Among small electric vehicles, the Renault 5 stands out with one of the most distinctive designs on the market. Its sportier sibling, the Alpine A290, shares the same visual charm, but one tuning company had a different vision entirely. Delta 4×4 imagined the Renault 5 not as a city runabout, but as a rugged, rally-inspired off-roader.

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

Their goal was to reimagine the EV as a compact trail-ready machine, complete with off-road hardware and motorsport styling. The transformation begins with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires. These provide improved grip on loose surfaces and, paired with a 100 mm (3.9-inch) suspension lift, raise the hatchback’s ground clearance significantly.

Off-Road Looks with a Rally Twist

The high-riding EV features four PIAA LED spotlights at the front, reminiscent of the original R5 Turbo rally car. While the bumpers have been carried over from the standard model, the pumped-up R5 gets wide fender extensions and leather straps mounted on the hood and the tailgate.

The Dakar-style roof rack holds dual LED bars for extra visibility, various kinds of containers, snow tracks, and a full-size spare tire. As a final touch, the model is wrapped in a colorful livery combining yellow, teal, pink, and black graphics on a white bodywork.

Despite its rugged stance, the donor vehicle is exclusively available with a single electric motor, meaning there is no AWD option. Its most powerful version makes 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), while the performance-focused Alpine A290 raises that significantly, to 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW).

More: Renault’s Retro R4 EV Could Get A Whole Lot More Interesting Soon

High-spec versions of the R5 are fitted with a 52 kWh battery pack, offering a maximum WLTP range of 400 kilometers (249 miles) between charges. Still, the grippy tires, worse aerodynamics, and extra weight of the off-road built will most likely reduce that number – which shouldn’t be an issue, really, given the model’s mission.

For now, the lifted Renault 5 exists only as a digital concept. However, if there’s enough interest, delta 4×4 may offer a conversion kit for owners who want to turn their retro-styled EV into a mini off-roader. Renault 5 drivers curious about the transformation can reach out to the company for more information.

Delta 4×4 / Facebook

While most SUV owners wouldn’t dare leave the pavement, the desire to look like they might has never been stronger. To keep up with the trend, Stellantis’ Opel division has unveiled the Frontera Gravel concept, a rugged-looking spin on its family-friendly SUV that hints at a more adventurous trim level down the line.

Developed at Opel’s Russelsheim design center, the one-off concept was created with input from the “enthusiast community” and assembled in collaboration with motorsport tuning specialists BlackFish and XS.

More: Stellantis Turns Its Cheapest SUV Into A Tree House With A View

The Frontera Gravel immediately sets itself apart with a lineup of off-road-inspired accessories: a Thule Canyon XT roof rack, additional LED lights on the hood and roof, a front-mounted winch, a side storage box, and even snow tracks attached to the D-pillars. It also rides on 16-inch Borbet CWE wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, helping it at least look the part, even if it never leaves the campsite parking lot.

The body is finished in a matte Desert Stone wrap, contrasted by a black hood and roof. Orange accents show up on the skid plates, mirror caps, roof rack, and badging, while custom stickers complete the package. Inside, the microfibre seats get matching orange detailing, and a black headliner adds to the rugged vibe.

Electric, Front-Wheel Drive, and… Soft-Road Capable?

Opel

Opel confirmed that the Frontera Gravel is based on the production Frontera Electric, which comes only with front-wheel drive. While not exactly off-road royalty, Opel insists the concept can handle “soft-roading adventures” thanks to its low center of gravity and healthy torque output.

The most powerful version of the Frontera Electric packs a single 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) motor and a 54 kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 400 km (249 miles). It’s not exactly overland-ready, but it should be enough for a spirited weekend getaway, assuming your idea of rugged terrain includes gravel trails and not much else.

All-Wheel Drive Remains Off the Table

Unfortunately, Opel doesn’t seem to be interested in an AWD Frontera, something that could happen with the addition of an electrified rear axle to the mild-hybrid version. This solution has already been applied to the Jeep Avenger 4Xe and the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, and will soon find its way into the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda 4×4.

More: Stellantis Turns Small SUV Into An Electric Rally Weapon

The Frontera Gravel will make its public debut on May 30 at the XS Carnight event in Wörthersee, Austria. Although it’s officially a concept, a production version seems like a real possibility. Opel could use it to compete with similarly rugged trims like the upcoming Dakar-inspired Dacia Duster variant.

Rebecca Reinermann, Opel and Vauxhall’s Vice President of Marketing, stated: “The new Opel Frontera is already standout. It is rugged, practical, and perfect for families and everyday adventures. But with the Frontera GRAVEL show car, we’ve pushed the limits, imagining a tougher, more daring, trailblazing version. This concept is built to fire up our fanbase and test the demand for a bolder, more rugged Frontera in the future. It’s all about freedom, adventure, excitement and pushing boundaries.”

Eric Cantona, part soccer god, part walking headline, has never been one to shy away from making a scene. The man who once famously launched a “kung fu kick” into an opposing football fan’s chest after he hurled abuse at him, is now getting a tribute from Ford, in the form of a one-off electric Capri. And if that doesn’t scream “Cantona,” we’re not sure what does.

That said, we can’t help but wonder if it’s really a great idea for a company to celebrate a physical assault, no matter how legendary, even under the guise of a cheeky nod. But hey, who needs restraint when there’s branding to be done, right?

More: Ford’s Capri Has Regenerated Almost As Many Times As Dr Who

Cantona, who teamed up with Ford to relaunch the Capri, is a football legend, widely hailed as one of the best to don Manchester United’s red, with four Premier League titles in five years to back up the claim. Not bad for a guy who could get as much attention for his temper as he did for his talent.

Beyond his undeniable talent on the field, “King Eric” is also remembered for his explosive attitude, which got him into some serious trouble in 1995. During an away match, he launched a kick – and a punch- at a fan from the opposing team. As a result, Cantona faced fines, community service, and a lengthy ban from the sport. But of course, he made his comeback, bagging more titles before retiring early in 1997 at the ripe age of 30.

As a nod to this high-profile incident, the headrests of the one-off Capri feature the outline of Cantona’s figure doing the infamous “kung fu kick”. Another bespoke feature is the polished Plexiglass insert on the center console with a backlit script that reads: “When a goat follows his hero in his car, it’s because the ruler on the racetrack returns. The Legend is back.”

The interior of the EV features the Feeltek Luxury Grain trim, contrasting with stripes, accents, and stitching in Signal Orange. The same color has been applied to the exterior, as a reference to the Mark III Capri from the 70s. The striking color is combined with black racing stripes and the number 7 on the profile, mirroring Cantona’s shirt number at Manchester United.

More: David Beckham Creates Personalized Maserati MC20 Inspired By Miami United FC

Other standout features include a bespoke rear spoiler, 21-inch alloy wheels, a 3D crown badge on the D-pillars, and Cantona’s signature displayed on the front fenders, right next to the Ford Design logo. Underneath, however, it’s business as usual, as the one-off is based on the Capri RWD Extended Range trim, with no other changes to speak of.

The special Capri was crafted by a handpicked team of Ford designers, who no doubt spent a fair amount of time brainstorming with Cantona himself. The final product was then unveiled to the man of the hour in a special ceremony at Ford France’s headquarters

Ford Europe