Renault is busy developing two electric vehicles (EVs) that pay homage to two of the most iconic small cars in its history.
Previewed by the 4Ever Trophy concept late in 2022, the revived Renault 4 has been spied testing ahead of an expected debut this year.
Like its 5 sibling, which is set to debut in production guise at this year’s Geneva motor show, it appears to have made the transition from concept to production with relatively minor changes.
Some of the concept’s wilder details, like its flared wheel arches, lofty ride height and pop-out door handles, are gone. However, the overall shape of the crossover remains the same.
Appearing to sit closer to the ground, if still with more clearance than the upcoming 5, it looks more like the original Renault 4 that was produced from 1961 to 1994.
Inside, we can see what appears to be a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen situated in one large assembly.
The 4Ever Trophy concept measured 4160mm long, or about the size of a Volkswagen T-Cross. That lines it up as a rival for the electric Jeep Avenger.
The production version is set to share the front-wheel drive CMF-B EV platform, aka AmpR Small, with the reborn Renault 5, as well as an electric successor to the Nissan Micra.
The platform will share around 70 per cent of its components with the CMF-B platform that underpins the likes of the Renault Arkana and Captur, and Nissan Juke.
Renault has previously confirmed the 5 will offer a new electric drivetrain called the ePT-100kW which will produce, naturally, 100kW of power.
It’ll also use a 52kWh battery, providing 400km of range.
The company’s Australian arm has yet to officially confirm either the 4 or 5 for our market.
“We will take [the 5] if they make it in right-hand drive, we have our hand up. Then it’s, will they make the additional investment to engineer the car for [Australian Design Rules] in Australia?” Renault Australia boss Glen Sealey told CarExpert earlier in 2023.
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4Ever Trophy concept -
“The reality is that, say it costs you three million euros to engineer that car for Australia or spend that for another spec for that car in Europe that will give them a better return, so it’s about allocation of final resources.”
The French brand isn’t the only company mining its past for inspiration for EVs.
Fiat has its 500e, which marries classic 500 design themes with electric underpinnings, and it’s expected to be joined by an electric Panda that may continue to offer that nameplate’s signature boxy styling.
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