Renault might not have a single performance model in its current range right now, but the company was crazy enough to create the R5 Turbo 3E, a fully electric, limited-production hyper hatch that channels the spirit of the 1980s classic.

The electric hatch made its first public run at the historic Tour de Corse rally on the French island of Corsica, giving us a taste of its tire-burning capabilities. However, it also attracted negative comments for an unexpected reason; its near-total silence.

The demonstration marked 40 years since Jean Ragnotti’s 1985 Tour de Corse victory with the legendary Maxi 5 Turbo. That car inspired the prototype’s striking livery, blending blue with red and white graphics that stand out against the R5 Turbo 3E’s angular form.

The new model was driven by Renault ambassador Julien Saunier, who also took part in the rally’s historic class behind the wheel of the original mid-engined rally car. “It’s a true rallying beast,” he said. “I was blown away by the acceleration, which doesn’t fade when you gather speed, the braking that’s ultra-powerful yet easy to modulate, and its ability to perform spectacular but controlled drifts. I

Overwhelming Looks, Underwhelming Sound

Two advanced prototypes were shown in Corsica as part of ongoing development and fine-tuning ahead of production, which begins in 2027. Beyond rally stages, the EV demonstrated its agility before a crowd at the port of Calvi, with Saunier performing 360- and 180-degree spins that highlighted the rear-wheel-drive layout, compact dimensions, and hydraulic handbrake.

More: Alpine’s New A290 Rallye Throws Mud And Sparks At $70K

While Renault’s official footage was cut to music, a short clip posted by Autocar on Instagram revealed a different story. The Turbo 3E’s electric powertrain is so quiet that only tire squeal and gravel pinging off the underbody could be heard.

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One viewer joked, “My phone was on mute. I turned on the sound and it feels the same as before,” while another asked, “Where is the turbo?”

Many comments centered on the absence of engine noise, with one suggesting that even an artificial soundtrack would “immensely improve” the experience. Others went further, calling for Renault to add a combustion engine or at least a hybrid system to restore some of the original R5’s spirit.

Not Your Average Hot Hatch

The R5 Turbo 3E is not a beefed-up version of the production R5 E-Tech, but a bespoke “mini-supercar” engineered with the help of Alpine. This is evident in the exterior design, combining an ultra-wide stance and modern LEDs with retro cues from its predecessor.

More: The Next Fast Renault Is Coming Soon And It Might Not Be What You’d Expect

The EV rides on a new chassis made of aluminum with a carbon superstructure. It fitted with dual in-wheel electric motors mounted at the rear, delivering a combined 547 hp (408 kW / 555 PS). That output allows a sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 3.5 seconds.

It features double-wishbone suspension and a near-ideal 43/57 front-to-rear weight distribution. A 70 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of more than 400 km (249 miles) and can recharge from 15 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.

Renault

You Can Still Buy One

Renault will build 1,980 units of the R5 Turbo 3E between 2027 and 2029, with around 1,000 already reserved. The electric hyper hatch is priced at €160,000 (equal to $185,000 at current exchange rates) and is available in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia.

More: You Can Buy An Ioniq 5 N, An M2 And A Golf GTI For The Price Of Renault’s Electric Hot Hatch

From early 2026, prospective buyers will be able to personalize their Turbo 3E with help from Renault’s design team. Options will include historic racing liveries or more restrained “gentleman driver” themes, while the cabin can be customized with various materials and color combinations. Final specifications will be confirmed in the first half of 2027 before deliveries begin later that year.

Michael Grosjean, Renault 5 Turbo 3E Project Manager said:

“This incredible project has sparked a huge sense of excitement, not only internally but also among the public, with 500 reservations in the first three days! … We’re now keen to move on to the next stage, which will be to show customers the personalisation programme that we’ve put together for them. It promises to be a detailed and highly attractive line-up!”

Renault officials have hinted that the R5 Turbo 3E could be followed by other limited-production specials celebrating key moments from the brand’s past.

