Renault has revived its iconic 4, with 4 E-Tech electric crossover making its debut on the first press day of the 2024 Paris motor show.
Like the closely related Renault 5 E-Tech, the Renault 4 E-Tech features retro styling. In this case, the new car references the R4 that was produced between 1961 and 1992, although the overall design is edgier and chunkier.
The production-ready 4 E-Tech revealed overnight in Paris is less extreme than the 4ever Trophy concept displayed at the 2022 show.
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The front end is dominated by a piece of see-through plastic that stretches the entire width of the car, behind which the LED headlights, illuminated Renault badge, and ‘grille’ live – a very 2020s take on the rectangular frame used to house the headlights and functional grille on the original.
Other retro styling cues include the ribs on the doors, side window shapes, and the slope of the tailgate.
On some trims, the contrasting black roof and trim strip along the top of the side windows recall the chrome strip that separated the roof from the rest of the original 4’s body.
The black wheel arch protectors and the much more compact dash-to-axle ratio are clear signs, though, that we’re in 2024 rather than the 1960s.
Inside, the new model’s cabin is a far cry from the spartan interior of the original. As is practically the norm nowadays, there’s a 7.0- or 10.1-inch digital instrumentation screen, and a large infotainment display – in this case measuring 10.0 inches on all variants – atop the dashboard.
The range of customisation options is lengthy, with buyers able to specify from a variety of highlight colours, wheel designs, contrasting roof and bonnet paint, transmission shifter wands, 3D printed cargo bin covers, and interior fabrics, stitches and rivets.
All up, Renault boasts the 4 E-Tech is available with 670 styling combinations. Other options include a fabric roof with an electric opening and closing mechanism, and a 410W Harmon Kardon sound system.
As with the original cars, the 4 E-Tech is a bigger, more spacious beast than the 5 E-Tech.
Measuring 4140mm long, 1800mm wide, 1570mm tall, and riding on a 2620mm wheelbase, the 4 is 220mm longer overall, 30mm wider, 70mm taller, and has a 80mm longer wheelbase than the 5.
Despite the raised 181mm ride height and off-roader styling, the 4 E-Tech won’t be available with all-wheel drive at launch. Instead, the 4 is available with a tweaked traction control system, and two off-road focussed driving modes: Snow, which reduces available torque, and All-Terrain that increases the amount of torque on tap.
The boot reportedly swallows up to 420L worth of stuff, and includes a low loading lip, four lashing hooks, two bag carriers, and a 35L underfloor storage area.
All variants ride on 18-inch wheels, with the base model featuring aero plastic wheel covers, and higher trim levels sporting two different alloy wheel designs.
Both the new 4 E-Tech and 5 E-Tech models are based on Renault AmpR Small platform, and as such share drivetrain options.
Entry-level cars are fitted with a 40kWh battery coupled to a 90kW/225Nm motor driving the front wheels. Range according to the WLTP standard is said to be 300km, and this variant supports DC fast charging up to 80kW.
Higher-spec models have a 52kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery paired with a 110kW/245Nm motor for the front wheels. Range is claimed to be 400km, with 100kW DC fast charging and 11kW AC charging supported.
This drivetrain is claimed to offer a 0-100km/h acceleration time of under 8.5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 150km/h.
The new Renault 4 E-Tech will start heading into European driveways from 2025. Time will tell if it has the longevity and popularity of the original, of which 8,135,424 were sold worldwide.
Production, at least initially, will take place only in Maubeuge, France, whereas the first-generation car was manufactured across Europe, Africa, and South America, as well as in Victoria.
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