Paris Motor Show: 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is retro R5-based SUV

The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech has been revealed at the Paris motor show and reinvents the popular basic hatchback that was sold in Europe for three decades.

Reinvented as small all-electric SUV, the reborn Renault 4 E-Tech draws some styling cues from the original R4 that was launched back in 1961 but it is more closely-related to the 2022 4EVER Trophy concept that adds a more rugged SUV feel to the original hatch.

Designers hope its new EV will be instantly recognisable as a Renault 4 thanks to its cute round headlamps that integrate daytime running LEDs, plus a neat one-piece illuminated grille.

The flat front-end and upright stance and steeply raked rear tailgate, broad shoulder-line and slim rectangle-shaped taillamps complete the look.

Created to rival existing small battery-powered Peugeot E-2008, the arrival of the Renault 4 E-Tech neatly coincides with the debut of both the MINI Aceman and the Ford Puma Gen-E that could lead class for sales in Europe.

Based on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5, the Renault 4 measures in at 4140mm long, the reborn R4 is 220mm longer than the small hatch, with a wheelbase that has been stretched by 80mm for more interior space.

The more generous proportions mean there's also a 420 litre boot that increases to 1400 litres with the rear bench stowed.

Inside, the R4 adopts most of its tech from the R5 hatch, including its 10-inch infotainment that runs a Google-based operating system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Beneath the touchscreen is a pair of vents plus a row of climate control shortcuts.

Just like the new R5, when it lands the Renault 4 E-Tech will come with the option of two batteries - the same Urban 40kWh battery that should provide for a range of more than 300km and a larger Comfort 52kWh battery that sees the small SUV cover up to 400km on a full charge.

The smaller battery can be topped-up at up to 80kW, while the bigger powerpack up to 100kW with a 15-80 per cent charge taking around 30 minutes.

Both can support vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.

Driving the R4 is one of two powertrains an 90kW/225Nm motor or a more powerful 110kW/245Nm that provides for a 0-100km/h dash of 8.5 seconds.

Renault says its small EV can also tow modest loads of up to 750kg.

When it comes to safety, despite its small size and modest expected asking price the R4 has up to 26 driver assist aids and a one-pedal function missing on many of its small SUV rivals.

In Europe three trims will be offered – a base, Techno and Iconic trims with Renault claiming up to 670 different colour and trim options available for greater personalisation.

Options include an electric retractable folding roof that is so light it doesn't affect range.

On sale in Europe next year, the Renault 4 is almost certain for Australia with a local launch primed to take place in the second half of 2025.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au