The endearing "4 latas" of Renault is reborn as a very eye-catching SUV that shares technology with the new Renault 5 E-TECH Electric

An icon of the ’60s and ’70s, the Renault 4, also known by many nicknames, but perhaps the most famous being “4 Latas”, was born with the vocation of being a car for everyone… and for everything. I would even dare to say it was the first “SUV” in history. Now, the R4 reinvents itself and arrives as a charming and daring electric car that we could even classify as the SUV version of the new Renault 5, with which it shares its platform and virtually all of its interior design.

Most potential buyers have probably never seen an original Renault 4, not even in photos, but that matters little: the new Renault 4 E-TECH exudes charm from every angle, and its design can be a strong sales argument, alongside its customization options: there are more than 670 combinations of wheels, body colors, two-tone finishes, metal or canvas roof… Furthermore, as on the new Renault 5, it can also be decorated with vinyl decals and includes details such as a customizable gear selector.

In any case, the nods to the Renault 4 could not be missing, and they are very evident, as we already knew from what Renault previewed with the 4EVER Trophy prototype two years ago. There is the characteristic front grille with round headlights, the hood sloping at the sides toward the wheel arches, the shape of the rear lights, the third side window… But the new Renault 4 is more than just a “charming” car.

An electric SUV with a “retro” look and everyday practicality

At 4.14 meters in height—just between a Clio and a Captur—1.80 meters in width and 1.57 meters in height, and with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, the Renault E-TECH 4 offers a much more spacious interior than an Renault 5 E-TECH. Nor is the boot space lacking: it is advertised at 420 liters of capacity according to Renault’s measurement method, of which about 35 liters sit beneath a hidden double floor behind a split floor panel with two openings, which allows access even when there is luggage on top. In any case, it is a good figure for a car of its size.

The dashboard and seat design is practically identical to that of the Renault 5, and so are many of the decorative or customization details available, including the wicker basket for carrying a bread loaf… Renault even advertises a catalog of 3D-printed elements, such as organizers and additional storage holders, which will further expand customization possibilities. The option of choosing a canvas roof is also a nod to the past. It is called “Plein Sud”, and it has generous dimensions: 80 cm wide by 92 cm long.

The R-link system with Android Automotive is a guarantee of ease of use. The screen, which can be 7 or 10 inches, can integrate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, and the “reno” voice assistant debuted on the Renault 5 is also present, with ChatGPT integration. As on the R5, there are different trim levels available that are mainly distinguished by style details, such as the interior upholstery or the wheels, always 18 inches but with different designs and with names recovered from special series of the original Renault 4.

Two battery versions, up to 400 km of range

Renault will offer two versions of the R4: one with a 90 kW (122 hp) electric motor and a 40 kWh battery that is advertised with 300 km of range, and the more powerful one with 110 kW (150 hp), a 52 kWh battery and a range of up to 400 km, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It is the same motor and battery combination as the R5, which offers slightly more range in the 52 kWh version, up to 412 km.

As standard it comes with an 11 kW on-board charger that supports V2L bidirectional charging, allowing the large battery to be recharged in about 4.5 hours. The maximum DC charging power is 80 kW for the small battery, and up to 100 kW with the larger capacity one. In any case, we are talking about half an hour to recharge at a fast-charging station.

Renault has not yet disclosed prices, which are expected to be in line with those of the Renault 5 E-TECH, which starts at around €31,600 for the 150 hp version with the larger battery. Possible rivals of the Renault 4 Electric would be the Jeep Avenger electric, the Opel Mokka-e, the Peugeot E-2008 or the Fiat 600e.

Renault 4 – Image gallery