Four years after it was unveiled as a head-turning prototype, and more than a year after its launch in Europe, the new Renault 5 electric arrives in Israel, at a higher-than-expected price.
The supermini inherited the name and identity of the car that sold 9 million units between 1972 and 1996 and was also popular in Israel, until it was replaced by the Clio. However, the design is not stuck in the past, with abundant LED lights that even indicate the battery status. Inside, there are also nods to the original 5, such as the side steering wheel control for the audio system, but with more physical control buttons than usual.
With a length of 3.92 meters, a width of 1.77 meters, a height of 1.49 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.54 meters, the 5 is smaller than petrol superminis, and larger than a mini car, except for the BYD Dolphin Surf electric, which is similar.
The base model, priced at NIS 169,000, comes with a 120 hp motor, 22.94 kg·m of torque, and a 40 kWh battery. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9 seconds, the top speed is 140 km/h, and the official combined range is 306 km. Fast charging is possible at 80 kW, and slow charging at 11 kW.
The stronger model, at NIS 177,000, features a 150 hp motor, 25 kg·m of torque, and a 52 kWh battery. The figures: 8 seconds, 158 km/h, and 407 km. Maximum charging power rises to 100 kW, with slow charging unchanged.
Both models come in a single trim level, TECHNO: 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 10.3-inch digital dashboard, a 10.1-inch multimedia system with a Google-based interface, Android Auto, and wired Apple CarPlay for now, which will later be upgraded to wireless. The audio system has 6 speakers, there is a smart key, and fabric upholstery. Two-tone paint is an optional extra for NIS 5,000.
Safety: The electric 5 received 4 out of 5 stars in the European crash test. It includes autonomous emergency braking forward and backward, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind-spot alert and correction, automatic high beam, and warning for opening a fuel cap in an unsafe lane.
Warranty: Standard, 3 years or 100,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery.
The 5 will be one of the most expensive superminis in Israel, about NIS 35,000-40,000 more than petrol models in the category, making it a niche car. In the coming months, the electric 4 based on it will launch, also with a retro design and likely a more competitive price, and the Symbioz, a larger hybrid crossover than the Captur, will follow.