Renault Australia will bring the hottest version of its reborn Renault 5 electric hatchback to local showrooms, but the more affordable and pared-back version of the model is yet to be locked in for a launch.
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Revealed last week, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E (also known as the R5 Turbo) is confirmed to go on sale in right-hand drive markets including Australia, with the brand's local importer Ateco now taking expressions of interest ahead of its as-yet unconfirmed local arrival date.
"We have been working around the clock with head office in France to secure the Renault 5 Turbo 3E for Australia, and we finally locked it in just hours away from the start of the holiday shutdown period," said Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey in a media statement.
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"We got the green light for this car overnight and we are not waiting a moment to get things moving.
"Customers in Australia will be able to fill in their details on an expressions of interest page, which will make them the first to know when there are important updates – and it will make them the first to know when it comes time to place an order.
"Renault head office in France has been very supportive of Australia. The fact we've been able to secure the Renault 5 Turbo 3E for our customers so soon after it was confirmed for production in Europe, shows how committed Renault is to the Australian market – with this and other exciting models around the corner."
Despite the confirmation of the flagship Turbo 3E for Australia, the regular Renault 5 is no closer to local showrooms.
"Securing the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is step one of a number of products coming to Australia from Renault. As more news develops, we'll keep you informed."
The Turbo 3E is a modern take on the mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo which was designed to go rallying in the 1980s.
It's rear wheel drive but rather than being fitted with a single electric motor and axles, its dual electric motors are housed within the rear wheels.
Renault claims it can produce 373kW, good for a rapid 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
That makes it more potent than the Renault 5-based Alpine A290 which produces 160kW from its single-motor powertrain, however a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive version has been hinted at.
Like the petrol-powered Renault 5 Turbo it's inspired by, the Turbo 3E has a wide, aggressive stance, with boxy wheel arches inside which sit 20-inch alloy wheels.
While its predecessor had functional side air intakes to cool its midship engine, the modern electric hatchback carries on the design piece without the need for extra cooling.
It also features bold graphics reminiscent of 1980s hot hatches, while the yellow paintwork which featured at its unveiling is a colour sported by rally Renault 5 Turbos in the early 1980s.
The headlights are smaller than on the regular Renault 5 and more closely resemble the original 5 Turbo, while there are squared-off daytime running lights and aggressive front and rear bumpers.
Interior design has yet to be revealed.
Australian timing, pricing and specifications will be announced closer to its local launch.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
