[Auto] Renault 4 next in line for EV revival

[Shyloo]

Renault 4 next in line for EV revival

 

The reinvented Renault 5 hatchback will be joined by a revived version of the classic Renault 4 as part of the French marque’s plan to invigorate its future EV line-up.

The prototype version of the new 5, which is due on sale in 2023, was unveiled as the cornerstone of new boss Luca de Meo’s bold plan to revive the Renault Group’s fortunes.

It will be one of seven EVs – four cars and three commercial vehicles – that Renault will launch in the next five years.

Recent reports suggested that Renault was considering reviving both the 4 and 5 as future EVs. While only the 5 was revealed, de Meo admitted that there is “at least one more” revival of an old name being planned. Insiders have confirmed that model is the 4, with the new electric version planned to go on sale in 2025.

Asked about future EV plans, Renault design chief Gilles Vidal hinted that “some” future models “might go towards a retro-futuristic approach, while the rest of the line-up is super-original and pushed towards the future”. He added: “Everything can coexist in a range of cars; you can play around with your assets.”

The new 4 will use the same CMF-B EV platform as the 5 and most of its mechanical underpinnings. But while both models will sit in the B-segment and feature a retro design, they will be pitched quite differently.

The original 4, which was produced from 1961 until 1994, with more than eight million examples sold, was largely designed for use as a versatile utility vehicle in rural France.

A modern interpretation of the 4’s philosophy would result in a small EV close in dimensions to a compact crossover, which would pitch it at a fast-growing market segment and provide ample differentiation from the sportier, more hatch-like 5.

Such a car could also spawn a compact commercial derivative, which would be ideal for urban deliveries.