The new Renault 4 electric crossover is set to arrive in the UK next year with a starting price of less than £30k, continuing the revival of famous names from the French brand's past with retro-futuristic designs.
The 4 is the second model in Renault's 'Iconic Family' after the smaller and closely related 5 electric supermini (reviewed in last week's issue) and will be joined by a rebooted Twingo (also an EV) in 2026.
It has been positioned to appeal to buyers who consider the 5 too small, in a similar way to how the Captur sits above the Clio, said Renault.
At 4140mm long, 1800mm wide and 1570mm tall, the 4 is 600mm longer, 100mm wider and 70mm taller than the 5, with a 120mm-longer rear overhang. The new 4 is also only slightly taller and longer than the 1961 original.
These dimensions put the 4 into a competitive space among EVs such as the Mini Aceman, Vauxhall Mokka, Volkswagen ID 3 and Jeep Avenger.
However, Renault bosses hope the 4's lower starting price, usability and adventurous design will give it an edge in the growing electric crossover market.
The design, like that of the 5, stays relatively faithful to the concept car, the 4Ever Trophy, shown in 2022.
This story is from the October 16, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 16, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The riddle of the sands
Dacia is hoping to crack the Dakar Rally first time out with Prodrive and a star line-up. DAMIEN SMITH finds out more
25 FOR 25
What is going to happen in the year ahead? Here are 25 cars, events, racing stars and big stories to keep an eye on
FORD CAPRI
Does new electric crossover live up to its name more in rear-driven form?
SKODA ELROQ
One of the best crossover EVs arrives in a smaller form
An alien encounter
The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it has come from outer space. Aversion and confusion naturally abound. MARK TISSHAW musters the courage to make first contact
Damien Smith
Always beware hype in motorsport. Still, at the dawn of 2025, I find myself irresistibly drawn by a tractor beam of anticipation. So here goes: I haven't felt this pumped about a forthcoming Formula 1 season for years.
SOLID-STATE BATTERIES SET TO GO MAINSTREAM
New, lighter battery tech boosts range and is close to making production
URBAN CRUISER RETURNS AS EV TWINNED WITH EVITARA
Toyota’s new Volvo EX40 rival will be built beside Suzuki sibling in India
ALL-NEW CLA SIGNALS STEP CHANGE FOR MERCEDES EVS
We ride shotgun in the car set to usher in what Merc calls its 'EV 2.0' era
AMG'S NEW SUPER-SUV TO PACK OVER 1000BHP
Electric GT SUV will use advanced tech to take on Eletre and Cayenne EVs