Renault has unveiled the production version of the 2022 R5 Turbo 3E Concept, serving as a modern-day successor to the classic R5 Turbo I and II from the ’80s and the Clio V6 from the ’00s. The hyper hatch rides on a bespoke platform and features a fully electric RWD powertrain with over 500 hp.

The third iteration of the R5 Turbo homologation special has retro-futuristic styling, looking like a heavily redesigned restomod on steroids. It retains the signature boxy fender flares of the original, although here they are combined with oversized wheels shod in ultra-wide tires.

More: Radical New Renaults Will Ditch Conventional SUV Body Styles

The exterior has evolved compared to the concept, adding a sleeker greenhouse and reworked aerodynamics. The pronounced bumpers and side skirts are finished in white, contrasting with the yellow bodywork and the black roof.

The LED headlights appear to be a modernized version of the classic R5, while the taillights are sourced from the new R5 E-Tech Electric. The charging port is hidden in one of the side intakes, which were designed to cool the electric powertrain.

Despite the resemblance, the R5 Turbo 3E is not mechanically related to the standard Renault 5, as it rides on a bespoke carbon monocoque chassis which is said to be “both lightweight and extremely stiff”.

The French pocket rocket is powered by two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels. With a combined output of over 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS), the R5 Turbo 3E is the most powerful production model by Renault, promising a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 3.5 seconds.

Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO, said that the R5 Turbo 3E is something for “only for the brave”, adding that “it’s going to be fun”. According to the company, “the Group is bringing the best of its skills and expertise to the development of this ultimate Renault brand icon”, likely hinting at Alpine’s involvement in the project.

Renault didn’t announce details about the production model’s availability and pricing, but Autocar reports it will arrive in 2026. Judging from the bespoke nature of the build, we expect it to be offered in limited numbers and at a high price.

The automaker offered a glimpse to the R5 Turbo 3E in the “Anatomy of a Comeback” documentary series that is available on Prime Video. The reveal, which you can watch in the video below, took place behind the closed doors of the design center. It was hosted by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive, and Vice President of Renault Design Gilles Vidal.

Renault’s retro-influenced 4, 5 and Twingo have gone down a storm, but the French automaker has very different plans for its other models. The company’s design boss says an army of new EVs launching from 2028 will look forward, not back, and begin a design shift away from traditional SUV shapes.

Design boss Gilles Vidal suggests we look to this year’s Embleme concept, a sporty, low-slung crossover, for an idea of what to expect when the new-generation electric cars arrive on their also-new EV platform.

Related: Renault Embleme Concept Is A Sleek FCEV Crossover With Ultra-Low Emissions

“The cars before the Embleme were maybe a bit misleading, because you see a 5, a 4, a Twingo,” Vidal told Autocar.

“The Embleme is a better representation of what’s next for the brand globally in terms of design, and maybe new silhouettes, for the future: generous shapes, not too minimalistic, but simpler than what we did lately on Scenic.”

Vidal even suggested that wagons, whose market share has been eroded by SUVs and crossovers, could influence future sport-utilities. He described sport wagons as “kind of sexy” and said their low rooflines but large cargo areas made sense for EVs that need to balance the twin priorities of practicality and driving range.

Vidal acknowledged that anti-SUV sentiment, which is particularly strong in the automaker’s home city of Paris, was a consideration during the design process, but believes that maybe the hate was unwarranted.

“There’s still a huge fight against SUVs on principal, but would you say the same thing about MPVs?” he asked Autocar’s reporter. “They are the same weight, have the same engines, the same CO2 emissions. But no-one would ever criticize an MPV, a respectable family product. Who are we to criticize aggressive looking cars?”

But while Vidal’s team is striving to come up with something entirely new and forward-looking to replace Renault’s familiar SUV shapes, that doesn’t mean it is already making plans to cut short the lives of the 4, 5 and Twingo. He described the trio as “timeless” and claimed they’d evolve slowly, like Fiat’s retro 500.

An all-new Alpine A110 is in the works, and unlike the outgoing model, the next generation will be sold exclusively as an EV. While plenty of car enthusiasts will consider this as bad news, Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo claims it’ll be lighter than a comparable ICE sports car.

The French brand confirmed work on a new A110 in mid-2023, revealing that it will spawn both Coupe and Roadster variations. Renault’s boss has revealed that the new model will be underpinned by a bespoke electric sports car platform, much like the 911.

