The Ford Ranger has been a staple in Australia for years, but its rise to stardom with the latest-generation model in 2022 was nothing short of meteoric. If you told anyone a decade ago that the mid-size pickup truck would outpace its competitors like the Hilux, they might’ve laughed in your face.

Back in 2014, the old Ranger sat at a respectable sixth place on the sales charts with 26,619 units sold, trailing the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and the Holden Commodore. Fast forward to 2023, and the new Ranger hit a record-breaking 63,356 sales, nudging out the Hilux by over 2,000 units. By 2024, it had cemented its place at the top with 62,593 sales, nearly 10,000 more than Toyota. So, what’s behind this rapid success?

Over the past couple of years, the Ranger has become an incredibly common sight on Aussie roads. It’s hardly a surprise as much of its development was led by Ford Australia. Eager to see what all the fuss is about, we recently spent a week living with the popular Ranger Wildtrak. We weren’t disappointed.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The 2025 Ranger is available in a dizzying number of variants in Australia, starting off with the most basic XL Hi-Rider Single Cab starting at AU$36,880 (~$23,100) and topping out with the AU$90,000+ (~$56,500) Ranger Raptor that we also recently drove. Between these two models are over a dozen different configurations with single cabs, dual cabs, different engines, and both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options.

Read: 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Is A Mid-Sized Super Truck

In the US, the 2025 Ranger family starts at $33,080 and tops out at $55,820 for the Raptor. Our tester was the popular Ranger Wildtrak with the available 2.0-liter engine, starting at AU$69,640 (~$43,700) before on-road costs.

Ford’s 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel four-cylinder is known as the ‘Panther’ but feels more like a tame kitten, although that’s not really an issue. It produces 206 hp (154 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque and is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The pickup also has a part-time four-wheel drive system as standard with low range and a locking rear differential. For an extra AU$5,400 (~$3,400), the Wildtrak is also available with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 247 hp (184 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm), although the 2.0-liter is more than adequate.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

An Excellent Cabin

The cabin is one of the highlights of the latest-gen Ranger. Gone are the days when vehicles in this class had horribly basic cabins, void of any technology. In fact, the Ranger Wildtrak comes loaded with heaps of tech, making it feel more like an SUV than a normal truck.

As with other Ranger models, a portrait 12.0-inch infotainment screen is the highlight. It runs on Ford’s SYNC 4A system and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Virtually all of the major controls and settings are found on the screen, but that’s no bad thing as it’s responsive, clear, and easy to understand.

Review: How Does Geely’s First Electric Pickup, The Riddara RD6, Measure Up?

The screen also houses plenty of systems to make towing a breeze. These include a top-down tow hitch camera. There’s also an integrated trailer brake controller, a trailer sway control system, and a blind-spot monitoring system that adapts to towing. The blind-spot monitoring system works well, but because the radar is positioned within the taillights, there have been some cases in the US of thieves stealing these lights.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Most of the climate control settings are also operated through the screen, although there are buttons and dials for the temperature and fan speeds, which is nice. Nevertheless, I’d prefer a few more physical HVAC controls. Elsewhere, there’s an 8.0-inch infotainment display, which is good, but not as impressive as the larger 12.4-inch unit found in the Ranger Raptor. It offers limited customization options and isn’t the highest-resolution screen either.

The rest of the cabin is a nice mix of hard-wearing black leather and plastic, with bright orange contrast stitching adding a little bit of flair. We spent almost 24 full hours behind the wheel of the Wildtrak during our time with it and the driver’s seat proved to be very comfortable on long journeys. A wireless charging pad is another welcome inclusion.

The Ford Ranger and its competitors have become popular family and lifestyle vehicles Down Under, so it’s nice that the second row offers plenty of space and comfort, along with individual air vents back and a pair of USB ports. A large storage cubby is found under one of the rear seats.

The Drive

Much like the new Mitsubishi Triton I recently drove, the new Ranger drives much more like an SUV than the previous-gen model, yet still feels like it could go anywhere and do anything.

