Tag Archives: Nostalgia

Batteries, Electric Car, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Technology, The Gadget Man

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Crowned Car of the Year 2025

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Renault has done it again! The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, alongside its sibling, the Alpine A290, has been awarded the prestigious Car of the Year 2025 title. This marks a significant milestone, not just for Renault’s electrification strategy but also for fans of the Renault 5, a model with a legacy that spans decades.

A Personal Connection: My First Car

This victory feels particularly special to me because my first car was a 1974 Renault 5TL, a quirky, compact vehicle I proudly owned back in 1985. It was my introduction to driving freedom, and I still hold a soft spot for that little hatchback with its distinct personality. Fast forward 40 years, and the Renault 5 has been reimagined as an all-electric icon that’s redefining what city cars can be.

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Crowned Car of the Year 2025
Renault R5 image bank media Test-Drive, from September 21 to 23th 2024 at Nice, France – Photo Yannick Brossard / DPPI

Reinventing an Icon

Renault’s decision to electrify the Renault 5 is part of their broader Renaulution plan, aimed at making electric mobility desirable, accessible, and sustainable. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric brings together retro-inspired design, cutting-edge technology, and eco-conscious production. Starting at an impressive €25,000 (before incentives), it promises to make EV ownership more accessible than ever.

Built on the AmpR Small platform, the Renault 5 E-Tech shares its underpinnings with the Alpine A290, allowing both cars to cater to different markets while maintaining a high standard of performance, design, and onboard technology.

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Crowned Car of the Year 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Crowned Car of the Year 2025

Why the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Stands Out

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric isn’t just another city car—it’s an electric game changer. Here’s what makes it special:

  • Retro Meets Modern: The design pays homage to the original Renault 5 while embracing modern aesthetics. It’s a car that sparks nostalgia while looking firmly towards the future.
  • Affordable Electric Driving: With a starting price that competes with petrol-powered hatchbacks, the Renault 5 is poised to bring EVs to a broader audience.
  • Built Sustainably: Manufactured in northern France at Renault’s Ampere ElectriCity, the car is produced as part of a sustainable and energy-efficient process.
  • Award-Winning Innovation: As the eighth Renault model to win Car of the Year, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric solidifies Renault’s leadership in automotive innovation and electrification.

A Historic Win for Renault

Renault has a rich history of winning the Car of the Year title. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric follows in the footsteps of iconic models like the Renault 16 (1966), Renault 9 (1982), and Clio (1991 and 2006). This latest win, along with the Scenic E-Tech Electric in 2024, highlights Renault’s ability to blend innovation with consumer appeal.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, summed it up perfectly: “Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a real game changer in Europe. It makes electric vehicles desirable as well as inspiring an emotional response.”

Looking Ahead

Renault’s electrification strategy is about more than just one car. Models like the upcoming Renault 4 and Renault 5 are designed to accelerate EV adoption across Europe, cementing Renault’s position as a leader in sustainable mobility.

For me, as someone who started their driving journey in a Renault 5, it’s heartening to see this legendary car reimagined for the future. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric isn’t just a tribute to its heritage; it’s a bold leap forward, proving that electric vehicles can be stylish, practical, and affordable.

Is the Renault 5 E-Tech the EV for You?

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric isn’t just another car—it’s a statement. Whether you’re drawn to its retro-inspired design, its impressive tech, or its game-changing price, this is an EV that demands attention.

What do you think? Would the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric make it onto your shortlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

2024, Clothing

Retro Voices in Modern Threads: The Rise of Custom 80s Slogan Tees in the 21st Century

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In an era where fashion intertwines with statements, the resurgence of 1980s slogan T-shirts in the 21st century is a fascinating blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance. These iconic pieces of attire, once the voice of a generation’s ethos, politics, and humor, have found new life in today’s fashion scene. As we delve into this revival, we uncover not just a tribute to retro style but a reinvigoration of the T-shirt’s power as a medium for expression. In today’s digital age, where online platforms often mediate our voices, the physicality of wearing one’s beliefs, fandoms, or comedic flair on a T-shirt offers a tangible, unfiltered form of personal expression.

