The 1961 Renault 4 was a game-changer in the car world and quickly became a symbol of its time. It was Renault’s first family car with a front-mounted engine and a flat floor thanks to the lack of a transmission tunnel.
It became the go-to car for city driving and country adventures, perfect for weekday commutes, weekend trips, work runs, and holidays. A true people’s car, it was an instant hit in over 100 countries, with Renault producing more than 8 million of them.
Now, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric is just as versatile as its iconic predecessor. Fully electric and perfect for today’s world, it’s got the same charm with a modern twist. At 4.14 metres long, it fits neatly into the B-segment alongside the 3.92-metre Renault 5. Built on the AmpR Small platform, it promises top-notch space inside, along with agility and comfort. Production will take place in Maubeuge, France, and the new model will hit the market in 2025.
First look at the R4
Renault has teased us with a few sneak peeks of the exterior ahead of its official launch at the Paris Motor Show on 14 October. Here’s what we’ve spotted:
- Grille: The grille’s oblong shape is wrapped in a sleek lit rim, with round LED headlights at each end. It’s also the first Renault with a backlit emblem at the centre, giving it a nod to the 1960s original but with a modern, high-tech vibe.
- 4 logo: The rear proudly displays a subtle “4” emblem, marking its name with a touch of nostalgia.
- Tail lights: The classic three-part, pill-shaped tail lights are back, but now updated with today’s technology and style. They still stand upright, adding to the car’s distinctive look, with a shiny black outline for a bit of sophistication.
- Quarter window: The trapezoidal quarter windows, a signature feature of the original Renault 4, are still there, sitting above the rear wheels and extending the side glass panels.
- Door-sill sculpting: Drawing inspiration from the plastic shielding of later 4L models, the sides of the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric boast three parallel sculpted lines.
- Wings: A graphic line runs from the windscreen to the wheel arches, evoking the classic front fenders of the original Renault 4.
- Spoiler: You can’t miss the reference to the original Renault 4’s roof shape. The spoiler at the back adds a dynamic touch to the car’s silhouette.
- Tailgate: The tailgate angle is unmistakable, ending with a low loading sill that’s a signature feature of the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric.
- Bumpers: Gone are the chrome-plated bumpers of the '60s, but the new model pays homage with vertical overriders on both the front and rear bumpers.
- Retractable fabric roof: You can still get that wind-in-your-hair feeling with the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric, just like some of the original models, thanks to its wide-opening fabric roof.
Renault R4 – Coming soon for UK customers.