Like most turbo-diesels, the 2.0-liter mill is a little noisy and a little rattly at low speeds, but it quickly settles into a rhythm at highway speeds and is mostly unobtrusive. While the V6 has an extra 40 hp (30 kW) and 100 Nm of torque, I was never left wanting for any more performance from the four-cylinder. Ford doesn’t quote a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time, but it’ll hit that mark in roughly 9-10 seconds, which is adequate.

As mentioned, this engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic, the same transmission found in several other Ford models. While some may think it has a too many gears, it operates smoothly in the background, quickly and quietly shifting between cogs in urban areas. You can shift manually through the gears with “plus” and “minus” buttons on the shifter, although it’d be a little nicer if it used paddles like the Raptor.

One of the main reasons buyers would opt for the 2.0-liter model over the 3.0-liter is fuel efficiency. Ford says the four-cylinder can sip just 7.6l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) over the combined cycle, compared to 8.4l/100 km (28 US mpg) for the V6. However, both of those figures are very ambitious.

During my time with the Ranger Wildtrak 2.0, I averaged 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg), with roughly 80% of my driving sitting at highway speeds with the cruise control turned on. On some stints, fuel economy did sit around the 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) mark, but I never saw it dip into the 7s. I suspect the V6 would average closer to 10.0 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) under similar testing conditions.

Ford has made vast improvements in the quality of the Ranger’s ride compared to its predecessor. Although it has a live-axle at the rear, as well as leaf springs at the back, it remained comfortable over most road surfaces. However, it is not as plush as the new Triton, which surprised me. With some weight in the bed, the ride can no doubt be slightly improved. As it stands, it’s good but not great.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Unsurprisingly, the Ranger Wildtrak isn’t the type of vehicle that feels at home when driven in anger. The steering feels a little wayward and doesn’t provide much feedback, nor do the brakes instill you with much confidence. But really, that’s most part and parcel with vehicles like this.

Plenty of safety tech comes standard, including adaptive cruise control and a driver attention monitoring system. Some have complained about this monitoring system being overactive, prompting Ford to roll out a software update to tone it down a little. I didn’t have any issues with it. What I did find annoying is the fact that active lane centering is not controlled by a button on the steering wheel and has to be turned on by diving into the settings menu on the main screen.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

We didn’t have the opportunity to test out the towing abilities of the new Ranger, but it has a solid rated towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), which is on par with its competitors. Like the Raptor, there are plenty of driving modes, too, including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.

Verdict

All told, the truck we tested is an impressive bit of kit and it’s hardly a surprise that the new Ranger has become so popular. It feels more modern than all of its competitors, has plenty of tech and has a wide breadth of abilities. However, higher-spec models like the Wildtrak are pretty expensive, which perhaps explains why some cheaper alternatives from China, like the new BYD Shark, are gaining in popularity.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The writing had been on the wall for the Geneva Auto Show for years, particularly since its first cancellation during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Now, the organizers have made the definitive decision to call it quits.

The Geneva Auto Show will not be returning to Switzerland for 2025, with no intention of revival thereafter. This iconic event, with a history spanning over 100 years, will undergo a transformation. However, its legacy will persist, as Qatar is set to host an event in 2025 under the same name.”

More: Get A Look Inside The Canceled Geneva Motor Show And Its Depressing State

The decision comes following this year’s return of the show after a four-year hiatus. However, it wasn’t the triumphant comeback many had anticipated. With only Lucid, the Renault Group, and Chinese automakers in attendance, the event failed to recapture its former glory. Ultimately, the overwhelming uncertainty regarding its future viability proved insurmountable.

More: 16 Stolen Classic Cars Worth $3 Million Found In Canadian Barn

“This extremely regrettable decision should not detract from the efforts and determination with which we have tried to regain our success,” said Alexandre de Senarclens, the president of the foundation that organized the show in a statement for the press.