The ’80s were a time of bold statements and even bolder fashion choices. Slogan T-shirts, in particular, served as wearable billboards for everything from political protests to band fandoms. Fast forward to the present, and we see these items not just as retro throwbacks but as a continuing tradition of wearable expression. This revival speaks volumes about our ongoing desire to connect, communicate, and make statements through what we wear.

This trend’s resurgence also highlights the cyclical nature of fashion, where yesterday’s statements become today’s style icons. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics but about messages, moments, and movements. As we wear these slogans, we’re not just recalling the past; we’re redefining their significance for a new era, making them as relevant today as they were decades ago.

In embracing 1980s slogan T-shirts, we weave the fabric of the past with the threads of the present, creating a tapestry of personal and collective expression that transcends time. Whether it’s a vintage find or a modern reinterpretation, these T-shirts remind us that fashion is a powerful form of communication, one that allows us to wear our hearts, humour, and histories on our sleeves.

In the 21st century, the evolution of fashion customization has empowered customers to create their own slogan fashion, reflecting personal tastes, beliefs, and creativity. A standout example of this trend is the ability to design personalized clothing through platforms like TShirtsSlogans.uk. Here, customers can produce customised 80s-style slogan T-shirts, choosing their messages and colours to echo the iconic fashion of the past while embedding their individuality into each piece. This innovation bridges the gap between retro style and personal expression.

A standout example of this trend is the ability to design personalized clothing through platforms like TShirtsSlogans.uk
A standout example of this trend is the ability to design personalized clothing through platforms like TShirtsSlogans.uk
BBC Radio Kent, Gadget Man, Retro Gadgets

The Relics of Technology: A Stroll Down Memory Lane

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In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s easy to forget the gadgets and gizmos that once dominated our lives. Today, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the tech tools that have faded into the annals of history.

  1. Floppy Disks and CD-ROMs:
    Once, the clunky floppy disks and shimmering CD-ROMs were our only recourse to data storage and transfer. They have now gracefully bowed out, making way for sleek USB drives, capacious external hard drives, and the omnipresent cloud storage that promises accessibility from every corner of the globe.
  2. VHS Tapes and VCRs:
    The ritual of rewinding VHS tapes and the magic of VCRs bringing images to life on screen are chapters from a bygone era. They’ve been overshadowed by the crisp clarity of DVDs, Blu-rays, and the instant gratification delivered by streaming services.
  3. Fax Machines:
    The whirring and buzzing of fax machines, once music to the ears of office-goers have been replaced by the silent, instantaneous delivery of emails and other digital communication channels.
  4. BlackBerry:
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.

    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
    Once the pinnacle of business communication with its iconic QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry has been overshadowed by the touchscreen revolution led by smartphones that offer an array of features and applications making communication and management seamless.
  5. The Pager:
    The humble pager, a precursor to the mobile revolution, once clipped to belts, has quietly retreated to the shadows as smartphones dominate the communication landscape with various features unimaginable back in the day.
  6. Film Cameras:
    The instant gratification of digital photography has replaced the thrill of loading film and the patience of development. Though a niche of enthusiasts still cherishes the craft of film photography, digital cameras and smartphones have become our lenses to the world.
  7. CRT Monitors:
    The bulky CRT monitors that once occupied desks were replaced by sleek LCD and LED monitors, marking a significant leap in aesthetics and technology.
  8. Cassette Tapes and Players:
    The tactile joy of flipping a cassette tape is a forgotten pleasure. Digital audio and streaming services have ensnared the auditory senses with a promise of endless playlists.
  9. Typewriters:
    The rhythmic clacking of typewriter keys is a sound from a bygone era, replaced by the soft tapping on modern-day keyboards as computers and word-processing software took over.
  10. Rotary Phones:
    The nostalgic spin of the rotary dial has been replaced by the swift taps on touch-tone and mobile phones, making communication faster and smoother.

Each piece of outdated technology carries with it stories and memories that shaped the era they belonged to. As we embrace the new, it’s a sweet reminiscence to look back at the tech relics that paved the path for today’s digital wonderland.

You can also listen in to my chat with Steve Ladner on BBC Radio Kent by clicking on the play button at the top of the post