The Boulogne-based manufacturer takes inspiration from the mother of its “living cars” to encourage motorists to take the plunge into electric vehicles.
Alongside its traditional range, Renault has decided to revive, with an electric engine, some emblematic models from its history under the “Icônes” label. Three models with neo-retro design are already known: the R5, the Twingo and the R4. The latter, which caused a sensation at the last Paris Motor Show, will take over the landscape in the second half of 2025.
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For many, his lines awaken memories. From the 4L produced in more than 8 million units between 1961 and 1992, the new car incorporates many essential elements: the round lights embedded in a one-piece grille illuminated for the first time, the square wheel arches, the rear quarter window rear, the ribbed sidewalls, the inclination of the rear window, the rear hatch and the capsule-shaped taillights.
Like its predecessor, the new R4 boasts great versatility of use: equally comfortable in the city and in the countryside, during the week and on weekends. Unwittingly, Renault has resurrected the blue jean car. Like this denim garment “that you wear in all circumstances if you have no pretension to snobbery and social conformism, which does you all the services, which you carry everywhere, which you can replace without feeling out of place» (dixit Pierre Dreyfus, the president at the time), the R4 of the 21st century adapts to a multitude of situations.
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With a basic style, Renault has imagined a chic and refined car, shining with balanced proportions and a neat interior. Many technical elements are shared with the recent R5, starting with the platform. Extended by 22 cm, it claims a length of 4.14 m. As for the height of 1.57 m, it is identical to that of the Captur. The modern dashboard with dual digital screens is similar to that of R5. The upholstery fabric is made from recycled fibers from plastic bottles. The R4 spirit shines through great modularity – the passenger side seats fold into wallets to accommodate a surfboard, for example – and well-being is illustrated by a panoramic canvas sunroof.
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The 4L especially makes you want to go electric. Devoid of rare earths, its 150 hp wound rotor motor is powered by a 52 kWh battery, allowing a range of 400 km. With a power peak of 100 kW, it is possible to restore 80% of the battery capacity in 30 minutes on a fast terminal. The adoption of a bidirectional charger is the strong point of the R4. An asset that allows it to access V2L technologies, to charge a device on the car battery, and V2G. In this case, the vehicle is able to supply your home with energy. During the night, during off-peak hours, the battery recharges to the programmed level.
Like blue jeans, the R4 has great adaptability. Renault has imagined 670 possible combinations of colors, rims, personalization decorations, roof and black hood. The most elegant is the burgundy version inspired by the Parisian version from the 1960s.
