbon cost initially and then offset it the longer you drive them. Selling your car and riding a bike or train is better, but not feasible in many places. Sick of seeing people pretend that building a combustion car with similar initial carbon costs and then powering it by inefficiently burning fuel that must be extracted and refined day after day is somehow better or equal to EVs.

[@ineedbigdrink8509]

@@jamiejoy2393you build a battery once for one car and it has the potential to be recycled into raw materials. Oil must be extracted from the Earth every day and refined into gasoline or diesel for your combustion car to run. An EV can more efficiently use energy produced at large coal plants (compared to individual car engines) or even better, use renewables that have much lower carbon costs. Do we just conveniently forget about oil when we shit on the gradual improvements made by EV tech?

[@Eireannach1988]

I'd a drive of a 1.4 gt turbo model one of these. Seriously cool little hatchback. It was propr lively to move.

[@mustbee-bike994]

one word WOW!

[@andoni123]

I'd hope this is Renault's route into electric rallying, with a hint of what could be done to the new 5 if a rally version needed homologation. Just like what happened to the original.

[@BlessByYou777]

its the most fantastic rally car ever built in the entire universe.

[@Countrymusicnumber1]

Would like to see this car in the WRC

[@JordanTait95]

Renault need to bring cars like this back!!!

[@nicolaspada5225]

Great job Renault, here we have a new icon

[@Chris-tu3xx]

yeah I would buy this. My 0ther 2 cars are the toyota Yaris RS, hyundai N74, I own a Fiesta ST with 200,000 miles all original no maintenance. Built like a tank!

[@thinds5271]

Looks like something in Back To The Future 2.😊

[@yud0000]

Woa the rims!

[@lodwagler8561]

I love it and i want it.. it's so beautiful !

[@orilio3311]

Could someone explain why would they choose to have a motor for each of the rear wheels instead of a single/two motors powering a drivetrain? Is it something to do with powering one wheel more to have steering with power? (Like you'd have with tanks I guess)

[@psjvirtualreality397]

Would make a good hot hatch. Abarth have done it with 500e, the current one is a bit crap but I’m sure it will develop

[@Karto86]

Imagine this with r6/r4 and huge turbo :)

[@Chkhitoooo]

I'd love to drive it! 😍

[@catinthehat5140]

This is so cool

[@tantona9315]

At last, an interesting electric car! It doesn't even sound like a milkfloat!

[@superchickenlips1]

You could serve drinks on those rear arches.

[@tjroelsma]

A dedicated race-series would be nice, preferably with regulations for a swappable battery-pack. That way these cars could be driven on the absolute limit, come in after an x amount of laps for a tyre and battery change and go full out again for the remaining laps.

[@rafadrzewiecki1905]

Renault prototypes are often very interesting, a lot of them should evolve to road cars. We need electrics like this.

[@ShellShokerPT]

Im not even upset that its electric, im just glad they kept the renault 5 turbo lines and took it to the next gen.

[@-hydra-5813]

What are those cover things on the wheels? So cool!

[@Higgens26]

A combien de bar souffle le *Turbo* ?

[@nightbond9285]

Pas "souffle", mais "SOUFFRE".... On parle d'une électrique... (pauvre turbo).

[@Om-qq3oy]

This is so cool.

[@user-yk3mv1dw4q]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH