This Renault electric vehicle honors a legend but completely misses the essence. | Carscoops

      A dealer has created a stunning EV inspired by the Clio Williams, but the homage may not deliver the performance that enthusiasts anticipate.

       6 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Dutch dealer Zeeuw & Zeeuw collaborated with Re-Volte to develop a special edition EV.

      The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition features a design influenced by the legendary Clio Williams.

      Only 25 units will be produced, all of which will exclusively be available in the Netherlands.

      

      While the original Renault Clio Williams is celebrated in the hot hatch realm, modern enthusiasts searching for a successor might feel a bit disappointed. The current Clio lineup lacks a performance variant, instead focusing attention on the fully electric Alpine A290 based on the new Renault 5 platform. Nevertheless, for those attracted to legacy and aesthetics, there is now a limited-edition R5 that embraces nostalgia meaningfully.

      More: This Mud-Slinging Renault 5 EV Needs To Happen

      The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition is born from the partnership between Dutch dealer Zeeuw & Zeeuw and design specialist Re-Volve. Only 25 units will be produced, exclusively for the Netherlands market. Described as a tribute to Renault’s motorsport heritage, this special edition prominently showcases its influences.

      Retro Design with Modern Electric Framework

      This electric R5 comes in a Midnight Blue finish paired with a black roof, a color scheme previously seen in Renault’s standard configurator. What differentiates the Monte Carlo Edition is a unique gold livery extending across the grille, sides, and rear hatch, reflecting the gold details of its '90s predecessor. It is equipped with custom 19-inch gold alloy wheels, reinforcing its connections to rallying roots.

      Inside, the special R5 features black leather and Alcantara upholstery with gold stitching, along with a commemorative plaque on the center console. The standard bucket seats carry a retro-inspired design, but the familiar blue “W” emblem from the Clio Williams has been replaced with a gold “5”, completing the homage.

      Houston, We Have A Problem

      The impressive specifications certainly enhance the desirability of the R5, adding sporty and luxury elements. However, the Monte Carlo Edition does not include any enhancements under the hood. In fact, it is not even based on the more powerful version of the R5, which offers 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), closely matching the 145 hp (108 kW / 147 PS) of the original Clio Williams’ naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.

      Instead, it employs a 121 hp (90 kW) electric motor paired with a 40 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up to 309 km (192 miles). Renault claims this configuration enables a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Such performance does not quite uphold the legacy associated with the Williams badge.

      For those willing to exchange performance for exclusivity and nostalgia, the Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition is priced at €37,995 ($44,400). This amounts to approximately €8,000 ($9,400) more than the standard R5 E-Tech Urban Range Techno trim on which it is based, starting at €29,990 ($35,000) in the Dutch market. Availability is restricted to Zeeuw & Zeeuw’s network in the Netherlands.