Renault 5 Turbo 3E – electric hot hatch with 500 hp!

Three years after the concept model was introduced, Renault has finally unveiled the actual production version of the R5 Turbo 3E, which will be available for purchase by the public.

Built on a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque platform, the R5 Turbo 3E is a hot hatch that does not feature a turbocharger, following in the footsteps of the Porsche Taycan.

Instead, it is powered by two electric motors positioned on the rear axle, producing an impressive 500 hp!

With its lightweight platform and powerful electric motors, the R5 Turbo 3E promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds.

In terms of exterior design, the R5 Turbo 3E incorporates elements inspired by the classic R5 Turbo I and II rally cars from the 1980s, featuring angular wide fender flares and a more aggressive rear bumper.

The LED headlights present a more streamlined appearance, reminiscent of the classic R5 lights but modernized, while the LED taillights are borrowed from the R5 E-Tech model.

The R5 Turbo 3E is expected to enter production in 2026, likely in very limited quantities, with a selling price expected to exceed £100,000 (RM563,000).

Renault Grand Koleos debuts in South Korea as the twin of Geely Xingyue L

Renault has announced their first collaboration with Geely through the introduction of the latest hybrid SUV model Grand Koleos, at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

There is no direct relation to the existing Koleos; the 2025 Grand Koleos is a rebranded SUV model based on the Geely Xingyue L.

It is not just a mere rebranding process, as Renault has given a distinct identity to this Grand Koleos model.

 

 

For instance, it features a more futuristic grille design, revamped LED headlight graphics, more angular quarter window design, along with minor changes to the bumpers and tailgate.

The Renault Grand Koleos measures 4,780 mm in length with a wheelbase stretching up to 2,820 mm, the longest in its class.

Moreover, the five-seater layout allows the Grand Koleos to offer a cargo capacity of 633 liters.

 

 

Renault also showcased the premium Esprit Alpine variant featuring blue accents, Alpine badges, 20-inch alloy wheels, complemented by a dark-themed cabin with Alcantara finishes and blue stitching.

All variants come with a setup of three 12.3-inch screens encompassing almost the entire dashboard dimensions.

 

Sharing the same CMA platform with Volvo XC40 and some Geely and Lynk & Co models, the Renault Grand Koleos also offers similar engine options.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors and a DHT transmission, producing a total output of 245 hp.

There is also a 2.0-liter turbo engine option with a power of up to 208 hp paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.

The Renault Grand Koleos will go on sale in the Korean market starting this fall.

Renault-Volkswagen low-cost EV is not happening

With the abundance of affordable electric vehicles (EV) from China, European manufacturers are beginning to feel worried.

Renault took the initiative to collaborate with Volkswagen in this competition, but it seems unsuccessful. The jointly developed low-cost EV will not be continued.

Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, stated that the discussions between the two parties have ended. He described the project as a “lost opportunity,” but mentioned that Renault is still open to cooperation with other manufacturers: “Maybe there are others.”

VW declined to comment, but it is confirmed that the two automotive giants will not continue their collaboration. Meanwhile, Renault will continue to produce the new generation Twingo, expected to arrive in 2026.

The current generation Twingo is still available, with options for traditional engines and EV. The upcoming new generation model will only be offered as an EV, with an expected price of less than €20,000 (RM101,965). On VW’s front, their plans after concluding discussions with Renault are still unclear.

Currently, the German manufacturer has the compact EV ID.3. The successor to the e-up! is also in development, expected to arrive in 2027, possibly named ID.1.