The illustrations on this story usually are not affiliated with or endorsed by Renault. Moreover, we’ve up to date the article with new renderings and the newest info accessible on the EV (10/7).
Renault is gearing as much as increase its EV lineup with two retro-inspired fashions: the R5 supermini and the 4 crossover. Whereas the latter isn’t anticipated to hit manufacturing till 2025, we’ve already gathered substantial particulars about its design and technical specs. On this article, we’ve compiled all the knowledge accessible on the upcoming EV, complemented by a set of unique renderings offering an in-depth have a look at its design.
The French carmaker introduced the 4 as a part of its electrification technique in June 2021, showcasing the grille, lighting signature, and silhouettes of the passenger and LCV variants of the trendy interpretations of the long-lasting 4L hatchback (1961-1992) and the equal 4 Fourgonette (1965-1992) van. Nevertheless, probably the most revealing preview of the upcoming manufacturing mannequin was the Renault 4Ever Trophy Idea which debuted in Paris in October 2022. This examine gave us a greater thought of the manufacturing mannequin’s rugged styling and budget-oriented character.
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Our artist has created a reasonably correct illustration of the 2025 Renault 4 crossover based mostly on the official teasers and final 12 months’s idea. The entrance and rear three-quarter renderings borrow the primary physique and styling cues of the idea, albeit with some toned-down options for manufacturing. These are prone to embody smaller diameter wheels, typical mirrors and door handles, a extra discreet physique package, and the omission of the acute off-road gear of the idea, in addition to the futuristic hole bonnet which sacrifices practicality.
The straightforward black grille that encloses the LED headlights, the greenhouse, the vertically-mounted taillights, the form of the pronounced fenders, the trapezoidal rear facet home windows, and the tapered tail with the pill-shaped taillights are clear references to the unique 4L and can almost certainly make it to manufacturing. On the similar time, the beneficiant floor clearance, the heavy dose of plastic cladding on the boxy wheel arches, and the big unpainted sections on the bumpers give it a extra adventurous stance consistent with rugged SUVs just like the Dacia Duster stablemate.
Dimensions, Inside And Tech
The 4 is anticipated to carefully mirror the idea’s footprint, with a size of 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) and a 2,570 mm (101.2 inches) wheelbase, putting it within the B-SUV phase. This may make it virtually half a meter (19.6 inches) longer than the unique 4L from the ’60s however 68 mm (2.7 inches) shorter than the ICE-powered Captur which is at present the smallest SUV in Renault’s European vary.
The inside of the Renault 4 is anticipated to mirror the no-frills character of the outside, with a minimalist design that emphasizes practicality and sturdiness. Regardless of its compact dimension, the electrical platform is anticipated to end in a five-seater cabin and a big boot for the phase. We wouldn’t be stunned if Renault takes a cue from Dacia and incorporates a smartphone stand, together with a smaller-than-usual digital cockpit and recycled supplies, to be able to make the 4 extra inexpensive and sustainable. This technique can also be being adopted by rival French model Citroen, displaying a rising development amongst automakers.
Renault’s method of mixing retro and trendy design parts might be restricted to the R5 and 4 fashions, differentiating them from the remainder of the lineup. As described by Renault Group Chief Design Officer Laurens van den Acker, this choice is just like the technique utilized by Ford for the Mustang and Bronco nameplates, permitting designers to “inform tales from the previous”. Different EVs that draw on their automaker’s legacy by way of styling embody the Fiat 500e, Honda e, and MINI Cooper SE.
The Renault 4 might be constructed on a stretched model of the CMF-BEV structure that may even underpin the R5, the Alpine A5 scorching hatch, and the electrical successors of the Nissan Micra and Juke. Though we don’t have details about the ability of the electrical powertrain (almost certainly a front-mounted motor) or the battery capability, Renault has beforehand hinted at a WLTP vary of as much as 400 km (249 miles). We additionally know that the brand new low-cost batteries will characteristic nickel, manganese, and cobalt expertise (NMW) and might be produced in France, identical to the Renault 4, which might be manufactured at Renault Group’s ElectriCity hub.
The R5 supermini and 4 crossover would be the zero-emission equivalents of the ICE-powered Clio and Captur, occupying the B-Section after they arrive inside the subsequent two years. These retro-flavored EVs will be part of the Megane E-Tech and the upcoming Scenic E-Tech in Renault’s future passenger EV vary, whereas the 4 Furgonette van will sit alongside the Kangoo E-Tech and Grasp E-Tech gentle industrial automobiles.
Renault 4ever Trophy Idea
Stefan Baldauf / Guido ten Brink for CarScoops