Renault

Renault’s recent run of nostalgia-driven EVs, the retro-inspired 4 and 5, has struck a chord with buyers. The downside is that their popularity has left the Megane E-Tech feeling a little overlooked, prompting Renault to rethink how it can make the car stand out again.

Related: Renault’s Megane EV Will Get A Refresh Following Its Nissan Cousin

The French automaker’s plan to boost the Megane’s appeal involves leveraging another classic Renault skill: building hot hatches. Speaking to the media at the Munich Motor Show, CEO Fabrice Cambolive revealed the Megane will soon get a sporty makeover that will ensure it turns more heads while also lasting longer between charges.

Going Down The Sporty Road

“What we are looking for is a hot hatch, that is the direction we want to go in,” Auto Express reports Cambolive telling journalists. “We want a sporty hatch.”

Though he declined to discuss any technical improvements coming to the upgraded Megane we expect to see next spring, Cambolive confirmed that a bigger battery is part of the package. The biggest battery currently available in the E-Tech is a 60 kWh unit that gives an unimpressive 285 miles (459 km) of range. However, the larger Scenic has an 87 kWh pack which lasts 382 miles (615 km) between fills and the Megane’s new Nissan Leaf cousin has a 75 kWh battery good for 303 miles (488 km).

All three cars use the same 215 hp (218 PS) single front-mounted motor that’s also utilized by the Renault 5-based Alpine A290, but it’s unclear if the sportier Megane would also get more power to become a real hot hatch.

VW’s equivalent ID.3 GTX has a single motor that puts out up to 322 hp (326 PS / 240 kW) and gets to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, 1.8 seconds faster than the Megane. We do know, however, that the made-over French model will at least look like a hot hatch.

“If you put a new battery in a car, which is expensive, and you don’t change the car, then it’s really hard to seduce people to pay more for it,” Renault’s chief design officer Laurens van den Acker, told reporters. “So we need to do justice to the changes under the skin by showing something on the skin.”

Is Renaultsport Making A Comeback?

The design upgrades are expected to focus on more aggressive bumpers and possibly bigger wheels, though the mid-spec Megane E-Tech techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine already feature 20-inch wheels that do a great job of filling the arches and don’t shortchange on grip. Spy shots published earlier this summer also suggest the mid-life refresh will bring slimmer LED lights.

Cambolive hinted to Autocar that he was looking at reviving the Renaultsport badge applied to a succession of acclaimed hot hatches for over 20 years before it was retired in 2023, but didn’t elaborate on whether the Megane hot hatch plan was related to that rebirth.

“We are exploring some [options],” the CEO said. “We will come to you with some proposals in the next 12 months.”

Renault

The buzz around Hyundai’s performance EVs is growing, and while the electric Ioniq 5 N has impressed critics, its steep price tag keeps it from being the natural successor to the popular i30 N hot hatch, which disappeared from Europe under tighter emissions rules That gap in the lineup could soon be filled by the smaller Ioniq 3, though Hyundai has reportedly considered badging it as the 2 or even the 4.

More: Hyundai’s Smallest Ioniq Looks Like A Veloster From Outer Space

The sporty hatchback was previewed in Munich this week with the Hyundai Concept Three, a show car with a playful, offbeat character that called to mind a modern Veloster reimagined for the electric era, though Hyundai downplayed the resemblance and described it simply as a compact hatchback.

Could Hyundai Build an Ioniq 3 N?

Hints about a performance-focused Ioniq 3 have already come from within the company. Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, suggested the idea is under serious consideration, telling Auto Express: “The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.”

At the same time, the hot hatch project has yet to receive official approval. Martinet acknowledged the uncertainty around demand, noting, “The question is always if there is customer demand? Is there a market? How do you make your car the one that customers want to buy? Generating its emotions is fundamental.”

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of styling, addressed why the concept car carried no N branding. “It is an opportunity. We’re not calling it N, it’s not approved yet. But I think everyone in the company is realizing what Europe needs, and that’s compact hot hatches, so it’s a topic for discussion.”

