Paris Motor Show 2024: Return of the Renault 4 - charming, spacious, emission-free
Having an automotive history is a fine thing, and a strength that the "old Europeans" can - and should - leverage. Being able to maintain and draw upon it even in the age of electromobility is a unique selling point compared to the mostly brand-new Chinese brands, perhaps with the exception of MG. Renault succeeds in this. Following the highly praised retro-electric R5 E-Tech Electric, the French are digging out its big brother, the R4 Electric, from the history books. The design principle and technology are largely identical. It makes sense; what worked once should work a second time. However, the forms should not be exaggerated, and cannibalization of the technical siblings should be avoided.
Especially since the R4 was even more of a sales hit than the R5: 8,135,424 units were sold over 30 years across five continents and in more than a hundred countries, making it Renault's best-selling model worldwide. The new edition therefore requires a delicate touch. The Renault designers have succeeded. As with the R5 E-Tech Electric, they transport the much-loved look into the modern era, making the hearts of the gray-haired fan base beat faster. The resemblance is significant enough, for example, the round eyes and the angular silhouette, to successfully play the retro-sympathy card. Here’s an insider fact to dazzle at the pub table: The front section is crafted from a single 1.45-meter long piece.
Shorter than a Clio, longer than a Captur: 420 Liters Trunk
Due to the sheer size difference, the R4 E-Tech Electric distinguishes itself from the city bug R5. With a length of 4.14 meters, it surpasses the small car by 22 centimeters and is 9 cm shorter than the Clio while being just as much longer than the Captur. This means the raised electric vehicle does not encroach on the company's territory, at least formally, and positions itself with these dimensions at the upper end of the B-segment. The R4 is intended to be a family car. Hence, the trunk with a capacity of 420 liters is not only larger than that of the R5 but also significantly easier to load. Insider info, part two: Despite the ground clearance of 18.1 centimeters, the loading edge of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is only 61 centimeters high, just like the first Renault 4. However, families may want to go on longer trips, and the batteries might prove to be a limiting factor there.
Like the R5, the R4 also uses the new AmpR-Small platform. Therefore, there are also two NMC batteries to choose from: one with a capacity of 40 kilowatt hours, providing a range of about 300 kilometers, and the larger battery with 52 kWh, sufficient for 400 kilometers. The parts-sharing strategy continues with the drive system. The R4 E-Tech Electric is available with a 110 kW / 150 PS motor and a 90 kW / 120 PS motor. Apparently, the product strategists are foregoing the entry-level version of the R5 with 70 kW / 95 PS. This is wise. With such a car, it would have been difficult to convey to customers that it can only be charged with 11 kW alternating current. This is different with the two versions offered. They charge with a maximum of 100 kW (with 110 kW motor power) or 80 kW (with 90 kW power). This speed is just as unimpressive as with the R5 E-Tech Electric, but at least it's there. AC charging works with a maximum of 11 kW, which is quite acceptable in this class. The fact that the stilted electric vehicle can also charge bidirectionally, supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), and thus can serve as an energy source for household appliances, is a real advantage. Especially since a special Mobilize wallbox and the German partner The Mobility House are expected to enable 22 kW alternating current charging and the groundbreaking Vehicle-to-Grid functionality as of 2025.
That the interior of the e-crossover is almost exactly the same as that of the city car is not surprising. On the one hand, the synergies of the technology have to be utilized to reduce costs. On the other hand, the interior with the digital 10.1-inch instrument display (seven inches in the entry-level model) and the ten-inch infotainment touchscreen is quite contemporary. Speaking of which: The Renault R4 E-Tech Electric will be available at dealerships next spring and will likely cost around 40,000 euros with the top equipment package. As for the prices, Renault remains discreet. For comparison. The compact e-SUV Skoda Elroq with 125 kW / 170 hp and a 52 kWh battery starts at 33,900 euros.
Wolfgang Gomoll; press-inform/jr
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