New Renault 5 at Goodwood - cinch first impressions
We had a poke around this retro-styled EV on its first UK appearance
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The Renault 5 has made its highly anticipated UK debut at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed - and naturally, cinch couldn't resist getting up close and personal with it to see what it's like in the metal. For those too young to remember the original 5, Renault's new hatchback takes direct inspiration from the 1972 icon, and then injects a whole lot of cutting-edge tech into the ethos.
Despite this, prices are expected to start from under £20k when the model goes on sale in 2024. This is thanks to Renault using a new platform and revamped battery tech, which is said to be considerably cheaper, allowing the brand to set the 5's price tag at roughly 33% lower than showroom examples of the Zoe. The French firm also claims the 5 will have 248 miles of range. It appears to be the real deal.
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When the retro-styled EV was first revealed in Munich last year, it grabbed plenty of attention. And cinch can confirm that the car is currently doing the same at Goodwood this year; its eye-catching design looks amazing from every angle, with quirks and design features dotted all over the car. We’d even argue it trumps the visual clout of the similarly retro-looking Honda E… But we’ll let you settle that debate!
It's certainly a crowd-pleaser. Case in point: throughout day one at the 2022 Festival of Speed, cinch noticed punters pointing out their favourite features, ranging from the clear inspiration of the original 5 in the new car's front and rear lights, the flared wheel arches and the red stripe, which wraps around the roofline. cinch agrees; we like the subtle nods to the original version, and the clever placement of the EV charging port, on the nose where the original car bore an air intake...
It was great meeting the 5 in the metal - especially because it proves that Renault's model isn't just some fantasy concept car that will never see the light of day. It's actually coming. And it's awesome. We can't wait to drive it...
By George Boulton
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