An icon reborn

Over two years since the reveal of an interesting concept, Renault has now confirmed that a version of the 5 Turbo will head into production as an electric hot hatch with rear-wheel drive and 500bhp.

The return of one of Renault’s most iconic nameplates coincides with the recent release of Anatomy of a Comeback, a documentary series on Prime Video which tells the story of how the Renault Group overcame a crisis after being on the verge of collapse at the beginning of the decade.

45 years after first launch

The first Renault 5 Turbo was launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980 and became one of the most iconic hatchbacks of the 20th century. It was created in response to Lancia’s rallying success leading to over 4,987 (including both 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2) being manufactured during its six-year run, as well as several victories on the rally stage.

Taking inspiration from its original, the new 5 Turbo 3E sports a wider body and has a rear wheel drive layout. Two electric motors in the rear wheels deliver instant power to the tune of 500bhp (compared to 156bhp on the 1980 original) and accelerating from 0-62mph will take just 3.5 seconds

Dressed in a yellow livery, the reboot pays homage to the rallying credentials of the original but is embodied by modern methods as an all-electric hot hatch. A charging socket is located in one of the rear air intakes, while the lightweight but stiff carbon structure helps give it pocket rocket status.

A big year for Renault

Renault has already wowed petrolheads and EV sceptics with the release of the Renault 5 E-Tech. The all-electric hot hatch made its debut at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and has already achieved critical acclaim and praise for its reasonable pricing. It is also a finalist for the Car of the Year 2025 award.

Renault’s sporty production has been left to Alpine in recent years, as shown with the release of the Alpine A290. However, the reveal of the 5 Turbo 3E may signal a return to the fold for Renaultsport.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date, although it is expected to arrive sometime in 2026.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Renault