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Iconic hatchback loved in the 1980s just months away from return as small EV – & it’s set to rival the Fiat 500

AN ICONIC hatchback that was beloved by petrolheads in the ’80s is just months away from a return as a small EV to rival the Fiat 500.

The model will launch as one of the cheapest on the market, with an expected price of around £25,000.

a yellow car is parked in front of a sign that says the originals
Alamy
The return of the Renault 5 is reported to be ‘imminent’[/caption]
a red car with a license plate that says ea48 uil
Alamy
The original model was discontinued in 1996[/caption]

The Renault 5 made its debut back in 1972 as a hardy but affordable supermini.

It swiftly found fame in its homeland, ranking as France’s most popular car every year between 1972 and 1986, with over 5 million made.

Success was also found in the UK, with the 5 gaining a cult following among enthusiasts along with its four-door cousin the Renault 7.

However, the model was finally discontinued in 1996, bringing a close to its 24-year production run.

That was until it was revived in February of this year as the Renault 5 E-tech, an electric version of the beloved classic.

Now, Autocar reports that the new motor has been spotted undergoing its final UK tests ahead of an “imminent” release.

The resurrected five takes its styling from the original but will sit on the same mechanical platform as the modern Nissan Juke and Renault Clio.

The battery pack will use a specially-designed inverter that has allowed designers to shave 15kg of weight and 3cm of length off compared to its sister models.

This has allowed the firm to put in a 40kWh battery, giving the 5 roughly doubly the capacity of the Zoe (another of its siblings) while still weighing 100kg less.

Bosses suggest that the focus has been on improving the dynamics of the cars, including relaxing the handling and a new suspension system.

The base model, 40kWh version is expected to have a range of around 186 miles, while the larger 52kWh variant can stretch to 249 miles.

The former will be equipped with rapid charging capability, while both include a very neat money-spinning feature.

New charging tech means the 5 can engage in bi-directional electricity transfer, allowing it to send out up to 11kWh of power to external devices.

In effect, this could allow drivers to take advantage of cheaper energy prices overnight, before selling energy back to the grid at peak hours to turn a profit.

This function will be offered in France via Renault’s Mobilize app and could make its way this side of the Channel too.

Speaking of the financials, the 5 is expected to come in at around £25,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs on the market and not far off the cheapest cars overall.

The brand puts this down to using a pre-existing platform, allowing it to undercut bespoke rivals like the £28,000 Fiat 500e.

Guillaume Sicard, Managing Director Renault UK, said: “Since the original concept was revealed, interest in the all-electric Renault 5 has been incredible.

“We strive to produce cars that support sustainable mobility yet are also emotive, and this award confirms that this is a winning formula in every sense.”

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Ireland’s largest public housing project with 51 Dublin homes priced from €334k to hit market as Harris ‘delighted’

a white brick house with the number 19 on the front
20 September 2024 – Simon Harris and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien will today officially launch the first of the new homes at Shanganagh Castle Estate in Shankill, Co Dublin. The new development, delivered by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR), ahead of time and on budget, is the largest public housing project in years. It is also the first of a pipeline of around 20 housing projects to be completed by the LDA on state-owned land and follows the completion of well over a thousand homes from a series of partnerships with other housebuilders. The estate involves a total of 597 high-quality houses and apartments including affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes. The new homes will be launched in phases. Phase one includes 51 affordable purchase houses, 195 cost rental apartments and 35 social apartments. Eligible buyers can apply to purchase the 51 houses on Wednesday 9th October, while the application portal for the 195 cost rental apartments will open later this year. The 51 affordable purchase houses include 21 two-bed and 30 three-bed homes. The 195 cost rental apartments include 19 studios, 40 one-beds, 107 two-beds and 29 three-bed apartments. These will be made available alongside the social homes, which include 18 one-bed, eight two-bed, seven three-bed and two four-bed homes. The remaining 316 homes, all of which are apartments, will be made available in two subsequent phases in 2025.
shanganaghcastle.ie

IRELAND’S largest public housing project with 51 houses priced at €334k is set to hit the market.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien officially launched the first of the new homes at Shanganagh Castle Estate in Shankill, Co Dublin today.

a white brick house with the number 19 on the front
The new development will include houses and apartments
shanganaghcastle.ie
a man in a suit and tie looks to the side
Taoiseach Simon Harris praised the new development
� 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
a row of white brick houses with black roofs
Simon Harris and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien launched the first of the new homes in Shankill, Co Dublin today
shanganaghcastle.ie

The new development will consist of 597 new affordable, cost rental and social homes, with prices starting at €334,600 and rents for the apartments starting from €1250 per month.