Read: Alpine Confirms Next-Gen A110 Roadster For 2030’s Seven-Strong EV Lineup

“Porsche has the 911 [platform] as their own, and then they use others [VW Group architectures] for the likes of the Taycan and Cayenne. You keep the heart then as very true to the brand,” he told Autocar, adding that “the next A110 will be lighter than a comparable car with a combustion engine but with no compromise in performance.”

Alpine hasn’t said how it will make the all-electric A110 so light but it’s been working on an electric sports car for quite some time. Initially, this model was going to be co-developed with Lotus but in mid-2023, the two companies decided to part ways, forcing Alpine to continue the development of the new sports car on its own. Nevertheless, it does have some experience to lean on in this field, having showcased an electric version of the current A110 in late 2022, dubbed the E-ternité.

The prototype was equipped with a similar 60 kWh battery pack to the Renault Megane E-Tech and a rear-mounted electric motor with 239 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. It may have weighed 569 lbs (258 kg) more than the ICE A110, but it was less hefty than a Porsche 718 Boxster, an impressive feat.

Alpine has confirmed the 2026 A110 will look similar to the current car, with de Meo insisting it “needs to look like” an A110.

BYD makes more EVs than anyone, and it makes them for less money than most Western automakers can comprehend. But there is a cost, and it’s being paid by the workers in its supply chains, according to a new report investigating human rights risks in the EV industry.

Amnesty International’s Recharge for Rights study ranked 13 automakers according to how they address human rights risks in their mineral supply chains. BYD came bottom with a score of just 11 out of a potential 90 points, with Mitsubishi not far behind on 13 points.

Related: Microsoft’s AI Helps Find Promising New Battery Material With 70% Less Lithium

Hyundai (21), Geely and Nissan (22 apiece) came out looking like bad guys but Tesla (49) and top-rated Mercedes (51) performed far better. Not that even Benz’s score was enough to please the Amnesty investigators, who suggest that only a total of 68 points or more shows an adequate commitment to human rights issues.

Although EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, their batteries need huge quantities of minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. And while many of us are aware of the environmental damage caused by mining lithium, Amnesty International says the cobalt mining industry is ripe for the abuse of workers, some of whom in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which generates 25 percent of the world’s supply, are children.

BYD was marked down for refusing to reveal the name of the smelter, refiner, and mine that supply its minerals, but Geely, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and GM were all guilty of a lack of transparency. In contrast, the best-rated brands were able to provide supply-chain mapping.

Human rights score

“As the global transition to electric vehicles gains momentum, drives global competition and allows for huge profit, Amnesty International is calling on all car makers to improve their human rights due diligence efforts and bring them in line with international human rights standards,” said the organization’s Agnès Callamard.

The need for automakers to prove the origins of their batteries’ minerals to be eligible for EV credits has improved transparency, Wired notes. And there are steep fines (and market access restrictions) awaiting companies who flout rules governing supply chain welfare contained in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive that came into force in Europe this summer.

But Callamard believes there’s more to be done.

“Those lagging behind need to work harder and faster to show that human rights isn’t just a fluff phrase, but an issue they take seriously,” she says. “It’s time to shift gears and ensure electric vehicles don’t leave behind a legacy of human rights abuses – instead, the industry must drive a just energy future that leaves no one behind.”

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is just around the corner, and it’s set to debut with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from Horse Powertrain Limited—the internal combustion engine (ICE) joint venture between Renault and Geely.

Reportedly, Mercedes lent its engineering expertise to develop this ICE unit, which is expected to churn out a respectable 250 horsepower and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. Production will take place in China, but the catalytic converter won’t be installed until the engine arrives in Germany, ensuring it complies with Europe’s strict emissions standards. The transcontinental production process may seem a bit convoluted, but it reflects the increasingly globalized nature of automotive engineering.

Read: 2026 Mercedes CLA Previewed With Concept Car Looks

While you may think it sounds a little odd for the new-generation CLA to use an engine from Geely and Renault, it’s worth noting that Geely chief executive Li Shufu owns a 10% stake in Mercedes-Benz. Geely also operates a joint venture with the German carmaker to build Smart EVs. And for those thinking this is a new development, it’s worth remembering that both the first and second-generation CLA 180d models relied on diesel engines developed in collaboration with Renault and Nissan. This crossover DNA is practically baked into the CLA’s lineage.

According to CarNewsChina, some reports hint that this four-cylinder could come paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that integrates a starter motor directly into the transmission, making for a smoother, more efficient driving experience.

