Renault reveals a boxy reimagining of the classic R4, proving that electric SUVs don't have to be bland and faceless

On top of lithium-ion battery production, Renault continues its journey into the past with the presentation 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 space and robust handling.

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

This new all-electric version isn’t exactly faithful to the design language of its ancestor, but chooses to offer some subtle nods to the past. For example, there’s a modern take on the original car’s vertical grille and racy rear side windows.

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

Renault 4 E-Tech

(Image credit: Renault)

Predictably, it’s based on the same AmpR small vehicle platform as the Renault 5, but features greater ground clearance (around 1.2cm more than the Captur SUV) and generally improved interior space compared to the recent R5 reimagination. .

There is more head and leg room for rear passengers, and the boot or boot space reaches 420 liters, which represents an increase of almost 100 liters compared to the Renault 5.

The French brand has also added tie-down hooks, elastic straps and cubbies to store various objects on the back… there’s that utilitarian side coming through.

One cool feature that has been resurrected from the archives is a modern take on the classic canvas roof. Here, a plastic canvas roof can be opened electrically – or using the Reno AI voice assistant – to function as a sunroof, or removed all the way back as a quasi-convertible.

Although, with roof racks installed 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 at a beautiful Blue Coast sunlight.

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Renault 4 E-Tech

(Image credit: Renault)

With the recent launch of the Renault 5, the reveal of the Renault 4 at the Paris Motor Show and the imminent launch of an electrified Twingo (expected to be the smallest and most affordable EV in Renault’s 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 the wealthiest 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 hp and 150 hp. Depending on battery size, electric range is expected to be 250 or 186 miles.

A similar infotainment offering is also planned, including dual 10-inch displays, complete with Reno AI assistant and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The interior is equally elegant, featuring soft-touch fabrics and retro-inspired touches to create a premium ambience.

Pricing is 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 at around £30,000 – or around US$40,000/AU$58,500 .

With the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Dacia Spring and Hyundai Inster all set to go on sale next year, Europe will be faced with a healthy choice of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles that could finally turn the tide of hesitant sales. numbers and hesitant buyers.