The N5 rally cars : an alternative to Rally2?
By RobinB on 16 December 2024 RallyHave you ever heard of the N5 class in rallying? 😎
These muscular-looking all-wheel-drive cars include a wide variety of brands and models. With impressive performance, they can approach the times of Rally2 cars and compete at the top of overall classifications, all while being much more affordable. However, these cars remain relatively unknown to the general public.
Curious to learn more? 😉
What are the origins of the N5 class?
First introduced in Argentina about a decade ago, the N5 class concept has since been adopted by other countries because N5 cars offer performance and a driving experience similar to Rally2 cars, but with significantly lower costs.
This concept follows the footsteps of the Argentine Maxi Rally and the Australasian AP4 (Australia, New Zealand...), two other initiatives aimed at making all-wheel-drive cars more accessible by offering high-performance vehicles that are less technically demanding than Rally2 ⚙️

Not FIA-homologated, these cars are nevertheless very popular at the national level in Spain, Italy, and several other countries. N5 cars compete in tarmac and gravel rallies, rallycross events, and hill climb races 👍
N5 rally cars were designed to fill the gap between two-wheel-drive categories (Rally5, Rally4) and Rally2 (formerly R5). Rally2 cars, while highly capable, are also among the most expensive to run, not counting WRC cars, of course.
See also: "How much does it cost to hire a rally car ?"
For drivers looking for an intermediate step towards Rally2 or simply access to all-wheel-drive with a more reasonable budget, N5 cars are an ideal solution. Historically, Mitsubishi Lancers and Subaru Imprezas from Group N filled this role, but their aging designs and distance from current standards make them less suitable today.
N5 cars stand out for their performance, modernity, and ease of handling. Compared to Group N all-wheel-drive cars, they are also praised for superior comfort and more effective cabin soundproofing 🤗

N5 Rally Cars: Technical Specifications
N5 cars are built on standardized homologated chassis, designed to fit a wide variety of bodies. Their design aims to replicate the handling and driving sensations of a Rally2.
Under the hood, they feature a 1.6-liter PSA turbo engine, nearly stock, equipped with a 34mm restrictor and a FIA pop-off valve, delivering an estimated 310 horsepower. This engine is compatible with various fuels, including 98, FIA 102, and E85 ⛽
On the transmission side, they come with a six-speed sequential gearbox. Weighing a minimum of 1,230 kg as per RFEdA regulations, these cars can reach a top speed of around 210 km/h, making them competitive across all terrains 🔥
A variety of brands and models are represented in the N5 class ⤵️
- Citroën: C3, DS3
- Ford: Fiesta MK7, MK8
- Volkswagen: Polo MK3, MK5
- Hyundai: i20
- Skoda: Fabia
- Renault: Clio
- Toyota: Yaris
- Peugeot: 208, 308
- And others like Nissan Micra, Mazda2, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Mitsubishi Mirage.

Performance and Comparison with Rally2
In terms of performance, N5 cars are about 1 second per kilometer slower than Rally2 cars. The gap widens on very rough terrains or tracks with significant jumps. However, they remain competitive and deliver similar driving sensations, while being considerably less expensive.
A new N5 car costs approximately €150,000 excluding tax, compared to up to €260,766 excluding tax for a Rally2 (FIA price cap). Used N5 models range from €85,000 to €110,000 in the rally car classifieds 💶
Operating costs are also more affordable. According to contacted teams, an N5 is 35 to 50% cheaper to run than a Rally2. Many standardized parts are locally available, and a significant number of components are interchangeable, increasing cost savings.
A key difference lies in the engine layout: longitudinal for N5 cars, versus transverse for Rally2.

Who Are the N5 Manufacturers?
The main N5 car manufacturers are:
- RMC Motorsport (Spain): Over 80 cars produced.
- ARVidal Racing (Spain): Another major contributor to the category’s development.
- Tedak Racing (Italy): Innovator with the N5 Step2 project, incorporating components inspired by Rally2 cars.
Many other manufacturers in South America and the United States continue to adapt N5 cars to meet local demands.
What Is the Future of N5? FIA Homologation on the Horizon?
Introduced in Spain in 2016, N5 cars have expanded to several European countries (Italy, Portugal, Finland, Lithuania...) and Latin American nations (Argentina, Peru, Ecuador...). They are also beginning to make an appearance in the United States 🌎
Currently, RMC Motorsport is collaborating with the Spanish Motorsport Federation and the FIA to achieve international homologation. If the FIA were to recognize the category, it could open new opportunities for N5 cars.
However, does the FIA have an interest in these vehicles, which do not align with the established pyramid system of Rally5, Rally4, Rally3, Rally2, and Rally1? 🤔
Indeed, with the recent creation of the RC3/Rally3 class by the FIA, which follows a similar philosophy but with international homologation, N5 cars have become more of a national-level alternative.
That said, even without FIA recognition, these cars seem to have found their place in countries where they are authorized to compete, and demand appears to be strong.

Video: the N5 rally cars in action!
Conclusion
N5 rally cars represent a modern and cost-effective alternative for drivers looking to enter the world of all-wheel-drive rallying without breaking the bank.
With performance levels relatively close to Rally2 cars, reduced costs, and growing adoption, they are an ideal stepping stone to higher categories.
Their future may hinge on international recognition, but their success on national stages is already well-established 🥳