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The New Renault Captur boasts the brand’s...
As Prototypes go, this is possibly one of the most eagerly anticipated and exciting ones yet.
The Renault 5 Prototype takes the title ‘Prototype of the Year’ at the GQ Car Awards 2023 with production scheduled for launch in 2024.
The all-electric supermini won-over the GQ judging team who were impressed with how the Renault 5 Prototype encases its city-focused, pure electric drivetrain in a cleverly designed body that presents a modern twist on the original Renault 5.
For 2023, the annual awards were updated to include only pure electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. So, to put it quite simply, all those familiar Renault details are still there, they have just been enhanced for the electric-vehicle revolution, (or ‘Renaulution’, as we like to call it), demonstrating the brand’s ambition to make electric cars widely accessible.
An icon re-invented for the 21st century, it’s not difficult to see why the Renault 5 Prototype is literally ‘magic waiting in the wings’ to make its debut.
The original Renault 5 was launched in 1972 and, by 1980, was one of the best-selling cars in the world.
The Renault 5 Prototype was first seen in the UK at last year’s Festival of Speed and takes styling cues from the Supercinq and the Renault 5 Turbo with its extended rear wheel arches. Its contemporary design merges with the dashing silhouette of the original, yet the features taken from the first Renault 5 are more than just a hint at the old design. More rugged wheel arches, streamlined roof profile, boxier bodywork, and ‘that’ smile on the front end is still there!
The bonnet air intake has been morphed into a charging flap whilst discrete LEDs power the Renault logo lighting signature. Flush-fit rear lights inspired by aeronautics bring the future home.
Other neat touches include the retro-coloured yellow headlights – a nod to the fun nature of the first Renault 5 – and illuminated front and rear logos that bring the car ‘to life’. The car’s heritage is further highlighted with the French flag situated in the door mirrors, while the modern approach is evident in the chosen finishes and materials, which are inspired by various electronics, furniture, and sports.
On awarding the Renault 5 Prototype, GQ said: “Thirty years on from the original’s retirement, the Renault 5 is back as part of the ‘Renaulution’. Gilles Vidal has purposefully and playfully produced a modern, fully – electric city car prototype that just happens to look like an entrant in the Monte Carlo Rally. With its flared wheel arches, off-centre bonnet air-intake and sexy rear light bar, the electric 5 bears all the hallmarks of a smoking hot hatch, If, as Renault describes it, this is the “nouvelle vague”, we are happy to ride it.”
Guillaume Sicard, Country Head UK & Managing Director Renault Brand UK, added: “We are exceptionally pleased to accept this prestigious award. It officially recognises how Renault continues to be at the forefront of electrification and is constantly innovating to bring electric vehicles within the reach of everyone. The Renault 5 Prototype is a car we are immensely proud of. It represents how important our roots are to us and takes one of Renault’s timeless successes and evolves it with a modern, 100 per cent electric twist, perfectly suited to a future that is fun, distinctive and environmentally compatible.”
Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. With the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy, and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.
