In 1961, Renault launched the Renault 4, an economical car that became one of the most successful in the company’s history. It remained on the market until 1994, and more than 8.1 million copies of this car have been sold in more than 30 years. After another 30 years, the Renault 4 has returned in the form of an electric car, which could further increase sales of this model.
The current Renault 4 of the 2024 model year should not be considered a direct successor, as it is no longer the spartan hatchback that someone else might have seen in their childhood. It is rather a crossover version of the revived Renault 5. The elegant hatchback received a raised suspension and additional plastic body cladding, which is more typical for a mini-crossover. One of the interesting features is the electrically operated sliding fabric roof, which is reminiscent of its ancient ancestor.
Renault 4 E-Tech looks more utilitarian than a hatchback and has a square body similar to the original R4. Engineers have worked hard to transform the classic rounded headlights into a modern equivalent that also features vertical three-piece pill-shaped taillights as a nod to the source of inspiration. The tailgate has been widened for added practicality, and to facilitate loading/unloading cargo, the tailgate continues into the rear bumper. The luggage compartment opening is only 61 cm off the ground. The boot itself has a capacity of 420 liters.
With a length of 4.14 meters, the revived Renault 4 stands between the Clio supermini and the Captur subcompact crossover. It has a width of 1.8 meters and a height of 1.57 meters, and a ground clearance of 18.1 cm. So, the car is larger in all dimensions than the new R5. The wheelbase is 2.62 meters, which gives more legroom for rear passengers.
The new model has 18-inch wheels and multi-link independent suspension on both the front and rear axles. Not many B-class cars, especially in the middle class, can boast of a multi-link suspension at the rear.
The instrument panel includes a 10.1-inch digital driver display and a 10-inch touchscreen. The engineers left some physical buttons under the center air vents.
Renault 4 E-Tech is based on the AmpR Small platform. It offers two powerplant options: 121 hp (90 kW) and 225 Nm of torque and 148 hp (110 kW) and 245 Nm. The more powerful engine provides acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8.5 seconds, and it takes less than 7 seconds to accelerate the car from 80 to 120 km/h.
Two types of batteries are also available – 40 kWh and 52 kWh, which provide a range of 300 km and 400 km on the WLTP cycle, respectively. The battery can be charged with a direct current of up to 100 kW. In this case, it takes half an hour to restore the energy reserve from 15% to 80%. Bi-directional charging of 11 kW is also supported to turn the R4 into an energy source.
The lightest configuration weighs a relatively small 1410 kg. This number will increase if you choose a larger battery and install additional equipment. Renault specifies a maximum towing capacity of 750 kg.
Following its public debut this week at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the new R4 will go on sale in Europe next year. The price has not yet been announced.
Source: motor1