A year ago, Renault presented a prototype of what could be the successor to the Zoe. It was about a retro design of the legendary Renault 5. At the same time, words like "new wave" and "Renaulution" were used. This is music to the ears of those of us who like Renault.
Could be Zoe's successor
The French car manufacturer is going "all in" for the electrification of its model fleet, and has announced that all European models will run on electricity by 2030. It will probably be the next Zoe that will be the debut model for the new wave. It's hardly a coincidence, as Zoe represented a new wave back then the was launched in 2012.
Modern lines and retro design
In terms of design, the new Renault 5 is interesting. Firstly, because it shows modern, straight lines and smooth surfaces like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Secondly, because it brings forward design elements from previous Renault models. Many of today's car models lack distinctive features. Like several other car brands, Renault needs to strengthen its brand identity. They can succeed in this if "Renaulution" involves reviving fond memories of old models.
Zoe was a breath of fresh air
The Zoe has been an important model for Renault, not just in terms of sales. It has also put Renault on the map as a leading manufacturer of electric cars. In 2021, the Zoe was France's second best-selling electric car with 23 copies, only narrowly beaten by the Tesla Model 573. The Renault Zoe has previously been France's best-selling electric car for several years. Compared to Norway, France is still in the starting pit for electrification. There are very few electric cars outside the big cities. The launch of Zoe almost ten years ago was accompanied by a massive domestic advertising campaign. It was not only the electric car properties that were highlighted, but also the car's bowl-like appearance. Thus, the Zoe campaign probably helped to promote other models from Renault as well.
Well received
The prototype's fresh, straight lines represent a style we will see more of in the near future. Today's contemporary car design with fluttering, curved lines, preferably layer upon layer - as the Clio, Megane, Captur and Kadjar have - is on the way out - at least in electric car form. Enter models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Tesla Cybertruck. The purpose of prototypes such as the Renault 5 is to test how the public reacts to the new forms. So far, the new lines have been well received. The design was awarded Concept car of the year in September last year by a jury consisting of leading car designers. In January this year, the new Renault 5 was voted the most beautiful concept car of the year by the public International Automobile Festival In Paris.
Will Renault go for a new five?
It remains to be seen what the Zoe's successor will look like when it goes on sale in 2024. Today's prototype highlights creative and fancy LED lighting, things that fascinate at shows but which, wisely, often don't carry over into production. The press release from the introduction also highlights new IT functions in line with Tesla's solutions. The Renault 5 will use Renault-Nissan's joint platform for battery-drive systems in the B segment (CMF-B EV). But even if everything looks promising for the new Renault 5 now one year after its introduction, the future will depend on what is decided in the boardrooms. One conceivable outcome could be that Renault chooses to stop the project, or produce the Renault 5 only in a limited edition - as Stellantis chose for the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD. In that case, Zoe may be succeeded by a more anonymous model originating from the current model programme.
Renault 5 celebrates 50 years this year
The Renault 5 appeared in 1972 as a new car class, today referred to as the B-class. The 1972 model was 365 cm long with one wheel in each corner. Today's Clio is 404 cm long. When Renault's prototype is shown together with the "ur-femmern", it is clear that the prototype is a much larger car. In terms of appearance, it is basically more similar to the second generation of the Renault 5 – the one that was eventually called the "super five". These cars were produced until 1996 and are still frequent features on French roads. The latest model series with lacquered grill and smooth surfaces has withstood the age very well.
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