Renault R4 will return as an electric car – here's what it will look like

Following the R5, Renault continues its focus on retro and launches the R4 E-Tech as a tribute to the R4 small car.

Christopher Clausen/t-online

Simple, practical and affordable: this was the proposition of the Renault 4 (R4 for short) launched in the early 1960s. The concept was a resounding success: the little Frenchman was sold more than 8 million times before being withdrawn from the market in 1992 after 31 years of production.

Renault R4: a classic for over 30 years.Photo credit: Ernesto Rosé/imago

Renault is hoping for similar success with its new version of the R4 E-Tech Electric, which has now made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The new model is designed to be a practical daily companion and therefore changes with the times: after the Megane and the Scenic, the new electric car no longer has the shape of a small car and a rattling petrol engine, but has the shape of an SUV and electric power drive. and Renault 5.

Bigger than Renault 5

Similar to its ancestors, it should respond to the needs of the times and bring electric drive further into the masses. It shares its technical underpinnings (more precisely: 68% of its parts) with the Renault 5, which is based on the R5, a small car with retro looks.

It's just that – and here's where it gets confusing – the R4 is slightly larger than the R5. Renault compares this to the proportions of the Clio small car to the Captur small SUV: 4.14 meters long The new R4 sits between the Clio (9cm shorter) and the Captur (9cm longer). The R5 has a significantly lower ride height of 3.92 meters and is designed to assume the role of city car in the retro duo, while the R4 is aimed more at families: a wheelbase of 2.62 meters ensures plenty of space inside, and all versions come with There are 18-inch wheels.

Old R4 flashes everywhere

There are a lot of references to the original R4, especially at the rear.Image: Clement Schullo

Visually, the new R4 inherits some design features from its predecessor: in the 1.45-meter-wide radiator grille, there are two round headlights like the old R4, and the surrounding design is reminiscent of the old model. Chrome weather strip on R4. Model. Of course, the predecessor did not have matrix LED headlights, which can block oncoming vehicles when the high beams are turned on.

The roofline, rear sunroof, three-part taillights and steep rear end are also borrowed from the R4. But ultimately the new car is an SUV and no longer a small car. There's also an optional 92cm long folding roof, multiple color combinations and options to customize the car to your needs.

A nod to the original: the headlights and front fascia visually blend into each other.Image: Renault/DPP

large trunk

The loading bay can accommodate at least 420 litersthere's a small compartment underneath for charging cables etc, with a two-part cover: this means you don't have to empty the whole trunk to get out the cables. The Renault has a loading threshold of about 61 centimeters, which is quite low for an electric car. Engineers achieved this by extending the trunk lid into the bumper. There's a fold-down passenger seat that can accommodate very long, bulky items.

The R4's tailgate extends down into the bumper.Image: Renault/DPP

Interior features modern technology

Speaking of the cockpit, many things are already similar to the R5: the top of the dashboard is covered with fabric, which makes the entire dashboard look cozy. The instrument display behind the steering wheel measures 7 or 10.1 inches, depending on the equipment, and there's always a 10-inch screen in the middle. Like the R5, it comes with Google's infotainment software and virtual travel companion Reno: an avatar that supports the driver during the journey and provides charging plans when needed – also powered by ChatGPT artificial intelligence.

The cockpit is similar to the R5, with fabric coverings and two large displays.Image: Renault/DPP

The three equipment options Evolution, Techno and Iconic give the car a bright look, a denim look or an elegant look.

Two drive and battery options available

In terms of power and battery, there are two models to choose from: a battery with 40 or 52 kWh and an electric motor with 90 or 110 kW.

A more powerful version of the R4 E-Tech Electric is produced in France, with a 110 kW/150 hp electric motor (same as the R5) and an electric motor also made in France 52 kWh lithium-ion battery. It is based on nickel manganese cobalt technology and can achieve up to Range 400 kilometerse. There is a 100 kW DC charger on board for connection to a fast charging station.

DUAL TONE: The R4 E-Tech Electric offers a variety of customization options.Photo: Benji

The weaker version comes with a 90 kW/120 hp engine and 40kWh battery, cruising range of about 300 kilometers. There is an 80kW DC charger here. R4 E-Tech can also Two-way arrive Bin Laden – Also supplies power to the household grid or electrical equipment (V2L or V2G).

Anyone who drives a car mainly in the city will be pleased with the 10.8-metre turning radius and one-pedal drive capability of this electric car, which weighs at least 1.4 tonnes: if the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the car slows down effortlessly . The brake pedal has been depressed.

There are many assistants

Renault offers 26 driving assistants and five systems can be activated and deactivated at the touch of a button. Like other systems, there's driver monitoring, reverse emergency brake assist and emergency lane keeping assist that detects vehicles in the front and rear areas. Traction control ensures more stable driving behavior, and there's also a 750kg trailer load.

At first glance, the R4 promises modern technology packaged in a comfortable retro shell.

And the price

The compact electric car won't be available in dealerships until spring 2025 at the earliest. Therefore, Renault has not revealed the price yet. The base price is probably just under 30,000 francs. For comparison: the slightly smaller Renault 5 starts at 25,000 francs.

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