PARIS: Renault is offering a glimpse of its upcoming Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric, a modern revival of the beloved 1960s Renault 4, ahead of its full reveal at the Paris Motor Show on Oct 14.
The new electric vehicle is set to continue the legacy of its predecessor, while boasting modern technology and design features.
(Renault really needs to simplify its model names; we shall just refer to this one as the 4 E-Tech)
Measuring 4.14 metres long, the 4 E-Tech slots into the B-segment, joining its smaller sibling, the 3.92-metre-long Renault 5.
Both cars share the AmpR Small platform, which prioritises interior space, agility and comfort. Production will take place in Maubeuge, France, with sales expected to begin in 2025.
Ahead of its official debut, Renault released teaser images showcasing key exterior design elements that pay homage to the original Renault 4, while incorporating cutting-edge updates.
One of the standout features is the oblong grille, bordered by a continuous illuminated rim and flanked by round LED headlights. The grille’s centrepiece is a backlit Renault logo, a nod to the classic model but with a modern twist.
Another retro feature is the distinctive quarter windows, positioned above the rear wheels, which recall the signature styling of the original Renault 4.
Similarly, the iconic pill-shaped tail lights from the 1960s model have been reinterpreted with contemporary aesthetics and advanced technology.
Other design elements include a sculpted door sill, reminiscent of the plastic shielding found on later generations of the original 4L, as well as a roof spoiler and low-loading tailgate that continue the model’s tradition of practical design.
The 4 E-Tech also features a retractable fabric roof, offering a unique open-air driving experience similar to some earlier versions of the Renault 4.
The Renault 4, first launched in 1961, revolutionised the automotive market with its roomy interior, front-mounted engine, and flat floor design.
Over its production run, Renault sold over 8 million units of the Renault 4 in more than 100 countries, cementing its status as a global icon.
With the 4 E-Tech, the French automaker aims to combine nostalgic design with modern electric mobility, continuing the legacy of a car that was once synonymous with versatility and practicality.
