Renault took the wraps off the all-new 4 E-Tech at the Paris Auto Show, exactly two years after the rugged 4EVER concept. The fully electric subcompact SUV serves as a “retro-futuristic reinvention” of the Renault 4 from the ’60s, with a practicality-focused cabin and a budget-friendly nature. The R4 E-tech shares 68 percent of its components with the R5 E-Tech. However, it is 220 mm longer than the hatchback, stretching to 4,140 mm long. The SUV is also wider and taller, with a higher ground clearance and more space between the axles thanks to a 2.62 m wheelbase.
The larger footprint allows more room for
passengers and their luggage, making it a fitting option for small European
families. The boot has a capacity of 420 lt, featuring a wide
opening, a low sill, an underfloor storage compartment and a power tailgate.
The dashboard borrows the 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and the standard
10-inch touchscreen from the Renault 5 E-Tech, running on the Google-powered
OpenR Link infotainment. Other cool interior features include the steering
wheel-mounted gear lever which is shaped after like a lipstick tube, and the
available dark blue recycled upholstery inspired by jeans.
The exterior design is faithful to the
Renault 4Eever Trophy concept from 2022, albeit without the rugged features.
The illuminated single-piece grille is fully covered, and incorporates the
round LED headlights, reminiscent of the original R4. The same applies to the
greenhouse and the pill-shaped taillights. A heavy dose of plastic cladding
around the bodywork, accentuate the crossover stance, together with the roof
rails and the large wheels. The sculpted hood and the roof can be specified in
either body-color or black, with optionally available graphics increasing the
number of possible combinations to 670. There is also an opening canvas roof
for an open-air driving experience similar to the Fiat 500 X Convertible.
The Renault 4 E-Tech rides on a stretched
version of the AmpR Small architecture. Besides the increased ground clearance,
Renault engineers optimised the suspension settings for a more comfortable
ride, while the steering has a short ratio resulting in a tight turning circle.
The SUV will be available with two fully electric powertrains, sending power to
the front wheels. The base version combines a 120 hp electric
motor with a 40 kWh battery, offering 300 km of WLTP range. The
other option marries a more potent 148 hp electric motor with
a larger 52 kWh battery pack, allowing a range of 402 km. The
larger battery is compatible with 100 kW DC charging, and the smaller unit with
80 kW DC charging, while both support bi-directional charging.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is expected to arrive
in the UK market in mid-2025. Other fully electric options currently available
in the subcompact SUV segment include the Mini Aceman, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo
Junior, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, DS3 E-Tense and Opel Mokka Electric.
Besides the production version of the Renault 4 E-Tech, the company introduced
the FL4WER POWER concept, inspired by the R4 Safari from the 70s. The concept
is painted in matt Dark Green shade with yellow accents, combined with 20-inch
wheels, a lifted suspension, and a flower-themed fabric upholstery inside the
cabin.