“However, it has to be said that the lack of interest shown by manufacturers in the Geneva Salon in a difficult industry context, the competition from the Paris and Munich shows which are favored by their domestic industry, and the investment levels required to maintain such a show, sound the final blow for a future edition,” he added,

Technically, this marks the end of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), despite its continuation outside of Switzerland, at least until 2025. Similar to 2023, it will reconvene in Qatar.

Sandro Mesquita, GIMS CEO, remarked, “For its upcoming festival dedicated to automotive excellence, and following a successful inaugural edition, GIMS Qatar can confidently rely on the proven expertise and capabilities of the teams that conceived and executed the concept.”

“It’s satisfying to realize that motor shows continue to appeal to brands in different parts of the world and that the Geneva International Motor Show has reinforced its appeal in the Middle East”, he concluded.

No doubt, it’s sad to see any long-standing automotive event go away, but popularity of such shows is up for debate.

Early this year, Stellantis announced that it wouldn’t participate in any North American auto show as a corporate entity. On the other side of the coin, the LA Auto Show was largely a success last year and SEMA continues to gain traction. In this case though, several brands didn’t think that the Geneva Auto Show was worth their resources for 2024 and now it’s gone.

Will others follow? Only time will tell. 

Renault will continue to have internal combustion engines in its range for the next decade, as it hopes to offer consumers a separate lineup of EVs. The “two-leg” strategy was revealed by brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive. The approach hopes to allow the automaker to react to market trends following a slowdown in EV adoption.

Unlike others, Renault has been relatively cautious in announcing their EV ambitions. In 2022, group CEO Luca de Meo predicted that Renault’s European lineup would consist solely of EVs by the end of the decade, but added a caveat that it would ultimately depend on market conditions. On a wider scale, the company stated that it didn’t foresee a world where gas and hybrid vehicles represent less than 40 percent of the market in 2040.

Now, it appears that Renault is less bullish about its EV outlook. Speaking to Automotive News Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show, Cambolive stated that the brand would instead offer an EV and an ICE (with hybrid tech) in every segment.

Related: Mercedes Latest Automaker To Slow EV Push, Will Keep ICE Alive Into The 2030s

“For me, the question is not [going EV-only in] 2030 – we will follow the trends with two very competitive offers in our lineup, on both legs,” said Cambolive. The move will see models such as the new Renault 5 EV being sold alongside the ICE-powered Clio, with both occupying similar positions in the small-car segment.

Renault isn’t the only one tweaking their product forecasts. Last week, Mercedes Benz backtracked on a prediction that EVs would account for 100 percent of sales by 2030, instead highlighting the continued development of ICE and hybrid tech into the next decade.

Meanwhile, Renault and Chinese manufacturer Geely are in the process of forming a 50-50 joint venture that will see the two groups develop combustion and hybrid engines. The partnership will produce engines for brands from both Renault and Geely, including Volvo, Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Punch Torino, and they may even supply third parties.

Is this what the future of sports bikes could look like? This eye-catching design, conceived by famed designer Frank Stephenson, who led the styling teams for iconic cars like the first Mini hatch under BMW and the McLaren P1, is named the FSD 59 and was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland last month. While it remains a design study and has not yet been brought into the real world, it is quite compelling.

The team behind the FSD 59 says they aimed to create a bike that could adapt to different riding styles and preferences, bringing together the best aspects of sports bikes, supersport cruisers, and high-end commuters.

Watch: What Do You Think Of Frank Stephenson’s Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale Redesign?

When viewed from the front, the FSD 59 stands out thanks to its small LED headlight and bulbous bodywork void of any of the wings and appendages of many current sports bikes. It also sports a removable windshield and has a panel that runs above the handlebars and flows seamlessly back to the seat. This shape means there are no gauges in the traditional position and instead, there is an AR-enabled head-up display, giving the 59 a unique look.

Frank Stephenson Design‘s bike has been conceived to feature an electric powertrain, meaning there is no need for a fuel tank. The company describes it as being “light and agile without being too aggressive or compromising on comfort and safety.”

“Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to present this to the world and we are very excited to share it. We look forward to announcing more news on this in the future,” Frank Stephenson said of the bike.

