Renault 5 and Alpine A290 Triumph as the Prestigious ‘Car of 2025’

In a delightful nod to nostalgia, the Renault Group’s latest electric marvels—the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 —have clinched the coveted title of “Car of the Year 2025,” an accolade steeped in automotive prestige. Picture this: a jury comprising 60 discerning European journalists, each weighing in on their favorites, ultimately chose these two electrifying city cars, celebrating not just innovation but a legacy reborn.

The Renault 5 Electric and its sporty sibling, the Alpine A290, outshone the competition spectacularly, racking up a whopping 353 points. Close on their heels were the Kia EV3 at 291 points and the Citroën C3 with 215. It’s a triumph for the Renault group, reigning supreme for the second consecutive year—an achievement not easily overlooked!

A Soaring Nostalgic Phenomenon

Ah, the Renault 5 Electric! As the wheels first roll through the sun-kissed streets of Nice, a wave of admiration washes over onlookers. Cameras flash, whispers of “I want one!” ripple through the crowd. This isn’t just a car; it’s a phenomenon. But what fuels this Renault 5 mania? Is it merely the vibrant colors—acidic yellows and lively apple greens, reminiscent of its 1972 forerunner? Perhaps. Yet, even the subtler hues—pearl white and dark blue—carry an allure.

One can’t ignore the pricing intricacies, though. To dress the Renault 5 Electric in two-tone splendor, expect to fork out an additional €400 for that stylish black roof.

Revitalizing the Electric Landscape

What sets the Renault 5 apart in this sea of electric vehicles? It’s a breath of fresh air amidst the monotony, a beacon of hope in an uncharted electric journey. This car artfully intertwines the familiar shapes that captivated our parents and grandparents, with cutting-edge technology that feels decidedly modern. It’s a bridge between generations, a true automotive renaissance.

The Genius Behind the Design

Enter Luca de Meo, a visionary who breathed life into the Renault 5 project back in July 2020. The challenge was immense; transforming a mere concept into a tangible, desirable car required not only creativity but also the courage to push boundaries. Gilles Vidal, the style director, candidly shared the struggles: “Maintaining perfect proportions in such compact dimensions was no easy feat.” Yet, they prevailed.

Beneath its sleek exterior lies the modified CMF-B platform of the Clio, ingeniously accommodating a battery that keeps the car’s height below 1.50 meters. The silhouette, a harmonious blend of Renault 5, Renault 5 Turbo, and Super Cinq, speaks volumes of its heritage. Even the nostalgic hood ventilation grille has morphed into a charge indicator—a clever homage to the past.

Renault 5 Interior : A Retro Yet Modern Embrace

Step inside, and nostalgia greets you with open arms. The vertical stripe motif on the passenger side trim echoes the 1972 model, wrapped in sumptuous fabric that makes you question the dominance of plastic. Opting for blue denim with the Techno finish elevates the experience—even if it comes at a €2,000 premium over the iconic yellow-green.

With enveloping seats reminiscent of the Renault 5 Turbo, the ambiance feels both vintage and futuristic, centered around a sweeping curved panel that seamlessly integrates digital displays and the multimedia system powered by Google. Simple yet efficient, the physical air conditioning buttons maintain a user-friendly charm.

Space, Performance, and Promises

While the back seat leans towards snug, reminiscent of the Peugeot 208, the trunk offers commendable space for a city car—complete with a hidden compartment for your charging cables.

As for performance? The promise of a €25,000 entry-level R5 Electric (minus bonuses) awaits in early 2025, but don’t overlook the enhanced version boasting 150 horsepower and a 52 kWh battery. Real-world range? A stunning 410 kilometers. In urban settings, consumption dips to a mere 12.8 kWh, pushing the boundaries of efficiency.

A New Dawn in Driving Dynamics

Charging the Renault 5 is a breeze with a rapid 100 kW power connection, while the bidirectional 11 kW charger is an industry first in this segment. Imagine this: your car powering your home during off-peak hours—a game-changer!

On the road, the Renault 5 delivers a balance of comfort and excitement. Acceleration is lively; it may not scream sports car, but it relishes curvy roads, where controlled mass translates to sheer joy. The brakes? Responsive and intuitive. And if you fancy a bit of engine braking, the transmission’s Mode B has you covered.

Yet, at higher speeds, wind noise around the mirrors may intrude—an imperfect note in an otherwise harmonious symphony. The steering, while adequate, yearns for a more refined touch, particularly in urban maneuvers.

Final Thoughts

With the Renault 5 Electric, Renault embodies its mantra—“Cars for Life.” This latest offering not only revives memories but also tantalizes with its stunning design, advanced technology, and driving enjoyment. It’s a vehicle that transcends social boundaries, appealing to the masses.

However, the road ahead isn’t without obstacles. The tested version—150 hp and 52 kWh—might be out of reach for some. The eagerly awaited base model with a 40 kWh battery and 90 hp promises wider accessibility, but the landscape of incentives across Europe will undoubtedly shape the R5’s journey ahead.

So, will the Renault 5 Electric spark a new movement in the electric realm? One can only hope—and watch eagerly as the saga unfolds!