First glimpse of the re-imagined Renault 4

01st October 2024

Adam Wilkins

Renault is once again turning to its back catalogue to add a dose of nostalgia to its EV offerings. The 4 E-Tech takes its visual inspiration from the functional 1961 original, and has been teased ahead of its reveal at the Paris Motor Show later this month. From what we can see so far, it looks to remain true to the 2022 4Ever Trophy concept car, just as the 5 E-Tech closely aped the concept.

The upright appearance of the original Renault 4 lends itself to be re-interpreted as a crossover, and that’s exactly what we can expect of the new car. It shares Renault’s AmpR Small EV platform with the 5, even down to having the same wheelbase, but it’s notably taller, wider and longer than its sibling.

Many styling cues have been swiped from the original and updated. The oblong grille, for instance, will be recognisible but delineated with an LED strip light. The Renault badge itself will be backlit, too. The trapezoidal rear quarter windows are also recognisable, located directly above the rear wheel allowing for minimal overhang. The lozenge style rear lights have been re-interpreted with modern technology, while culpted doors are cribbed from the plastic trim on later original R4s. A peel-back fabric roof will also be available.

Given that it shares so much with the 5 E-Tech, it’s likely that the 4 E-Tech will share the same motor options. That means a choice of three front-wheel-drive single-motor options of 95PS (70kW), 122PS (90kW) or 150PS (110kW). If it shares the 5’s battery packs, that means a choice of 40kWh or 52kWh. Four-wheel-drive is technically possible, too, thanks to the multi-link rear axle.

With the vast change that the automotive industry is facing, it’s not surprising that it simultaneously wants to anchor itself in the past. After the warm reception the 5 E-Tech received, it’s likely that the 4 E-Tech will be equally well received. The new car will hit showrooms in 2025, and those keen to get into one first can pay £150 for a Renault 4 R Pass which comes with a priority build slot and the chance to order a car a fortnight before it’s on general sale.