New Renault 4 is a nod to its heritage
October 14, 2024
With a nod to the past, the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric has officially debuted at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Much like the original Renault 4, which emerged to meet the needs of its era, this retro-futuristic version embodies Renault’s dedication to advancing the energy transition.
The striking front grille immediately grabs attention. Inspired by the original Renault 4, it is made from a single 1.45m-long piece and is unique in the industry, with its continuous and illuminated surround perfectly framing the Renault logo at its centre. At the rear, the classic three-part taillights are modernised with sleek lines and a distinctive LED signature.
These design elements pay homage to the original Renault 4, with features like bonnet lines that extend to the grille, the shape of the rear quarter window, and sculpted door lines reminiscent of the original’s plastic protectors. The roof now includes stylish bars.
An electric canvas roof captures the essence of outdoor adventure. It opens with the touch of a button or via voice control, revealing an 80x92cm view of the sky. When closed its lining ensures excellent acoustic and sealing qualities.
A new exclusive colour, Hauts-de-France Green, is a nod to the 1960s Île-de-France Blue, complemented by six other sophisticated shades called Glacier White, Urban Grey, Diamond Black, Carmine Red, Terracotta Brown and Cloud Blue. Two-tone options will also be available, catering to a variety of tastes.
Larger than the Renault 5, but sharing 68 per cent of its components, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100 per cent electric boasts an impressive interior with a 2.62-metre wheelbase. It stretches 4.14 metres in length, so offers rear seat passengers plenty of knee room and there is a generous amount of headroom for a B-segment vehicle.
Inside, dual horizontal screens create a modern cabin feel. A standard 10-inch multimedia screen features the award-winning OpenR Link system with Google built-in, offering access to Google services, including optimised route planning and even activating battery pre-conditioning as charging stops approach.
Reno, the virtual travel companion first seen on the Renault 5, is also part of the Renault 4 E-Tech 100 per cent electric. This engaging avatar assists customers throughout their ownership experience, answering questions and helping schedule charging.
The boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can swallow 420 litres of kit, and there are lashing hooks, bag hooks, and storage compartments, including a 35-litre underfloor area which is ideal for storing the charging cable. The rear bench seat folds down for added versatility.
Two powertrain options are available, both featuring a heat pump for enhanced efficiency and bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L and V2G) to power external devices or feed electricity back into the grid.
The 52kWh battery powers a 150hp, 245Nm electric motor, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in under 8.5 seconds and a WLTP range of up to 250 miles. With a 100kW DC charger, the battery can recharge from 15 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, or be fully charged (10-100 per cent) in 4 hours and 30 minutes using an 11 kW AC charger. A 40kWh battery option is also available, paired with a 120hp, 225Nm electric motor to offer a range of up to 186 miles
The Renault 4 E-Tech 100 per cent electric features a new One Pedal function, optimising regenerative braking to allow smooth deceleration without needing to apply the brakes.
Safety and comfort are enhanced with advanced driving aids, including a rear occupant safe exit alert, active driver assist with adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, and hands-free parking. The vehicle also includes My Safety Shield, allowing drivers to easily activate their preferred safety settings.
The Renault 4 E-Tech 100 per cent electric is set to arrive in the UK in mid-2025, with specifications and pricing to be announced earlier that year. Customers eager to be among the first can secure an R-Pass for £150, allowing them to place their orders 10 days ahead of others.