The imported engine isn’t the only Chinese tech making its way into the new CLA. The compact-sized sedan will also feature an advanced driver assistance system developed by Chinese startup Momenta. While the name of the brand may not ring a bell, Mercedes-Benz has been a backer of Momenta since 2017. It’s also received investment from GM, SAIC, and Yunfeng Capital, owned by billionaire businessman Jack Ma. Momenta’s system does not rely on high-definition maps and instead supports assisted driving in urban environments.

There’s plenty more to look forward to with the new CLA. In addition to featuring efficient four-cylinder engines, several all-electric versions will be produced around an 800-volt electrical architecture. A high-performance, AMG-branded version of the EV is also in the pipeline.

Opening illustration by Josh Byrnes/Carscoops

Ampere, Renault Group’s dedicated EV division, held a presentation in France, marking one year since its inception with some intriguing announcements. Chief among them: the development of a new A-segment EV for Nissan, which will be closely aligned with Renault’s upcoming Twingo. In other words, Nissan’s dipping a toe back into Europe’s small-car market, but this time, it’s electric.

According to Ampere, Nissan has tasked them with “exploring the development of its next A-segment EV,” aiming to leverage Ampere’s focus on “cost reduction roadmap and reduced development time.” The target? An affordable EV that doesn’t skimp on what customers expect in terms of performance or features.

More: 2026 Nissan Leaf Spied With Mini-Ariya SUV Coupe Looks

The new entry-level Nissan will ride on the AmpR Small platform. The same architecture underpins the Renault 4 E-Tech crossover, the Renault 5 E-Tech supermini, and the Alpine A290 hot hatch. It is also expected to serve as a base for the Nissan Micra in 2025, and the Renault Twingo in 2026.

Makoto Uchida, the CEO of Nissan, confirmed the brand’s intent to re-enter the A-segment in Europe, more than a decade after the discontinuation of the Nissan Pixo. The largely forgotten urban dweller was based on the Suzuki Alto, and remained on sale between 2009 and 2013.

As reported by Autocar, the talks between Ampere and Nissan are at an early stage. Still, the Nissan CEO promised that the new EV will “deliver the convenience and advanced functionality that customers experience but in a small size and at an attractive and affordable price.”

Uchida added that the fully electric successor of the Nissan Micra supermini hatchback (B-Segment) is on track for a launch next year, making it clear that the urban EV will be a different model. The Micra was previewed last year by the sporty Nissan Concept 20-23, following a bunch of revealing teasers from 2022.

More EVs Coming Soon

Ampere acknowledged the recent EV slowdown, but pledged to “accelerate to catch up with the leaders and widen the gap with its peers in Europe”. The company estimates that the EV market will grow annually by around 25 percent in the next five years, and wants to take advantage of that growth.

Currently, Ampere manufactures the Renault 5 E-Tech, 4 E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech in France, but a number of EVs are expected to debut in the coming years.

In 2025, Alpine will introduce the production version of the A390 sports fastback. Nissan will show the Micra supermini and the next-gen Leaf compact crossover. Mitsubishi has also confirmed a yet-unnamed compact electric SUV, based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

In 2026, Renault will introduce the production version of the new Twingo. Ampere will also start production of the first LCV based on the FlexEVan platform.

More: Mitsubishi Teases Two New Renault-Based SUVs, Will Launch In Europe In 2025

More importantly, Ampere will show the next generation of compact EVs in 2028. These will bring greater efficiency and sustainability, alongside a 40% cost reduction compared to current models. The Renault Embleme FCEV concept that debuted in Paris earlier this month serves as a preview of things to come.

2028 is also the target year for the “next technology leap” in battery chemistry. Ampere’s new cobalt-free battery packs are expected to combine the density of NCM (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) with the cost and safety of LFP (Lithium, Iron, Phosphate), while charging in less than 15 minutes.

Finally, Ampere announced the launch of a dedicated entity called Advanced China Development Center. A new team base in China, will work “very closely” with local partners, aiming to reduce development times of future EVs. Last June, Renault confirmed they will collaborate with an engineering partner from China for the development of the new Twingo, following failed talks with the VW Group.

Mitsubishi will soon expand its European lineup with two new compact SUVs, set to be locally manufactured by Groupe Renault. One will be an EV and the other an ICE/HEV model, and both will launch in 2025.

The company published a single teaser, with the two SUVs under a veil, next to Mitsubishi’s existing European lineup. The model on the left is most likely the Mitsubishi equivalent of the Renault Symbioz, which is heavily based on the Mitsubishi ASX and Renault Captur subcompact SUV twins. This is evident from the identical lighting signature and the slightly longer body.