Delivered by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR), it’s the first of a pipeline of around 20 housing projects.

The new properties will be launched in different phases.

Phase one includes 51 affordable purchase houses, 195 cost rental apartments and 35 social apartments.

Eligible buyers can apply to purchase the 51 houses on Wednesday October 9 from 12 noon, including 21 two-bed and 30 three-bed properties.

The application portal for the 195 cost rental apartments will open later this year – with the 316 remaining apartments being made available in two subsequent phases in 2025.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to be in Shanganagh to launch this fantastic housing development and particularly pleased to see the mix of high-quality affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes.

“The government is investing significantly in increasing the supply of affordable and social housing and it’s great to see this funding is being used to deliver not just new housing, but new facilities, amenities and ultimately new communities.”

The Taoiseach said that housing is his “number one priority”.

Mr Harris continued: “The delivery of affordable housing developments on State land like this is a testament to what we can achieve.

“This new development is superbly located and completed to the highest construction and environmental standards.

“I would like to congratulate the LDA and DLR on what has been achieved here and I look forward to visiting again to meet the new residents of Shanganagh Castle Estate.”

The affordable purchase homes are being made available under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme – allowing buyers to bridge the gap between the price of the house and the amount of personal funds and maximum mortgage available to them.

‘JUST FANTASIC’

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien told how it was “fantastic” to be back at site launching homes for sale less than two years after he had the pleasure of turning sod on the development.

He continued: “To see what has been achieved in such as relatively short space of time is incredible.

“This is the first affordable housing development to be directly delivered by the LDA on state-owned land and it will soon be followed by many others.

“The LDA has already delivered a series of top quality affordable homes by partnering with developers under Project Tosaigh and considerable progress is now being made on state-owned sites, in partnership with DLR in this case.

“A greater supply of affordable housing is a key element of the government’s Housing for All plan and delivery is ramping up significantly.”

'OUR VISION'

JOHN Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “Shanganagh Castle Estate is a highly significant development for the LDA.

“It’s the largest public housing project in recent years and our first affordable housing development to be directly delivered on state-owned land.

“It’s also a great example of the LDA’s expertise, our design standards and our vision.

“Working closely with our partners DLRCC and our contractors Walls Construction, we have been able to complete the first of 597 homes in just under two years of active construction.

“We are extremely pleased to be making these new homes available at affordable prices for buyers and affordable rates for renters.

“This is a major achievement for the LDA, but it is just one of a growing number of affordable housing developments we are working on.”

Mr Coleman thanked the government and LDA staff.

He added: “Their hard work and commitment got us to this point and will continue to ensure we deliver on our important remit.”

Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council praised it as a “great day” for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and for the Shanganagh and Shankill areas.

He said the “high-quality” estate will allow residents to enjoy a “super quality of life with excellent facilities and amenities” nearby, including Shanganagh Park, Shankill and Bray villages, a planned new Dart station, beautiful beaches stunning coastline and wonderful countryside.

Sustainability features in the home include very low energy demand, low car parking provision (0.54 spaces per home), high bicycle parking provision of over 1,300 spaces, and design features to “make working from home easier”. 

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said: “Shanganagh Castle Estate is a fantastic new housing development with a great mix of affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes.

“The estate is located in a wonderful area with an array of amenities, facilities and services nearby.”

More details on the homes and the application process can be found here and details on the eligibility criteria can be found here.

a man in a blue suit and white shirt is talking
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien
PA:Press Association

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Thomas Carty aiming to be The Terminator – but already can’t be caught as The Running Man

THOMAS CARTY aims to be the Terminator – but reckons he cannot be beaten as The Running Man.

The heavyweight will return at the 3Arena tonight on a bill run by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Dana White Zuffa Boxing.

19 September 2024; Thomas Carty weighs in at the 3Arena in Dublin, ahead of his heavyweight bout against Jonatan Exequiel Vergara, tomorrow night. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
At yesterday’s weigh-in at the 3Arena in Dublin
Carty is a knockout machine
Rex

Loeffler is friendly with Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger but Carty aims to be The Last Action Hero in Dublin.

The 28-year-old has not only been Pumping Iron since turning pro – he also has an Escape Plan.

Carty told The Rocky Road podcast: “Steady progression is something I’m picking up on. Everybody always says ‘it’s the best camp yet’ but that’s something to be expected.

“If you’re a full-time pro, your last camp should always be your best one because you can always learn something from the one previous. I really seem to have streamlined a lot of things.

“It’s not one size fits all in this game. There’s old school and new school. Some people say you should run, some say you shouldn’t.

“Old-school boxing versus new-school science. I’ve chopped and changed and learned a lot. I’m probably feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my career.”

