Renault R4 E-Tech, debut at the Paris Motor Show 2024. A legendary car returns. Now electric

More than 60 years after the original iconic Renault 4, the new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show. A compact electric crossover, it will hit the road in combination with two versions with a range of up to 400 kilometres and styling that brings to mind the 1960s model.

How long is the electric Renault R4? Reading the data sheet we find a figure of 4.14 metres, placing it exactly between the Clio and Captur that are respectively 4 centimetres shorter and longer. With a width of 1.80 metres and a wheelbase of 2.62 metres, it claims a height of 1.57 metres with a ground clearance of 18 centimetres. Designed to be as highly functional as its ancestor, as well as offering room for five people, it has a 420-litre boot that is easily accessed thanks to a low loading sill and motorised tailgate. To achieve this, it was first necessary to extend the tailgate opening to the maximum. While the proportions of the car made it easy to increase the size, the headlights had to be placed on the bodywork to make the tailgate as straight as the original Renault 4. And although Renault 4 E-Tech Electric gained in height, the boot had to remain as accessible as possible. That's why the tailgate drops down to the bumper, offering a record-breaking loading sill only 61 cm high from the ground.

Climb aboard the Renault 4 E-Tech and you are greeted by the dual horizontal displays. The driver display, located in front of the driver, is 10.1'' (7'' in the basic version) and offers all driver-related information, with a choice of five displays. In contrast, the central multimedia display is a 10'' touchscreen in all versions. It is powered by the OpenR Link system with integrated Google for Techno and Iconic trim versions. First introduced on Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, the Reno virtual assistant is also present on Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. Returning to functionality in the load compartment, six 420 litres available in the boot, 35 are reserved for the under-floor storage compartment, ideal for storing charging cables. But this space is not designed as a simple compartment. It has a door with two separate openings, an innovation that reflects the practicality of Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. The double opening proves useful when one side is blocked by cargo, while the other can be opened, giving access to the compartment below. Also available as an accessory is a full-width tray that can be easily removed and washed if necessary. With the Harman Kardon option, this area is occupied as it houses the speaker and amplifier of the audio system.

All versions of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric are fitted with 18-inch rims. On the entry-level trim, Evolution, the aerodynamically optimised hubcaps are called Jogging. The Techno trim has Sixties diamond alloy wheels with four spokes, a clear hint of the model's name. Finally, the Iconic trim has diamond alloy wheels also named Parisienne. These three names were not chosen by chance, but all taken from limited series of the original Renault 4. The Jogging came out in 1981, while the Sixties dates back to 1985 and the Parisienne, a collaboration with Elle magazine, is from 1963. The fabric sunroof, a key design element of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, changes the face of the model. That is why, in this configuration, the vehicle is called Plein Sud. In this, too, we can discern a hint of the R4 of the 1960s and especially the Plein Air version. It is available in black for two trim levels, Techno and Iconic. In addition to the roof bars that disappear to allow maximum opening area, we also notice the absence of the antenna, which is integrated in the rear window. Depending on the version, there is Extended Grip, combined with all-terrain tyres and two new modes that can be accessed via the Multi-Sense settings: Snow and All-terrain.

Level-headed driving is ensured by Active Driver Assist, a total of at least 26 driver assistance devices and the My Safety Switch button to easily adjust the operation of five Adas with a single gesture. Safety is further enhanced with the new dynamic braking system which includes, in the same module, braking system and Esp to halve reaction times, but also with Fireman Access, Occupant Safety Exit alert as well as Safety Score and Safety Coach, already available on Scenic and R5 E-Tech Electric