What the Production Model Will Look Like

The new Ioniq 3 (or whatever Hyundai calls it) is expected to arrive in mid-2026, serving as the electric equivalent of the aging i30. Recent spy shots suggest that the production EV will adopt a sleek hatchback silhouette with a sloping roofline. Unlike the Concept Three that features a Veloster-inspired asymmetrical door layout, the Ioniq 3 will have a more conventional five-door body.

More: Hyundai Is Giving Its N Cars A Big Powertrain Shakeup And One Loses A Manual

For now, the concept makes a striking impression with its wide fenders, splitter, transparent ducktail spoiler, and a diffuser housing speakers styled to look like twin exhaust tips, which it doesn’t have, of course. A slightly toned down version of this aggressive look could suit a potential Ioniq 3 N, especially if paired with a dual-motor setup and chassis tuned for handling.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

When Could It Arrive?

If approved, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N could arrive around 2027, joining the existing Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. The company has also confirmed that it is working on a new generation of the i20 N hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, and a new Elantra N sedan with a gasoline engine.

Of course, Hyundai won’t be alone in the electric hot hatch market. The upcoming VW ID. Polo GTI will compete with the Peugeot 208 GTi, Alpine A290, and Mini JCW Electric in the subcompact segment. Still, an updated version of the larger VW ID.3 GTX that will likely adopt the GTI moniker sounds like a more fitting rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Cupra chose the IAA Mobility Show in Munich to reveal more details about the upcoming Raval, the fully electric subcompact hatchback that will be formally launched in 2026. The automaker showed a camouflaged series-production prototype of the sporty model that will be a sibling to the VW ID. Polo and wants to show that EVs “can be exciting and desirable”.

The Raval looks similar to the concept that debuted exactly two years ago, although a few details have slightly been toned down. Highlights include the aggressive LED headlights, the sporty bumper, the sharp taillights and the three-spoke alloy wheels finished in copper and black.

More: VW’s Cheapest Electric SUV Could Be Its Smartest Yet But We May Not Get It

The subcompact hatchback measures 4,046 mm (159.3 inches) long, 1,784 mm (70.2 inches) wide, and 1,518 mm (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). This means it has a similar footprint to the ICE-powered Seat Ibiza from its sister brand.

An EV With Hot Hatch Traits

The Raval rides on the MEB+ architecture with a front-mounted electric motor at “several output stages” and two battery options. This is shared with the ID. Polo hatchback, as well as the upcoming ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq crossovers.

In order to differentiate it from its VW Group stablemates, Cupra gave the Raval a sport chassis to match its angry looks. All variants of the EV sit 15 mm (0.6 inches) closer to the ground and have a unique suspensions setup, progressive steering, and ESC Sport.

More: Cupra’s Futuristic New Concept Promises Something Drivers Have Never Seen Before

The performance-focused VZ trim takes things further as the evil twin of the ID. Polo GTI. More specifically, it will be fitted with a more potent electric motor generating 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS), a VAQ electronic slip differential on the front axle, a DCC Sport suspension, an ESC Off mode, and 19-inch wheels shod in wider 235 mm (9.3-inch) tires. Cupra didn’t specify whether the Raval VZ will feature a different bodykit, but confirmed the presence of “CUPBucket” seats inside the cabin.

Safety equipment will include sophisticated ADAS like the Travel Assist with lane changing and traffic light recognition, the Intelligent Park Assist, and the 360° Area View camera.

Markus Haupt, Cupra’s Interim CEO, said regarding the brand’s new EV:

“The Cupra Raval is now shaping our future. Because with it, we’ve brought together everything Cupra stands for: emotion, striking design, electrifying performance and as always, driver focused. For us, the Cupra Raval is more than a car. What truly makes it special is the project behind it – the Electric Urban Car Family – which we are proud to be leading from Spain. We are strengthening synergies within the Brand Group Core and turning the country into a hub for electric mobility, making these cars accessible to millions.”.

Made In Spain

Cupra‘s entry-level EV will hit the roads in 2026 as the brand’s eighth model and will mark its eighth anniversary. The company expects to hit the milestone of one million deliveries sometime in the coming months.