Since Stephenson launched his namesake company in 2018, he has designed space capsules, supercomputers, supercars, eVTOLs, watches, and baby seats. It remains unclear if the FSD 59 will ever reach production.

Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, has urged European automakers to unite and form an Airbus-style conglomerate to manufacture affordable electric vehicles capable of competing with Chinese imports entering the continent.

Airbus came together in 2000 as a joint venture between European aerospace companies. It is supported by European governments, and the companies came together to compete against large American companies, like Boeing.

According to de Meo, European automakers need to do something similar to compete with the growing influx of affordable electric vehicles from China, which has emerged as a powerhouse in the segment. According to Autonews, the CEO said “we need to be creative to find a solution” at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Read: $233k Yangwang U9 Supercar Costs $100k More Than Expected, But Should Ferrari And Rimac Be Worried?

“Partners can share the investment and reduce the costs” of producing new vehicles, De Meo argued. He also pointed to past examples when European automakers have cooperated, such as on the “Type 4” platform in the ’80s, which was shared by Alfa Romeo Fiat, Lancia, and Saab.

Renault is already in discussions with Volkswagen to share the AmpR platform that underpins the Renault 5 and will go under the smaller Twingo, an EV the automaker plans to start selling at €20,000 (around US$21,700 at current exchange rates).

According to de Meo, the challenge of such a project would be creating a European value chain that includes batteries, motors, and electronics, like Chinese automakers have done. “The goal is to source everything in Europe at a competitive price,” de Meo said.

He further argued that creating cars quickly will be a major challenge for European automakers. He said that Renault has shortened development times for its EVs from four years to three years for the Renault 5, and will get it down to two years for the Twingo.

“Speed is important against the Chinese,” he said. “We’re in an uncertain world. In the past, with internal-combustion cars, you could foresee what was coming.”

In addition, de Meo argued that EU rules should allow for small Japanese “kei” cars in urban areas, lowering the value-added tax on small EVs with small batteries (rather the bonus, which is currently offered in France), or giving small vehicles free parking to incentivize their use.

Renowned design house Pininfarina unveiled the futuristic Enigma GT at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, a design study that explores the future of “everyday driving pleasure”. The virtual concept is still a work in progress and features a large canopy for access to a 2+2 interior. More importantly, it is powered by a combination of a hydrogen-burning V6 and an electric motor, offering AWD capabilities.

Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer of Pininfarina, described the concept as a “contemporary GT, a 2+2 with desirable, exotic looks, exuding purity of design, elegance, and Italian flair”. The Enigma GT will be further evolved for Pininfarina’s 95th anniversary in 2025, making us believe that it could spawn a real-life prototype sometime in the future.

More: Pininfarina Designs Luxury RV That Expands Into A Mini Mansion

The exterior is characterized by a low-slung silhouette, a single-piece wraparound greenhouse, slim LED bars on both ends, large-diameter wheels, and a sculpted bodywork reminiscent of earlier Pininfarina concepts.

With a length of 4,580 mm (180.3 inches), the Engima GT is 140 mm (5.5 inches) shorter than a Tesla Model 3 while having an incrementally longer wheelbase of 2,880 mm (113.4 inches). According to the designers, the mid-rear engine layout proved to be beneficial for both the aerodynamics and the interior packaging. As a result, the concept has a drag coefficient of 0,24 cd, aided by active aerodynamics on the grille shutters, front wheel deflectors, underbody, and tail.

The large canopy lifts together with the dashboard, revealing the high-tech cabin with a 2+2 seating layout. The centerpiece is a transparent OLED screen on the dashboard which is combined with an augmented reality windshield harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence. The multi-functional steering wheel has a weird shape that is said to mimic the handshake of an “intelligent and friendly machine”. The seats are upholstered in sustainable materials, while elements of the hydrogen powertrain are visible to the occupants. Finally, an autonomous driving mode enhances comfort and safety in longer journeys.

