More details of the new Renault 5

A little over a couple of months ago we told you that one of the myths of the French diamond brand’s history, the R5, was close to returning, as the brand’s marketing chief, Stephen Norman, had confirmed to Autocar. That same British publication has added more information about the Twingo’s successor this week.

The model, whose name is still far from being settled, will be the first to use a platform shared between Renault and Daimler. Specifically, it will be a stretched version of the next-generation Smart Fortwo, which will also use the new Forfour. This will therefore give the small French twin a feature that hadn’t been seen in one of its products for many years: it will have a rear-mounted engine that sends its power to the axle directly beneath it.

Norman said at the last Geneva Motor Show that it will have “a totally unexpected and innovative powertrain”, referring to that engine and drive layout. It will also keep one of the R5’s characteristic traits, “an impressive interior space for its size”. Autocar dares to predict that, given that the Clio IV will only be a five-door, the Twingo successor will have no more than three.

The model will not take its inspiration from the R5 in terms of design and will offer options and trim levels that allow it to sit above other city cars such as the Toyota Aygo or Ford Ka. Production will begin in 2014, just when Renault also has other novelties ready, such as the definitive version of the Captur.

Via | Autocar