Asked about his own extremities, the undefeated southpaw said: “For me personally, it’s running.

“There’s no heavyweight who can keep up with me running. I would put myself up there as one of the best heavyweights who can run.

“My times and stuff like that, I’m really, really athletic and it’s obvious in my style.

“I’m not the biggest heavyweight in the world at 6ft 4in, 115kg on a good day, but my athleticism… I don’t think anybody my size could keep up with me running.

“That’s probably the most extreme thing about me. I’m doing 10k in 47mins, 5k in and around 22 each time. It’s quite fast.

“It mightn’t seem that fast but if you’re big, it’s a different story. When someone is above 110kg it’s a different kettle of fish altogether. 

And it’s not just being able to run – it’s being able to run Tuesday, spar Wednesday, run again Thursday, spar Friday, you know what I mean?”

Carty regularly spars with the best big men in world boxing.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are regular training partners and they bring in other prospects too in a bid to keep up with the next generation.

It means Carty is familiar with the up-and-comers as well as those sitting at the top of the division.

And he plans to use all of the experience he has picked up so far when he is in championship contests of his own.

Cork light-middleweight Callum Walsh tops the bill in Dublin as he faces Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski.

SLIM BETWEEN THE GIANTS

Carty meets Argentina’s Jonathan Exequiel Vergara (6-1) and Celtic Warriors Gym fighter said: “What I’ve picked up is that the margins between us all are so slim. 

“I think I’m 86th in the world or something like that but the margins between the top 100 guys is so slim.

“Obviously there are some standout guys but you’re never a million miles from the top.

“It’s a game of experience – getting used to the big fights, big nights, big weeks, getting used to the pressure at the top because that’s the difference.

“Completing a training camp without niggles is quite difficult so it’s knowing when to pull it back, knowing when to push on, it’s a game of gauging breaking points really.” 

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Shocked Naga Munchetty ‘lost for words’ as BBC Breakfast co-star strips topless live on air

NAGA Munchetty was left ‘lost for words’ as her BBC colleague stripped live on air.

The 49-year-old was anchoring this morning’s BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie Stayt.

a man and a woman sit on a red couch in front of a bbc building
BBC
Naga Munchetty was left lost for words as her co-star stripped off[/caption]
a group of men are standing in front of a wall with a bbc logo on it
BBC
Steve Harris was live in Dorset covering its museum’s naked viewing day[/caption]
BBC
As he revealed to viewers the galleries were closing, Steve embraced the opportunity to strip off[/caption]
a man and a woman sit on a red couch in front of a bbc building
BBC
Naga was visibly stunned at the scenes while Charlie Stayt was in favour of the practice[/caption]

During the show viewers watched as the pair covered Dorset Museum’s naked viewing.

The event allows members of the public to wander around the galleries in the nip, baring all as they observe the artwork.

Commenting on the topic, stern Charlie told viewers: “So normally when you think of nudes in a museum, your mind would naturally wander to statues or maybe sculptures.”

Naga then added: “That mind change. A museum in Dorchester is literally bringing that idea to life. Recently it’s opening its doors to visitors who want to wander through its galleries after hours, completely naked.

“Why? Well, that’s what our reporter Steve Harris has been finding out.”

Beeb reporter Steve was live from the museum and joined Charlie, 61, and Naga via satellite.

He spoke to one naked man who said going around starkers “gives you a massive confidence to see normal people naked”.

But as the segment drew to a close, Steve revealed the museum was set to shut down – and he seized the opportunity to strip off.

He left Naga visibly stunned as he took off his blazer and shirt, exposing his bare hairy chest.

Steve said: “For now, this evening is a one-off. After tonight, the museum will be closed until further notice but I’m not going to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What’s that saying? When in Rome…”

Lost for words, Naga turned to her co-star Charlie, asking him: “Does that appeal to you?”

He swiftly replied: “No, I just think it’s great. People being happy, doing their thing. Why not?”

BBC Breakfast viewers at home were left amused following Naga’s reaction and flooded social media with comments.

One said: “Never seen @TVNaga01 lost for words before after the report on Dorset Museum!”

A second wrote: “Best thing I’ve seen on @bbcbreakfast in years, Naga’s face as a piece on a nude-friendly art gallery ended. Looked a bit like Dame Edna when she was shocked.”

“@TVNaga01 Well done for keeping a straight face earlier,” said a third.

Who are the current presenters of BBC Breakfast?

