Lined up on the starting grid at Goodwood, two very different electric vehicles resemble the "before and after" photos from a bodybuilding magazine. Each one is ostensibly a modern iteration of the iconic Renault 5, but their engineering pathways and design philosophies could not be more divergent.
On one side sits the long-term test Renault 5 E-Tech, boasting compact dimensions and straight-sided proportions that channel the classic hatchback heritage. It presents an understated and effortlessly cool presence, serving as a fashionable everyday EV that feels comfortably at home in various driving environments.
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SubscribeAcross the grid rests the radical 5 Turbo 3E, an electric hot hatch inspired by the legendary original rally variants. Squat and square-jawed with comically swollen wheelarches, this high-performance machine represents the pinnacle of Renault's electric ambition as the most expensive car the brand has ever produced.
With first drives of the Turbo 3E slated for the future, securing a passenger ride around the Goodwood Motor Circuit offered a rare glimpse into the extreme potential of modern electric performance. The juxtaposition between an everyday hatchback and a track-focused hyper-hatch highlights the versatile range of Renault's new EV lineup.
Classic Heritage Meets High-Performance Electric Future
The journey through West Sussex leading up to the track day showcased the refined everyday manners of the standard E-Tech model. While not a dedicated hot hatchback like its Alpine counterpart, its well-judged damping and calm controls make long-distance cruising an absolute pleasure.
Arriving at the historic circuit, the modern EV parked alongside a lineup of classic 5 Turbos brought by enthusiasts. These mid-engined mutants from the 1980s defined an era of rallying homologation, featuring wild interiors and snappy handling limits that still turn heads today.
The upcoming Turbo 3E takes that dramatic styling to a whole new level with a 70kWh battery and dual in-wheel motors delivering a staggering 540hp across the rear axle. Capable of reaching 62mph in just 3.5 seconds, it pairs track-day aggression with advanced rapid-charging capabilities.
Inside the cabin, the Turbo 3E embraces a no-nonsense racing ethos complete with carbon fiber bucket seats, a robust roll cage, and retro gaming-inspired digital graphics. This blend of classic motorsport nostalgia and modern digital interfaces underscores Renault's commitment to injecting emotion into the electric vehicle sector.