More: Mitsubishi DST Concept Previews 7-Seater SUV With Boxy Looks For Asia

Mitsubishi’s new SUV will be available with gasoline, and self-charging hybrid powertrain options. Just like the Renault Symbioz, it will ride on the CMF-B architecture and is expected to measure 4,413 mm (173.7 inches) long.

The other upcoming SUV was originally announced in December 2023 as the first fully electric Mitsubishi following the i-MiEV from 2010. This one will be based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech, which shares the CMF-EV architecture with the Megane E-Tech, the Nissan Ariya, and the Alpine A390.

The Renault Symbioz and Renault Scenic E-Tech (left) compared to their Mitsubishi equivalents (right).

The Mitsubishi brother of the Renault Scenic E-Tech will feature a slightly tweaked exterior design, with unique LED graphics up front. Options will likely include 60 kWh and 87 kWh battery packs, alongside single-motor 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and dual-motor 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) powertrains.

The automaker revealed that its upcoming compact SUVs will be equipped with plenty of ADAS. They will also feature a Google built-in infotainment, likely mirroring Renault’s OpenR system.

As hinted at by the official teaser, the new Mitsubishi models will sit above the subcompact Clio-based Colt and Captur-based ASX, and below the Outlander PHEV. The latter was recently introduced in Europe with a more efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and a bigger battery, allowing a combined range of 844 km (524 miles).

It’s only been a few months since the Alpine A290 GT premiered as the performance-focused version of the new-age Renault 5 E-Tech, but the car manufacturer is open to building an even more insane model with the famed Renault 5 badge.

Long before the new 5 E-Tech premiered as a rival to the Mini Cooper EV, Renault provided the world with a tantalizing look of a future electric super hatch with the 5 Turbo 3E. The car, showcased purely as a concept, looked like a modern Group B rally weapon and insiders say there’s an internal push within Renault to make this vehicle a production reality.

Read: Renault R5 Turbo 3E Is A Modern EV Take On The Homologation Special

Auto Express claims the vehicle could be built around a bespoke spaceframe chassis and may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker acknowledged such a vehicle was “not high on our priority list right now,” but didn’t deny the project’s existence.

“Obviously, we fill our drawers with sketches of our dreams, and this would be one of them,” he said. “We always have ideas, every designer has his dream cars in his drawers.”

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the potential for the car to become a production reality. In late 2022, Renault chief executive Luca de Meo said the brand had found a way to bring something close to the concept to the road, but said it was all a matter of money. At the time, de Meo acknowledged that Renault didn’t have “deep, deep pockets.”

For the concept, Renault’s engineers opted to install a pair of electric motors combining to deliver 375 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. Providing the motors with their juice is a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and impressively, Renault said the car weighs just 980 hp (2,160 lbs) and can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds.

Renault has knocked it out of the park with the retro-themed 4 E-Tech and 5-Tech, and a bonkers super electric hatch could be the brand’s ultimate halo model. Fingers crossed.

Renault took the wraps off the all-new 4 E-Tech at the Paris Auto Show, exactly two years after the rugged 4EVER concept. The fully electric subcompact SUV serves as a “retro-futuristic reinvention” of the Renault 4 from the ’60s, with a practicality-focused cabin and a budget-friendly nature.

The R4 E-tech shares 68 percent of its components with the R5 E-Tech. However, it is 220 mm (8.7 inches) longer than the hatchback, stretching to 4,140 mm (163 inches) long. The SUV is also wider and taller, with a higher ground clearance and more space between the axles thanks to a 2.62 m (103.1 inches) wheelbase.

More: Renault Embleme Concept Is A Sleek FCEV Crossover With Ultra-Low Emissions

The larger footprint allows more room for passengers and their luggage, making it a fitting option for small European families. The boot has a capacity of 420 lt (14.8 cubic feet), featuring a wide opening, a low sill, an underfloor storage compartment and a power tailgate.

The dashboard borrows the 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and the standard 10-inch touchscreen from the Renault 5 E-Tech, running on the Google-powered OpenR Link infotainment. Other cool interior features include the steering wheel-mounted gear lever which is shaped after like a lipstick tube, and the available dark blue recycled upholstery inspired by jeans.