The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 40 years on air but the current stars are:

Jon Kay – Since 2022

Sally Nugent – Since 2021

Charlie Stayt – Since 2006

Naga Munchetty – Since 2014

Carol Kirkwood – Since 1997

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BBC game show host ‘set to sign’ for Celebrity Traitors as star emerges as frontrunner for first ever all-star edition

CLAUDIA Winkleman is heading back to Ardross Castle for the BBC’s first ever Celebrity Traitors – and it seems she’ll have some familiar faces joining her for the new series. 

BBC game show host Richard Osman has become the unexpected front runner as an insider has teased that he is “set to sign up” for the monumental celeb series. 

a poster for the bbc show the traitors
BBC
BBC game show host Richard Osman is reportedly set to sign up for Celebrity Traitors[/caption]
a man in a suit sits in a red chair in front of a laptop with a diamond on it
BBC Press Handout
A TV insider said he has all the skills the BBC are looking for[/caption]
a woman is standing in front of a group of hooded figures
PA
The first ever all-star edition of The Traitors premieres in 2025[/caption]

The Sun revealed in January that a celebrity spin-off of The Traitors was in the works, with filming expected to start in early 2025.

The show was officially confirmed at the Edinburgh TV Festival last week and since then, speculation has been rife about the celebrity line-up. 

Richard, 53, is reportedly the new favourite for Celebrity Traitors with an insider confirming he has the skills BBC bosses are looking for. 

They told The Mirror: “Richard would be a terrific signing. He reckons he knows how to commit the perfect murder, so could surely spot a Traitor from 100 paces or outsmart the others if he needs to?

“He also knows exactly how TV works. Anyone who’s seen him on Pointless or House of Games will know how clever he is. And his claim that he’s no good at lying seems unlikely.”

The former Pointless host previously said that he can’t keep a secret, revealing that he’d been turned down by MI6 in his youth.

“You could not find a worse spy. I would have been terrible. I’m too tall, not bright enough, and if I have a secret, I tell everybody,” he revealed. 

But overlooking his secret keeping abilities, the Cambridge alum has plenty of skills that would serve him well on Celebrity Traitors, such as his ability to listen and observe what’s going on around him. 

Taking about his skills, he said: “I’m good with words and at doing quizzes and I have a good memory, but that’s not intelligence. I’m visually impaired so I see very badly. But it’s meant I’ve had to listen a lot and take in information really well.”

Richard, who currently presents the quiz show House of Games and Pointless Celebrities for the BBC, has put his smarts to good use. 

He is a published author who has written almost half a dozen best-selling murder mystery novels.

His current publishing deal with Penguin reportedly worth £10 million and the first instalment of his Thursday Murder Club series is now being turned into a Steven Spielberg movie, starring Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie, Jonathan Pryce and Ben Kingsley.

Additionally, during his career Richard has helped create shows including Deal or No Deal, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?

If Richard does sign on to Celebrity Traitors, he’ll be in good company as bosses also hope to bring Ricky Gervais back to the BBC to star in their new celebrity spin-off.

Do you have to pay tax on game show winnings in the UK?

Unlike in many other countries, such as the US, HMRC allows cash prizes from competitions and the National Lottery to be tax-free.

However, in order for the money to be seen as from a ‘competition’, there has to be a skill-based element, such as a quiz question, or the option of free entry.

This is why some competitions ask incredibly simple questions that even a five-year-old could answer, as they are trying to get around the requirement to offer a free entry option.

The comedian, 63, is high among the collection of A-listers being targeted for the centrepiece project.

Ricky has been busy of late with his hugely popular stand up series for Netflix.

But the broadcaster hopes he might be convinced to come back to the channel where he shot to global fame for his role in The Office.

A TV insider said: “The Beeb want the crème de la crème of stars for the celeb spin-off, and they ideally have to be incredibly smart, funny, and mischievous — and that’s Ricky in three words.

“Behind the scenes, big names have already expressed their interest in taking part from the moment it was revealed the new version of The Traitors was being made.”

Other stars said to be in the frame for the programme include presenter Jonathan Ross, who has expressed his love for the contest, as well as Courteney Cox, a close friend of host Claudia Winkleman.

But the Beeb has yet to reveal who they want for the show, or whether anybody has been signed up yet.

two men standing in front of a sign that says pointless
BBC
Former Pointless host Richard will be in good company if he decides to sign on to Celebrity Traitors[/caption]

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“People hate him because this is not Cavill”: Even the Toxic DC Fans Can’t Hate David Corenswet Anymore After Watching Him Show Up to Support Christopher Reeve’s Documentary

David Corenswet may have joined the DC Universe as the new Man of Steel under James Gunn’s reign, but there are still quite a few critics who just can’t see him in the same light as they did Henry Cavill. Nonetheless, at the same time, the new Clark Kent’s attempts at winning fans over simply […]

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

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