A Hybrid That Combines Hydrogen With Electric Power

The unconventional hybrid powertrain combines a hydrogen combustion engine with an electric motor and a small battery pack. The hydrogen-burning engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 with 436 hp (325 kW / 442 PS) driving the rear axle, while an electric motor with up to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) powers the front wheels and giving the Enigma GT AWD capability.

With the 9 Kg hydrogen tank full and the 10 kWh battery fully charged, the Pininfarina Enigma GT is said to offer a driving range of 550 km (342 miles) in the combined cycle. At the same time, the concept is projected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 4 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Pininfarina says that the presentation “deliberately withholds the complete revelation” of the concept’s styling, as the full unveiling is reserved for the future. Besides the virtual-only Enigma GT, visitors to the 2024 Geneva Motor Show will also be able to experience “state-of-the-art design tools” from the Pininfarina Design Center, offering a glimpse of vehicle development.

Pininfarina

This week’s Geneva Motor Show will be relatively small compared to the event’s glory days, with only a handful of companies participating. Among them is Totem Automobili, a coachbuilder hailing from Italy, and this is their latest creation.

Named the GTAmodificata (Gran Turismo Alleggerita Modificata – Italian for ‘grand tourer, lightened, modified’)  Totem’s newest restomod is a thoroughly overhauled and modernized version of the iconic Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm from the late 1960s, early 1970s.

It’s still in the prototype phase and will be limited to just 5 production examples, each carrying a staggering price tag of €1.1 million, or about $1.18 million at current exchange rates. That’s a hefty sum indeed.

Totem has ditched the original panels and replaced them with new lightweight carbon fiber parts. Much of the prototype’s bodywork has exposed carbon fiber but the thoroughly revised front bumper has a gorgeous blue finish. Totem has also installed two-piece forged wheels, crafted new LED headlights, and fitted distinctive LED taillights.

On the performance front, there’s lots to talk about. For starters, the entire car is now underpinned by a carbon fiber monocoque, both the front and rear axles have a double-wishbone setup, and huge Brembo six-piston brakes are found up front while at the rear are Brembo four-piston units. Then there’s the engine.

Read: This Wacky Alfa Romeo Giulia QV Is Inspired By The Original 1962 Model

Totem Automobili turned to Italtecnica Engineering and has sourced a custom 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that weighs just 165 kg (364 lbs) and produces a monumental 798 hp and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque between 3,500 and 6,000 rpm. This engine also revs to 8,500 rpm and is coupled with a sequential transmission driving the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. There are three driving modes, an electric power-assisted steering system, and adjustable ABS. A titanium exhaust should also ensure the V6 sounds the part.

Photos of the car’s interior have not yet been released but the Italian coachbuilder says it comes standard with carbon fiber seats clad in leather and supporting Sabelt racing harnesses.

MG took the wraps off the new generation of the MG3, serving as the entry model in its lineup. The subcompact hatchback went under a significant visual and technological makeover and is exclusively available with a new self-charging hybrid powertrain producing a combined 192 hp (143 kW / 194 PS).

We were already familiar with the sharper looks of the new MG3 from earlier teasers. The hatchback that was designed in Shanghai follows the lines of the larger MG5 and MG7 sedans with more aggressive facial features and sculpted bodywork.

More: MG Cyberster Red Top Edition Pays Homage To Classic MGA And MGB

Measuring 4,113 mm (161.9 inches) long, 1,797 mm (70.7 inches) wide, and 1,502 mm (59.1 inches) tall, the new MG3 is slightly longer, wider, and lower compared to its predecessor. According to the company, the increased footprint results in a more spacious cabin and a 293 lt (10.3 cubic feet) boot which is incrementally larger than the cargo space of the rival Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

The fully digital cockpit comprises a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen coming standard with navigation and Android Auto / Apple CarPlay connectivity. We also find an array of toggle-style switches on the center console, four USB ports, and more buttons on the steering wheel. Safety equipment includes the MG Pilot ADAS suite with systems like adaptive cruise control.

