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Cars > Electric

Renault brings back the 4 as a quirky electric crossover

It’s a retro revival for the French brand

Say ‘bonjour’ to the revived Renault 4. PHOTO FROM RENAULT

Renault has officially unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the 4 E-Tech Electric, at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Following in the footsteps of the Renault 5, this new model revives the iconic Renault 4, combining retro design with modern electric technology.

Renault has yet to announce the official price for the reborn 4, but it’s expected to be slightly above the 5, which will start at €24,900 (P1.56 million) in Europe when it launches in 2025.

With this in mind, it’s probably fair to estimate that the 4 will be priced under €30,000 (P1.87 million), making it a competitive option for those looking for a stylish and affordable electric crossover.

As with the times, it must be electric. PHOTOS FROM RENAULT

Built on Renault’s dedicated CMF-BEV platform, the same used by the upcoming 5, the 4 offers two battery sizes: 40kWh and 52kWh, paired with two power options, 120hp and 150hp. The lower-powered version comes with the smaller battery, while the higher-powered version gets the larger one.

Charging times for both versions are comparable, with a 30-minute charge taking the battery from 10% to 80%, thanks to a 100kW fast charger (or 80kW for the lower-powered model). While these figures may not break records, they are solid in today’s EV landscape (and of course depend on the driver finding a suitably fast charging station).

In terms of range, the Renault 4 can reach up to 400km on a single charge with its larger battery, which is just slightly behind the 5’s 410km. The smaller power pack is still good for over 300km under WLTP conditions. Acceleration is okay but not planet-moving, with the car going from zero to 100km/h in less than 8.5 seconds.

The top speed is capped at 150km/h, which seems plenty enough for this little machine.

For those hoping it would be a wagon or a hatchback, you'll be disappointed. PHOTOS FROM RENAULT

True to its heritage, the new 4 adopts a design heavily inspired by the original 1960s version, while adding modern touches to keep it fresh and competitive. The headlights are set within a closed grille, and a color-contrasting bumper extends prominently into the front.

The rear design features a slightly angled hatchback that nods to its retro predecessor, including trapezoidal rear-side windows that evoke nostalgia. It’s giving a decent nod to the past without trying too hard, and it definitely pleases the eye from most angles.

A fabric sunroof is a very quirky feature. PHOTO FROM RENAULT

Though it resembles an SUV with its chunky fenders and off-road-inspired accents, the Renault 4 remains more of a rugged crossover than a full-on off-roader, lacking all-wheel drive. Plastic cladding further emphasizes its outdoor character, while the option of a fabric sunroof adds a classic touch.

At 4.14m long, the latest electric Renault sits between the Clio and the Captur in terms of size, and it seems small enough to chuck around town with ease.

It's a distinctly French take on a modern interior. PHOTOS FROM RENAULT

Inside, the 4 borrows much of its dashboard layout from the upcoming 5. A compact digital display sits behind the steering wheel and stretches across to the center console, offering a clean and modern interface.

The vehicle is equipped with Renault’s Google-based infotainment system, which includes Google Maps with built-in charging station planning, a feature that will be very welcome by most EV drivers. The system also integrates Reno, a digital assistant powered by ChatGPT, which Renault claims will continue to learn and improve over time.

Small details are things only the French love doing in their cars. PHOTOS FROM RENAULT

The cabin is designed with versatility in mind, featuring modular seating options like a fold-flat passenger seat for extra cargo space. Renault emphasizes its use of sustainable materials, with a significant portion of the interior made from recycled resources. The trunk offers a generous 420L of space, making it practical enough for daily use.

It's a crossover, so it must be practical. PHOTOS FROM RENAULT

In addition to the standard crossover model, Renault is also planning to release the 4 Fourgonnette, a high-roof van version that will come in both cargo and passenger configurations.

The van will feature additional windows for the passenger variant, but will share most of its design and features with the base 4. This version is aimed at small businesses and individuals looking for a practical electric vehicle with the same retro flair.

It's very niche, but it would be nice to see it on our shores. PHOTO FROM RENAULT

Renault has confirmed that the 4 E-Tech Electric will be manufactured in Northern France, continuing the brand’s long tradition of producing its iconic models domestically.

No word yet on any plans to bring it to our shores—not least because there is no distributor here currently—but we do hope to see if the French brand will consider selling at least some of its models in the Philippines in the future.



Frank Schuengel

Frank is a German e-commerce executive who loves his wife, a Filipina, so much he decided to base himself in Manila. He has interesting thoughts on Philippine motoring. He writes the aptly named ‘Frankly’ column.



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