Production of the Raval will take place at VW Group’s Martorell factory in Spain alongside the VW ID. Polo. Rivals will include the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Mini Cooper Electric, and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3.

Mini has decided to have some fun with its John Cooper Works lineup, creating two one-off hatchbacks in collaboration with lifestyle label Deus Ex Machina. The pair, named Machina and Skeg, pay tribute to Mini’s racing DNA with oversized bodywork, bespoke cabins, and standout graphics. One runs on petrol, the other on electricity, but both are equally dramatic.

More: This Is One MINI We Can Get Into

The duo is based on the latest JCW and JCW Electric, each reworked with custom styling cues and handcrafted interiors. Machina takes its cues from the racetrack, while Skeg leans into a surf-inspired, laid-back aesthetic. What ties them together are the oversized roof graphics, Deus branding, and deliberately asymmetric wraps that make them hard to miss.

Track-Ready Machina

Starting with the Machina, the hatchback rocks a red, white, and black livery. Exterior upgrades include wide fender extensions, retro-flavored lights on the hood, a custom grille, a Can-Am-style rear wing, and a larger diffuser. Furthermore, the headlights have LED bars instead of the regular graphics, making room for additional air intakes.

Also: Future Corvette Design Could Be Hiding In These New Concepts

The stripped-out interior boasts racing buckets with five-point harnesses, a three spoke steering wheel, aluminum floor plates, and an exposed roll cage. The modified JCW also gains a hydraulic handbrake and a bunch of toggle switches on the center console which are easier to operate compared to the menus of the circular touchscreen.

Surf-Inspired Skeg

The electric Skeg takes a very different approach, swapping track grit for coastal flair. Its silver, black, and yellow graphics mix with raw fiberglass panels that nod to surfboard construction. The closed grille glows with illumination and seven round cutouts along the bottom, giving it a playful edge.

Its bodywork is even more extreme than the Machina’s, with oversized translucent fiberglass fender extensions that reduce weight by 15 percent. Racing wheels, a bright yellow diffuser, and an enormous “Flex Tip Surf Spoiler” on the roof complete the look.

Inside, the Skeg has more semi-transparent fiberglass panels, a pair of racing buckets with neoprene upholstery, straps instead of door handles, and a rear surfboard on the fiberglass roof. The latter is being held into place by two yellow tension straps which are also visible from the exterior. Mini designers also threw in fiberglass trays for wetsuits.

No Extra Power, Just Extra Personality

Despite their aggressive appearances, both hatchbacks use standard JCW running gear. The Machina relies on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 hp (170 kW/231 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, while the all-electric Skeg delivers 255 hp (190 kW/258 PS) and 350 Nm. Each sits on the familiar John Cooper Works chassis without further tuning, proving the wild styling isn’t matched by performance tweaks.

More: Future Mini EVs Could Go RWD Thanks To BMW

These one-off hot hatches won’t see showrooms, but they will be joined by a Mini x Deus Ex Machina apparel line launching September 8 at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. Unlike the cars, the clothing will actually be available to buy through the Deus Ex Machina network

Mini

Hyundai is gearing up for the debut of a new concept at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich that resembles a baby hot hatch in the official teasers. Called the Concept Three, it is widely expected to evolve into the Ioniq 3, the first small EV in the growing Ioniq lineup.

A design sketch hints at a sleek, low-slung hatchback with aggressive aero elements and oversized wheels. Hyundai describes the styling approach as an “Aero Hatch” typology, a way of rethinking the traditional compact EV silhouette. While striking on paper, recent spy photos suggest that the production model will settle into a more conventional five-door hatchback form.

More: Hyundai Prepares Big Changes For Its Small Hatchback

The model incorporates the “Art of Steel” styling language, originally introduced by the Initium FCEV concept last year. Earlier teasers suggest it will have full-width LED bars for the headlights and the taillights, similar to the facelifted Ioniq 6 sedan. We can also see sporty bumper intakes, a pronounced chin, flared fenders, and an integrated ducktail spoiler.