Hybrid-Only

Unlike its ICE-only predecessor, the 2024 MG3 is exclusively available in self-charging hybrid form. The Hybrid+ powertrain comprises a four-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS), a single electric motor producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), a 1.83 kWh battery, and a three-speed automatic gearbox. The driver has access to three driving modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport – with the latter allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 8 seconds. At the same time, the MG3 has a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 lt/100km (64 mpg UK) and emits 100 g/km CO2.

As for the chassis, MG engineers added new “ultra-high stiffness components” which together with a new suspension setup bring improvements in handling, ride refinement, and noise insulation compared to the outgoing MG3.

Rivals and Pricing

Rivals of the new MG3 that also come with self-charging hybrid setups include the Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio, and Honda Jazz. The rest of the pack in the segment is either available with mild-hybrid powertrains (Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, and Hyundai i20) or with non-electrified engines (VW Polo, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza).

MG didn’t announce pricing for the new model but it will reportedly start from around £20,000 (about US$25,500) in the UK. An MG spokesperson told Australian media that the new MG3 will be around AU$5,000 (US$3,300) more expensive than the model it replaces when it arrives Down Under in mid-2024.

MG

The production version of the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric has been officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show as a modern reincarnation of the 1972 original. The styling of the French subcompact hatch remains loyal to its conceptual sibling from 2021, while its fully electric underpinnings promise a range of up to 400 km (249 miles). More importantly, Renault announced a starting price of around €25,000 ($27,100), making it one of the most affordable EVs in the European market.

The R5 E-Tech Electric’s development time was reduced to 3 years, utilizing the expertise of Renault’s newly established Ampere unit. It is the first production model that rides on the new AmpR Small architecture which is basically an updated and electrified version of the widely-used CMF-B that already underpins the Clio and the Captur.

Concept Looks With A Nostalgic Tone

The retro-inspired exterior is nearly identical to the previewing concept, echoing its silhouette and most styling nuances, right down to the wheels. Yet, discerning eyes will catch a few sly differentiators. These include refined lights at both ends, thicker pillars, as well as conventional door mirrors and handles.

More: Renault’s Future Lineup To Include 7 EVs, Developed And Built In Europe By Ampere

The LED graphics on the darkened headlights are designed to resemble the pupil of the human eye, inspired by a vintage ad of the original 5. In the welcome sequence, the EV blinks to the driver, as part of a “humanized interface”. On the other hand, the vertically mounted taillights represent the most notable nod to the classic Renault 5. These are connected by a black trim piece and feature subtle extensions from the side panels, aimed at enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the hatchback.

One of the standout features is a novel charge indicator placed on the top of the hood, drawing inspiration from the signature intakes of the original Renault 5. Given the electric nature of this new sub-compact model, Renault’s designers utilized this space for a graphic panel that illuminates whenever the vehicle is connected to a charger, displaying the current charge level. When the battery reaches full capacity, the LED display takes the shape of the number 5.

More: Renault 5 EV Turns Into A $300 Pedal Car With Functional Lights

Last but not least, the pronounced fenders were inspired by the famed R5 Turbo, giving the EV the appearance of a hot hatch. This means Alpine won’t have to exert much effort to spice up the design of its own performance-focused version.

Tech-Filled And Sustainable Interior

The interior of the R5 E-Tech Electric blends retro elements and vibrant colors reminiscent of the original model with a modern twist. The centerpiece is a 10.1-inch touchscreen which is combined with a digital instrument cluster. The Google-powered OpenR Link infotainment can host over 50 applications and services while introducing the new AI-enabled digital assistant called “Reno”.

Safety equipment includes the Active Driver Assist which is a Level 2 ADAS system. Other notable features include the multifunction steering wheel, complete with a prominent start button, and the modern textiles used all around the cabin using recycled and bio-sourced materials. Renault put a lot of emphasis on the sustainable nature of the EV which will achieve 85% of recyclability. In terms of practicality, the hatchback has a five-seater layout with an available boot space of 326 lt (11.5 cubic feet) and a towing capacity of 500 kg (1,102 pounds).

