French automobile manufacturer Renault showcased a concept that is yet another revival of an old nameplate, the Renault 4, at the ongoing Paris motor show. Just like the 5 hatchback, the 4 will be the second car to be based on Renault’s CMF-BEV architecture and also to be made alongside the 5. The 4’s concept version has all the off-roadie bits like the body kit and this is actually the 4EVer Trophy concept version; a reference to the 25th Anniversary of the rally cars that participate in the annual event across the Moroccan Desert.
According to Renault, the 4 will actually be priced more than the 5; as the 5 is a compact city car while the 4 is a bigger crossover that will be very versatile in its segment. The big tires and chunky body kit along with the sand equipment won’t be finding their way into the production model. A synchronous motor fitted to the front axle draws power from a 42kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese battery which is likely to be placed under the floor and would open up space in the 4’s interior. The expected range is around the 400 km mark with the EV making its 0-100kph run in sub-ten seconds.
Although Renault hasn’t shown the interior yet, a reveal is on cards next year. Also on cards could be a more powerful 4-wheel drive iteration of the retro-styled E-SUV. Measuring 4,060mm in length, & having a 2,570mm long wheelbase the concept is not really a big car but it surely is bigger than the Clio.
The concept showcases a few visual nods and design cues to the original 4 through the front grille, the front wings, the rear look, and especially the rear quarter glass on the side of the car. The original 4 was a crucial model in the French carmaker’s history with the company has sold over 8 million of these with a 33-year-long production run. It was a better alternative to Citroen’s 2CV and also Renault’s first attempt at manufacturing a front-wheel drive family car. It now remains to be seen if Renault gets the production-spec of the 4 in India.