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center said that the goal of the concept was “to rethink the compact EV from the ground up”, describing it as a “beautifully proportioned sculpture.

Hyundai

What About The Production Model?

Our spy photographers have recently spotted a camouflaged prototype, which is believed to be the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3 (previously referred to as the Ioniq 2). Some elements are consistent with the teasers, although they have been toned-down for production. Still, no one can rule out a potential N-branded version for the future with a similar bodykit and performance gains.

More: Kia’s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models

The new EV will be the smallest member of the Ioniq family yet. It will most likely be positioned between the Inster and the Kona Electric crossovers, serving as a zero-emission alternative to the ICE-powered i20 and i30 hatchbacks.

Powertrain and Platform

Chances are that the Hyundai Ioniq 3 will share the E-GMP architecture with the Kia EV2 and EV3 crossovers. This means it could be powered by a single electric motor with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), sourcing energy from a 58.3 kWh or a 81.4 kWh battery pack. Furthermore, the platform is compatible with dual-motor setups.

The Ioniq 3 will compete with other electric subcompact hatchbacks including the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Nissan Micra, the Peugeot E-208, the Opel Corsa Electric, the Citroen e-C3, and the BYD Dolphin. It will also rival the production version of the VW ID.2all concept and the upcoming Cupra Raval.

According to the latest reports, the production model could hit the market in mid 2026. Before that happens, we will see the concept at the IAA Mobility 2025, which will be held in Munich, Germany, between September 9 and 14.

Baldauf

Update: We’ve added live photos straight from the floor of the Munich Motor Show, giving the Corsa GSE Vision GT concept even more presence than Opel’s renders alone could convey.

Opel has just lifted the veil on an intriguing concept that it teased last week, though it is not a new high-performance model that consumers will be able to buy. Instead, the one-off Opel Corsa GSE is the latest Vision GT creation that’ll be added to Gran Turismo 7 later this year.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Like other Vision GT cars, the Corsa GSE goes far beyond what Opel would actually sell to the public – both in terms of design and performance.

Read: The Most Powerful Opel Ever Comes With A Shocking Price Tag

Regarding the powertrain, it has fitted two electric motors, one at each axle, that deliver a combined 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It has also been imagined with an 79 hp (59 kW / 80 PS) overboost function that can be used for four-second bursts and needs 80 seconds to recharge.

The wild hot hatch accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Providing the motors with their juice is an 82 kWh battery pack. Opel says that the car’s lightweight construction results in it weighing just 1,170 kg (2,579 lbs).

Visually, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Grand Turismo features bespoke parts which allow it to sit lower and wider than the current Corsa, despite having a similar footprint. Key design details include the flared arches, the latest iteration of the Vizor grille, and the combination of a large rear wing and pronounced diffuser.

The interior is just as radical and includes a lightweight driver’s seat with six-point seatbelts and sensors that alert the driver to other vehicles on the road. If a car enters the car’s blind spot, a warning will appear through the special illuminated fabrics on the dashboard and door inserts.

More: Opel Built An Electric SUV That Might Make Hot Hatches Nervous

While this will remain firmly a concept, Opel notes that it serves as a “preview of upcoming GSE models”. This might include a hot hatch version of the next Corsa, following the example of the fully electric Peugeot E-208 GTI. The brand recently relaunched its performance sub-brand with the Opel Mokka GSE that pumps out 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) and 255 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque, enough to send the EV to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

A New Corsa Is Coming Soon

The Opel Corsa, currently in its sixth-generation, is a sibling to the Peugeot 208. The next iteration is expected to arrive in 2028, riding on the STLA Small underpinnings. Unlike its predecessor, the subcompact hatchback will reportedly be limited to fully electric power. Still, the current model could remain on sale as an ICE-powered alternative with gasoline and mild-hybrid options.

Styling-wise, the production model will likely borrow a few cues from the wild Corsa GSE concept like the slimmer Opel Vizor grille at the front. However, it will adopt a more conventional five-door bodystyle which is the new norm in the segment, doing without the oversized aero of the track-focused concept.

Stellantis