Three Power Outputs And Two Battery Options

The new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be manufactured in Douai, France by the Ampere unit. Measuring 3.92 meters (154.3 inches) in length, the city car introduces the new AmpR Small platform, formerly known as the CMF-BEV. The single electric motor, sourced from the larger Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech, is available in three power outputs, producing 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS), 121 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) or 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS).

The battery pack has a capacity of either 40 kWh or 52 kWh, with the latter providing a WLTP range of up to 400 kilometers (249 miles). The batteries are compatible with DC fast charging at rates of 80 kW and 100 kW respectively. Furthermore, the model supports V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, allowing owners to sell energy back to the grid.

Renault engineers put a lot of work into the chassis setup of the R5 E-Tech Electric, which promises to deliver segment-leading levels of roadholding ability and performance comparable to larger vehicles. This is largely thanks to the multi-link rear suspension, the low center of gravity, and the compact footprint, making it “superbly nimble”.

The starting price for the Renault 5 E-Tech will hover around €25,000 (about $27,100 at current exchange rates), positioning it squarely in competition with several current and upcoming models. It’s expected to match the pricing of the VW ID.2 while undercutting the Peugeot E-208. However, it does come at a slightly higher price than the newly introduced Citroen e-C3. Other rivals include the Mini Cooper Electric and the slightly smaller Fiat 500e.

• Note: This story has been updated to include the latest photos, videos, and information following the official debut (Feb. 26).

Renault

Renault is getting ready to participate in next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, where it will unveil the highly anticipated Renault 5 E-Tech electric hatch. However, that’s not the only highlight, as Renault will also present a variety of branded products developed in collaboration with French startups.

Most relevantly for our purposes, the production version of the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech is expected to offer up to 249 miles (400 km) of range, and start at just €25,000 (around US$27,000 at current exchange rates). In fact, there will be a wide variety of 5s on display, among them a pair of demonstrator models. These will help show off the technology that underpins its new EV, and highlight the AmpR platform, as well as its motors, batteries, and the bidirectional chargers.

Read: The 2024 Renault 5 E-Tech Has A Hood-Mounted Charging Display

To celebrate the launch of the new car, the automaker will show off a collection of Renault 5-themed merchandise, including a yellow foosball table, a wool sweater, and an electric scooter made by the brand Plume.

In addition, Renault will present innovative electric mobility devices as part of its 5 Movements project. These vehicles feature Renault 5 branding and were developed by French startups. Each device was selected based on its interaction with one of the four natural elements: earth, water, air, and snow.

We’ll start with the world’s first folding sailing dinghy, and was created by Reverso. The compact, rigid-hull sailboat is about 11 feet (3.4 meters) long, and can be disassembled into four (floating) parts, making it easier to store and transport. It has a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and weighs just 37 lbs (16.8 kg).

There’s also a specially-branded version of the first electric BMX bike, by Evol BMX. It’s equipped with a 500 watt motor that can get it up to a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). It has a range of 25 miles (40 km), and tips the scales at just 29 lbs (13 kg).

The automaker collaborated with Flavien Neyertz, resulting in the creation of the yellow Searacer. This is the world’s first electric jet ski, capable of cruising along the water for up to two hours at speeds of up to 48 mph (77 km/h). It has already received an A’ Design Award.

Renault’s collaboration with Plume ensures riders stay above the water. The startup’s foil board is equipped with batteries that provide up to 90 minutes of continuous operation, all while weighing less than 66 lbs (30 kg). With a motor positioned below the water behind a wing, the board allows both itself and the rider to glide above the waves, reaching speeds of up to 22 mph (35 km/h).

If snow is more your style, Renault has partnered with Moonbike to offer an electric snow scooter. This innovative vehicle features a tank track at the back, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h). With batteries capable of powering it for up to three hours of continuous snow carving, and weighing in at 198 lbs (90 kg), it promises an exhilarating winter adventure.

Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show will be able to see all of these products and more at Renault’s booth from February 26 to March 3.