Renault R4 is reborn as a retro mini SUV but would you have one over the cute new MINI Paceman or Peugeot E-2008?
After a 30-year hiatus the Renault R4 E-Tech is back, with the utilitarian hatch morphing into a more in-demand small all-electric SUV when it arrives on sale in 2025.
Taking plenty of inspiration from the original R4 launched in 1961, the new Renault 4 E-Tech reboot features cute round headlamps that integrate daytime running LEDs, plus a one-piece illuminated grille.
There’s also an instantly recognisable flat front-end and an upright stance, plus a steeply raked rear tailgate, broad shoulder-line and slim rectangle-shaped taillamps complete the look that all hark back to the original.
Beneath its retro skin, the new R4 is a close relation to the latest Renault 5 E-Tech that launched in Europe earlier this month.
That means the R4 sits on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5, although the small R4 is much bigger, measuring in at 4140mm long – 220mm longer than the small hatch, with a wheelbase that has been stretched by 80mm for more interior space.
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Its larger footprint means the R4 has a 420 litre boot that increases to 1400 litres with the rear bench stowed.
Within, the R4 adopts gets a 10-inch infotainment that runs a Google-based operating system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while below the touchscreen is a pair of vents plus a row of handy climate control shortcuts.
When it arrives the Renault 4 E-Tech will come with the choice of two batteries – a small 40kWh ‘Urban’ battery that provides for a range of more than 300km and a larger 52kWh ‘Comfort’ battery that allows the R4 to cover up to 400km on a full charge.
The smaller battery can be charged at up to 80kW, while the bigger powerpack up to 100kW with a 15-80 per cent charge taking 30 minutes.
Both can support vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.
Two e-motors are available for the R4; a base 90kW/225Nm motor plus a more powerful 110kW/245Nm that provides for a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds.
Dual-motor all-wheel drive is not an option but even without it Renault says its small EV can also tow up to 750kg.
Despite its small size and modest expected asking price the R4 has up to 26 driver assist aids and a one-pedal function missing on many rivals.
Three trims will be offered in Europe – a base, Techno and Iconic trims, with Renault claiming up to 670 different colour and trim options available for greater personalisation.
Cool options include an electric retractable folding roof that is so light it doesn’t affect driving range at all.
On sale in Europe next year, the Renault 4 is expected to be confirmed for Australia shortly with its debut Down Under set to take place in the second half of 2025.
