Renault presented its new R5 this Monday at the Geneva International Motor Show. Marketed in September, the small electric vehicle introduces numerous new features to the Renault range. Review of the most important new features of this crucial model for the relaunch of Renault.
A design that modernizes nostalgia
This is Luca De Meo’s signature: using the history of a brand, its emblematic models, to develop new models. He did it with the 500 at Fiat, he did it again at Renault with the R5 (and tomorrow the R4).
The design of this new R5 It is therefore close to that of the concept. “A very intelligent recipe for electric cars,” the head of a German brand confided a few weeks ago.
Renault, written in full letters and a 5 on the rear belt line, 5 logo on the hood, a single diamond logo on the front: the R5 version 2024 seems to create a category of its own in the Renault range, moving away from the design. Austral, Rafale or Mégane codes. As if to mark its special role in the brand’s transformation strategy. And evidently, the final design of the R4 will follow the same path.
Bidirectional charging
The R5 introduces bidirectional charging to general manufacturers, that is, the ability of the car to charge but also to power an electrical circuit, for example the driver’s house. This is possible thanks to the new 11kWh bidirectional charger developed at Renault. The brand will also offer renewable energy contracts through Mobilize, its connected services subsidiary.
A particularly careful interior
For a vehicle less than 4 meters long, the R5’s interior is especially neat. Renault wanted to offer a lounge atmosphere, with seats that also follow the design of the original R5. The wool interior headliner also contributes to this warm and cozy atmosphere.
As for screens, Renault proposes a new phone with a new shape since the establishment of the partnership with Google, inaugurated by the Mégane E-Tech. We thus find a double horizontal screen: a 10-inch screen behind the steering wheel with multiple customization options. And a touch screen as an extension of the one on the counters, also 10 inches, for infotainment.
The metal frame of the screen combination is reminiscent of the iPhone, reinforcing the perceived quality, with three physical buttons for volume and screen off on the top. Let’s see what the air conditioning will look like through the touch screen, with some shortcuts in the form of piano keys just below the screen and vents for the main functions.
Reno, Renault’s intelligent Clippy
Renault introduces a virtual assistant in this new R5. An avatar that takes the shape of a small diamond called “Reindeer” and that may remind us of the famous Clippy that followed us in Windows applications. Powered by artificial intelligence, in this case GPT Chat, Reno should help the driver interact with the driver fluidly and be able to maintain a conversation through various question and answer exchanges.
It can be invoked with the voice command “Hey Reno” or through a button on the steering wheel and make a request directly, such as scheduling a recharge at a certain time or even advice on how to optimize the vehicle’s range.
Reno can also act as a mechanic, with the possibility of answering 200 questions prepared with the diamond brand’s after-sales service teams. The assistant will be able to give you advice on how to change a wheel or access certain functions on the screens.
Finally, its intelligence will allow it to suggest the use of certain functions depending on the context. Example: you are in sport mode and you get into a traffic jam, Reno will suggest you switch to eco mode. It may also suggest using a function that is rarely used or not used at all, such as cruise control if it has never been activated when driving on the highway, for example.
Bonuses: charge indicator, anti-flour solution and lipstick while driving
Renault also wanted to offer original equipment in this new R5. We start with the 5 logo on the hood, an homage to the air vent found on the original R5 and replaced by a charge indicator. It will illuminate when its owner approaches and provide a quick overview of the vehicle’s charge level.
There is also an anti-flour solution on the seat when you return from the bakery. As an option, a wicker cover can be placed to the right of the center console, in front of the passenger seat, into which a rod can be inserted. It also works with a bouquet of flowers.
Finally, Renault offers the possibility of customizing the gear lever located behind the steering wheel (to go from forward to reverse or activate neutral or parking mode). Custom tips can be attached, elements inspired by the lipstick tube of a major French luxury brand.
Source: BFM TV
