The new Renault 5 Prototype has been revealed, previewing an upcoming electric city car inspired by the original R5.

As a reminder, the Renault 5 was produced from 1972 to 1996, over two generations with more than 5,5 million units built.

The French firm says the new Renault 5 Prototype allows the company to “reconnect” with its past. Describing the prototype as a “cute” city car, Renault claims the production version will “democratise” the electric vehicle in Europe.

“The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, cult model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive,” said Gilles Vidal, Renault’s design director.

The Boulogne-Billancourt-based automaker says the styling elements borrowed from the original design “hide very modern functions”. For example, the bonnet air intake disguises the charging hatch, the rear lights include aero flaps and the foglamps function as daytime running lights. There’s even a nod to the original R5 on the side grid, the wheels and the rear logo. The vehicle’s front and rear logos light up, while a French flag has been added to the slim side-mirror caps, too.

The prototype was revealed after Groupe Renault presented its “Renaulution” strategic plan, announcing its strategy for the next five years and beyond. By 2025, Renault says it will launch 14 core vehicles: seven will be fully electric and seven will be in the C and D segments. All new models will have an electric or hybrid version.