Renault 4 concept reveal locked in for October 17
Iconic French small car set to debut in electric SUV concept form at the Paris motor showThe iconic Renault 4 is about to get a modern-day makeover with a conceptual rebirth at the upcoming Paris motor show on October 17, marking the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally.
Previewed overnight via a pair of darkened teaser images and a brief clip showcasing its front lighting signature, the Renault 4 show car follows the Renault 4ever concept revealed in 2021 and again heralds the French car-maker’s intention to reincarnate its original R4 hatch as a battery-electric SUV-style vehicle.
The front of the car is defined by its retro-inspired lighting signature and illuminated diamond logo, and its exuberant stance comes courtesy of chunky off-road tyres, bolt-on fender flares and wide wheel tracks.
Suzuki Jimny-rivalling ground clearance is the other note-worthy design cue apparent from any angle, whereas the side profile reveals short overhangs, chunky bumpers and a couple of oddly placed light signatures.
Anyone familiar with the MINI Dakar rally cars of last decade or so will probably see more than a few similarities in the overall silhouette, while the myriad accessories serve as a nod to the aforementioned 4L Trophy, in which students drive a fleet of Renault 4s for 6000km across the Moroccan desert in 10 days to deliver school supplies.
The original Renault 4 was designed as a utilitarian car for rural European families and so its evolution into a compact SUV is a logical one given the potential increase in versatility and ride height.
Rumoured to be entering production alongside the previously revealed Renault 5 electric hatch in 2024 or 2025, the born-again Renault 4 will likely be underpinned by the same CMF-B EV platform as its hatchback stablemate.
The reveal of the Renault 4 concept has been a long-time coming given design patents for the production version were uncovered in May last year.
Related: Retro Renault 4ever concept to preview R4 return
Related: Renault 5 reborn as pure-electric hatch
Related: Electric Renault 4 leaked in patent images
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