But all this would be for nothing if Renault hadn't got the fundamentals right. The car has a plus-200-mile range that would put a Honda E to shame, yet it is expected to undercut its rivals on price. Renault even nicked BMW's trick, fitting the 5 with independent rear suspension that should make the EV as sophisticated to drive as it is to look at.
The Renault 5 proves that retro design can be brilliant when done right, and it's not just me who thinks that. BMW's Neue Klasse, which previews an electric 3 Series, is littered with styling cues from shark-nosed descendants, and there's more than a hint of Fiat Ritmo Abarth to the recently announced Abarth 600e.
What else could benefit from the retro treatment? How about a new Nissan Micra based on the bubble-like K10, or a new Ford EV based on the original Focus? All speculation of course, but no one can argue that retro’s having a renaissance and I for one am happy about that.