In the midst of the commercial launch of the R5, Renault unveiled its new R4 at the Paris Motor Show, also 100% electric but in a small SUV format with more space in the rear.
After the R5, the nostalgia streak continues at Renault. At the opening of the Paris Motor Show on Monday morning, the diamond brand unveiled the standard R4, also 100% electric.
This new Renault 4 adopts a small SUV format, to provide its users with a certain versatility, like its illustrious ancestor, the 4L.
More versatile than the R5
This model adopts a fairly compact format, larger than the R5 by 22 centimeters, even if we remain on a small size with 4.14 meters. And only 1.80 meters wide and 1.57 meters high.
Compared to the R5, rear passengers have eight centimeters more space. The additional 12 centimeters at the rear overhang benefit the trunk volume: 420 liters.
A trunk that reflects this desire for versatility, since this new R4 must be suitable for everyday journeys as well as family getaways on the weekend. A trunk which benefits from a low loading threshold, at 61 cm despite this ground clearance raised by 18 cm.
Some new design features
On the design side, we find different reinterpretations of the old 4L, from the shape of the hood to the quarter window and the rear lights. The headlights also play on this past-future clash, with for the first time a luminous logo on a production Renault model.
The interior recovers the good points of the R5 such as the duo of 10-inch screens each for the meters and infotainment.
The possibility of having a sunroof remains a big plus compared to its little sister in the range: a new R4 “Plein Sud”, a tribute to the Plein Air version of the 4L.
On the steering wheel, we find the paddles offered on Scénic or Mégane and which allow the regenerative braking to be adjusted, but which are not available on the R5. And it will be the first Renault to offer a “One Pedal” mode.
What prices?
If the prices have not yet been communicated, you should expect prices increased by almost 1,000 euros compared to an equivalent R5. Which would a priori give around 30,500 euros for the launch version with the 150 horsepower engine and the 52 kWh battery.
This “comfort autonomy” version will offer 400 km of autonomy and an “urban autonomy” version with a 120 horsepower engine and a 40 kWh battery will be launched subsequently with nearly 300 km announced.
This new R4 has 68% of parts in common with the R5. Both vehicles are produced in the North of France, the R5 in Douai and this R4 in Maubeuge, on the same AmprSmall platform dedicated to small electric vehicles from the Renault group. Enough to reduce costs and thus consider, as for the R5, the marketing of more affordable versions from next year, below 26,000 euros excluding bonuses.
