Renault unveils boxy reimagining of classic R4, proving electric SUVs don’t have to be bland and faceless

With the fumes of lithium-ion battery production, Renault continues its trip down memory lane with the unveiling of the Renault 4 E-Tech at the Paris Motor Show. This retro-inspired crossover is as nostalgic as the recently launched Renault 5, but with more room and workhorse demeanor.

The original Renault 4 of the 1960s was immediately adopted in its home country as it was used to transport everything from people to livestock in a sturdy and reliable package. Like the liberating Renault 5, the R4 sold in the millions.

This new all-electric version isn’t exactly faithful to its predecessor’s design language, instead opting to offer a few subtle nods to the past. For example, there’s a modern take on the original car’s vertical grille and cheeky rear windows.

At the back, there’s a more obvious play on the original R4 in the shape of the taillights, while the designers have even added a plastic cover to the rear bumper, evoking the metal hooks that found in cars from the 60s.

Renault 4 E-Tech

(Image credit: Renault)

Predictably, it’s based on the same AmpR small car platform as the Renault 5, but features a higher ground clearance (about 1.2cm more than the Captur SUV) and generally improved interior room in comparison with the recent reimagining of the R5.

There’s more headroom and legroom for rear passengers, and boot or boot space is up to 420 litres, an increase of almost 100 liters over the Renault 5.

The French brand has also added hook-and-loop fasteners, elastic bands and holes for storing various items on the back…there’s that utilitarian side.

One neat feature resurrected from the archives is a modern take on the classic canvas roof. Here, a plastic canvas roof can be opened electrically, or using AI Reno’s voice assistant, to act as a sunroof or can be pulled back like a quasi-convertible.

Although, with roof bars fitted and standard, opening the canvas roof to reveal the underside of a roof rack or top box probably won’t be as romantic as looking up blue coast alone

Analysis: Renault is on a roll

Renault 4 E-Tech

(Image credit: Renault)

With the recent launch of the Renault 5, the presentation of the Renault 4 at the Paris Motor Show and the imminent launch of an electrified Twingo (which will be the smallest and most affordable electric vehicle in the Renault stable), the French brand is going against the grain and offering style-focused battery electric vehicles that stand out from the crowd and aren’t just reserved for wealthier buyers.

Like the Renault 5, the R4 E-Tech will be offered with 52 kWh or 40 kWh batteries, coupled to electric motors that develop between 120 and 150 hp. Depending on the size of the battery, electric range is expected to be 250 or 186 miles.

There’s also a similar infotainment offering on the cards, including twin 10-inch screens, with the Reno AI assistant and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The interior is equally stylish, relying on soft fabrics and retro-inspired touches to create a high-quality atmosphere.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Renault says the 4 E-Tech will be slightly more expensive than the Renault 5, so we can expect prices to start around £30,000, or around $40,000 /S$58,500.

With the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Dacia Spring and Hyundai Inster due to go on sale next year, Europe will be faced with a good choice of smaller and more affordable electric vehicles that could finally change the course of faltering sales. figures and hesitant buyers.

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