Renault 4 revealed in full as throwback EV
Hot on the heels of the Renault 5 supermini, Renault has just taken the covers off its new 4 at the Paris Motor Show – a funky new model that takes inspiration from the original 4.
With retro throwback styling, the design harks back to the Renault 4L of the 1960s and adds an impressive electric platform. Here’s everything we know so far.
Renault 4 fast facts
- Follows retro lead of R5 supermini revealed last year
- 40kWh and 52kWh battery options
- Up to 250 miles of range
- Boxy styling harks back to classic 2CV rival
- Interior borrows tech from new Renault 5
- Impressive 420-litre boot
Renault 4 styling
There’s no doubt the 4 takes direct inspiration from the classic model, which during its 33-year production run, proved to be the most popular French car of all time. Up front, the squared off grille incorporates a set of LED headlights, while the front flanks and edges have a minimalist look to them.
The rear trapezoidal side windows are undoubtedly a nod to the original, as are the rear light units. With a raised ride height and chunky black body cladding, just like the original model, this new EV has been designed to be tough, durable and practical.
Up front you’ll find a very elaborate grille that includes a backlit Renault badge, while up on the roof those bars again reinforce the idea that this is a practical beast of burden. There’ll be an optional electric canvas roof too.
Renault 4 interior and tech
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice Renault has carried over lots of funky design touches from the 5. The ribbed dashboard on the passenger side for example, which again emulates the original car. This fabric is also available for the seat upholstery, and appears to have a denim effect.
With a focus on robustness, there’s still quite a lot of hard and durable plastic rather than more premium materials, but that’s to be expected in this car. The driver gets a digital display, while the 10in infotainment system uses Google as its operating system, allowing slick integration of Google Maps.
Passenger space is impressive for a car of this class, and its 420-litre boot outdoes cars that are technically in a segment or two above. We’ll bring you full specs and trim level details as and when they’re announced.
Renault 4 drivetrain
Just like the Renault 5, two battery options will be available – a 40kWh unit or a 52kWh unit. The former can manage 186 miles of range, while the larger pack ups this to a very usable 250 miles.
The lesser powered model will produce around 120hp, while the larger 52kWh model gets 150hp. Performance isn’t a huge selling point for this model, although both models will get to 60mph in around nine seconds.
Their smaller batteries mean that you’ll only be able to charge at speeds of up to 100kW. However, that will still allow you to regain an 80% charge in around half an hour using a rapid charger.
Renault 4 release date
We’ll bring you more details on the 4 as soon as they’re available. In the meantime, you can check out Renault leasing plans available right now by hitting the button below.