The exterior design is faithful to the Renault 4Eever Trophy concept from 2022, albeit without the rugged features. The illuminated single-piece grille is fully covered, and incorporates the round LED headlights, reminiscent of the original R4. The same applies to the greenhouse and the pill-shaped taillights. A heavy dose of plastic cladding around the bodywork, accentuate the crossover stance, together with the roof rails and the large wheels.

The sculpted hood and the roof can be specified in either body-color or black, with optionally available graphics increasing the number of possible combinations to 670. There is also an opening canvas roof for an open-air driving experience similar to the Fiat 500 X Convertible.

More: Paris Auto Show 2024: A-Z Preview Of All Debuts

The Renault 4 E-Tech rides on a stretched version of the AmpR Small architecture. Besides the increased ground clearance, Renault engineers optimised the suspension settings for a more comfortable ride, while the steering has a short ratio resulting in a tight turning circle.

The SUV will be available with two fully electric powertrains, sending power to the front wheels. The base version combines a 120 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) electric motor with a 40 kWh battery, offering 186 miles (300 km) of WLTP range. The other option marries a more potent 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) electric motor with a larger 52 kWh battery pack, allowing a range of 250 miles (402 km). The larger battery is compatible with 100 kW DC charging, and the smaller unit with 80 kW DC charging, while both support bi-directional charging.

The Renault 4 E-Tech is expected to arrive in the UK market in mid-2025. Other fully electric options currently available in the subcompact SUV segment include the Mini Aceman, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, DS3 E-Tense and Opel Mokka Electric.

Besides the production version of the Renault 4 E-Tech, the company introduced the FL4WER POWER concept, inspired by the R4 Safari from the 70s. The concept is painted in matt Dark Green shade with yellow accents, combined with 20-inch wheels, a lifted suspension, and a flower-themed fabric upholstery inside the cabin.

Renault killed the Twizy off in September 2023 but it hasn’t given up on its quirky tandem two-seater. The microcar has been reborn as the Mobilize Duo, this time with a much greater emphasis on refinement, as well as the addition of a Bento cargo van spinoff.

Mobilize is a new Renault company that focuses on mobility services like car sharing and subscriptions, and the Duo/Bento models, debuting at this month’s Paris Motor show, are production versions of a pair of Mobilize concepts launched at the same event two years ago.

Related: Mobilize Duo And Bento Are Renault Group’s New Subscription-Based Urban EVs

Looking like a more macho Twizy, the Duo features Lamborghini-style scissor doors with built-in flip-up windows for better weather protection, and there’s a greater emphasis on car-like gadgets this time around. A heated seat, air conditioning, and Bluetooth are part of the package, as is an airbag, something missing from the Duo’s Citroen Ami rival because cars like this are homologated as quadricycles in Europe and exempt from some safety demands.

But all quadricycles are not created equal. Some (L6e) can be driven in certain European countries by 14-year-olds and those not holding a car license but must be limited to 8 hp (8 PS / 6 kW) and 28 mph (45 kmh). Others (L7e) are designed for licensed motorcycle riders and car drivers and allowed to pump out 21 hp (21 PS / 16 kW) and run to 50 mph (80 kmh), so Mobilize is building two different Duos to suit each set of regs.

How much power the motor pinched from the Renault Austral hybrid makes in the punchier Duo hasn’t been confirmed, but Renault says the 10.3 kWh NMC battery is rated at 100 miles (161 km) of range and should still be good for 62 miles (100 km) in cold weather. Topping it up from 20-80 percent takes 3 hr 50 mins via an AC charger and 25 mins less when hooked up to a DC outlet.

The Duo’s tiny 2,430 mm-long (95.7 inches) chassis measures just 1,300 mm (51.2 inches) across and has a turning circle of only 6.8 m (268 inches), making it perfect for carving through and parking in cities. Mobilize says it consists of one-fifth the number of parts that go into a regular car, and that 40 percent of the Duo’s components are recycled.

French prices start at €9,090 ($9,950) for the slowest version, the Duo 45 Neo, or you can drop €2,090 ($2,290) and pay just €29 ($32) per month for 37 months. The speedier Duo 80 Pro is €10,700 ($11,700) and the more luxurious Duo 80 Evo is €11,600 ($12,690).

But sure to be piquing the interest of delivery drivers and small businesses around Europe is the Bento van, which swaps the back seat for a cargo box and costs €10,000 ($10,940), excluding tax. The 649-liter (22.9 cu-ft) box adds 110 mm (4.3 inches) to the length and cuts the range to 93 miles (149 km), but the 60 percent bigger load area and its more conventional placement give it a major advantage over Citroen’s Ami Cargo.