The fastest-accelerating and likely most expensive Renault production car yet has been confirmed for Australia.
Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E electric hot-hatch was revealed a fortnight ago as an electrified homage to the French brand’s famous 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 mid-engined legends of the 1980s.
Revealed with one of the Renault 5 Turbo’s iconic rally liveries, the electric hyper-hatch features dual in-wheels motors to produce 373kW (500hp) and a 0-100km/h quote of 3.5 seconds.
Renault Australia is inviting expressions of interest on its homepage, though while that page says the 5 Turbo 3E is “coming soon” the car doesn’t go into production until 2026.
Unlike the new Renault 5 EV on which it’s only loosely based, the Turbo 3E will feature a carbon-composite body to help reduce weight.
A 2022 Turbo 5 concept weighed less than 1500kg and included drift modes, a manual hydraulic handbrake, and drift modes. For comparison, the Cupra Born electric hot-hatch weighs nearly two tonnes.
The Turbo 3E, however, will be significantly more expensive than the circa-$60K Born. UK speculation is pointing to a price tag that could exceed about $200,000.
A more affordable electric French hot-hatch could still come to Australia in the form of the A290 from Renault’s performance brand Alpine (which races in F1).
The regular electric Renault 5 retro-inspired hatch remains unconfirmed for Australia.
**“**Securing the R5 Turbo is step one of a number of products coming to Australia from Renault,” said a Renault Australia spokesperson. “As more news develops, we’ll keep you informed.”
