Remarkable Features of Renault's Turbo Hatchback

The car world is no longer a stranger to revivals, but every once in a while, a name comes back to life that excites both purists and modern enthusiasts alike. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is one such example - Combining the spirit of a beloved classic. 

The revival of the Renault 5: Modern twist on a classic

The revival pays tribute to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, a car that made its mark in motorsport and on the streets during the 1980s and takes it to the next level. 

For South African car enthusiasts, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just another modern retro remake. It’s a chance to celebrate a piece of history while embracing the potential of electric mobility and performance. So, take a closer look at the iconic Renault 5 Turbo 3E and why its revival is such an exciting development for both the global and local automotive scene. 

A blast from the past for Renault’s Turbo hatchback

The original Renault 5 Turbo was launched in 1980 as a rally car and road car hybrid. This compact hatchback was engineered for performance, with a mid-mounted engine, wide body kit, and rear-wheel drive, creating a pocket rocket that could punch far above its weight in the motorsport world. 

With its success in the Group 4 rally category, the Renault became a symbol of French automotive ingenuity and performance. Its combination of agility, power and quirky styling made it a favourite among car enthusiasts, especially in markets like Europe, where it was widely appreciated. 

Over the years, the car evolved with a few variants, including the Renault 5 Turbo 2, which improved on the original with more refined features and better handling. Despite its relatively short production run, the Renault 5 Turbo 5 earned a cult following and cemented its place in automotive history. 

Meet the Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Fast forward to the present day, and Renault has decided to bring the Turbo 5 back, but with a twist. The new Renault 5 Turbo 3E takes its rally legacy and combines the old with the new – technology, performance and sustainability. The 3E is not just a revival – it’s a reimagining, designed to reflect the way automotive technology and enthusiasts’ tastes have evolved since the 1980s.  

The Turbo 3E is based on the electric version of the Renault 5, which Renault first showcased as a concept car in 2021. However, instead of simply creating a retro-futuristic look, Renault has gone all out to ensure that the Turbo 3E is as much about performance as it is about style. 

Styling and design features

Exterior 

While the Turbo 3E features modern electric power, it also retains the unmistakable design elements of the original Renault 5 Turbo. The aggressive stance, wide body and signature rear-wheel-drive layout are all present, now enhanced with a sleek, updated look that reflects contemporary styling. The aerodynamics have been meticulously reworked, including redesigned bonnet air intakes, a front bumper that reduces air resistance, and the removal of wing mirrors in favour of camera brackets. A rear diffuser further protects the air outlets. Additionally, the headlights display a glitch art-inspired animation when drifting.

The Turbo 3E sports flared wheel arches, wide tyres, and a low ride height—just like its predecessor. However, the new design features smoother lines and a more refined finish, highlighting how far automotive design has come since the original release.

To cement its status as a track-ready vehicle, the Turbo 3E is built on a tubular chassis, with each component securely bolted in place. It also includes FIA-approved roll bars for added safety, along with significantly larger 19-inch and 20-inch rims front and rear. With rear-wheel drive, drifting is a given, and the R5 Turbo 3E delivers with a dedicated Drift mode and a vertical handbrake lever, akin to those used by professional drifters.

Interior 

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 1980s model, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary technology. Here’s an overview of its interior styling, features and driving specifications:

Design and Materials: The cabin combines aggressive and soft elements, featuring safety arches and bucket seats upholstered to protect occupants during dynamic driving.  The seats and dashboard are upholstered in the iconic tartan fabric, a nod to the R5’s golden era, now updated with the Renault logo. 

The steering wheel is designed with three spokes that light up to the centre logo, adding a modern touch to the classic design. 

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E’s dashboard pays homage to the original R5 Turbo while incorporating modern digital technology. It features 10 digital screens, each functioning as a widget, replacing the 10 analogue dials of the original model. These screens display various information, including:

• Turbo Mode
• Speed
• Battery Charge Levels
• Notifications
• Distance Covered in Drift
• Donut Mode
• Battle Mode
• Maximum Angle Indicator
• Energy Gauge
• Track Invader Mode

This design choice nods back to the dashboard of the R5 Turbo 2, which was covered with counters and instruments. 

These features combine to create a dashboard that blends retro aesthetics with modern functionality, enhancing the driving experience of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

Technology Integration: While specific details are limited, the interior is expected to incorporate advanced technology, aligning with Renault’s commitment to modern design and functionality.  

Handling and performance

As with any true performance car, handling is key and the Turbo 3E doesn’t disappoint. The electric powertrain gives the car excellent handling capabilities, with low-centre gravity and precision steering that make it a joy to drive on both tight corners and open roads. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is engineered to be agile and responsive, all while retaining the playful character of its predecessor.

Specifications

Engine and Performance:

• Electric Motor Configuration: The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, making it a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle.
• Power Output: It delivers a combined power output of 280 kW, which is a significant power boost for a vehicle of this size and weight.
• Torque: It generates 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, providing impressive acceleration and a responsive driving experience.
• Acceleration: The concept car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, which is fast for an electric vehicle.
• Top Speed: It has a top speed of around 200 km/h, which is more than adequate for a performance-focused concept car.

Battery and Range:

To maintain its performance capabilities, the 42-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is positioned centrally under the floor, a design choice that nods to the mid-engine layout of the original model.

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-Wheel-Drive: The Rear-Wheel-Drive ensures better grip and handling, especially during aggressive cornering, drifting and high-performance driving.

Suspension: The car is fitted with a specially tuned suspension system designed to handle high speeds and sharp turns, suitable for performance driving.

Brakes: The vehicle uses high-performance brakes capable of handling the demands of fast acceleration and hard braking.

Final thoughts: A new chapter for a classic

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and innovation. Renault has successfully brought back a classic nameplate, all while embracing the future with an electric powertrain and a host of modern upgrades. For South African car enthusiasts, this revival represents not just a new chapter for Renault but also a glimpse into the future of performance cars. 

Whether you’re a fan of classic rally cars, modern EVs, or just appreciate good design, the Turbo 3E is sure to make waves. As the automotive world continues to shift towards electric mobility.

While the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not currently available in South Africa, enthusiasts can look forward to its potential introduction in the future. In the meantime, exploring the used car market may provide opportunities to experience the classic Renault 5 models.