Iconic Renault 4 Making a Comeback This Year As Retro-Styled Electric Crossover

A clear ode to the iconic model made from 1961 to 1992 at different factories all over the world, including Europe, Australia, Africa, Mexico, and South America, it will be a high-riding alternative to the all-new 5 that is due shortly and the sportier Alpine A290.

The all-new model will be an electric crossover of subcompact dimensions that will take on the likes of models such as the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, MINI Aceman, and other similarly-sized models. It will share more than its platform with the new 5, as it is believed to benefit from the same powertrain 136 ps (134 hp/100 kW) electric motor, fed by a 40 or a 52 kWh battery, depending on the selected trim.

Technical details will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, let's move on to the design, which is very familiar. The reason is the Renault 4Ever Trophy Concept that previewed it in 2022. As you can imagine, the design was significantly toned down for production, but there are still some similar traits that tie it to the study, like the boxy proportions and the shape of the side windows to some extent.

Mind you, the prototype our spies immortalized while it was being tested in the cold overseas had vinyl stickers wrapped around its entire exterior. Thus, making out some of the styling traits is almost impossible. However, it’s clear that the face looks more down-to-earth. It has round headlamps that should be incorporated into a grille-like element and a chunky bumper below with a large intake in the middle.

Renault opted for traditional door handles when it comes to the all-new 4, which features a pair of taillights similar to those of the study that might remind you of MINI's design language. The rear license plate sits in a recess in the middle of the tailgate. We can also see a clean bumper design, a roof-mounted wing, and regular wheels wrapped in snow tires with brake discs behind them on both axles.

Although barely visible in the images sent to us by our spy photographers, the interior is clearly on the retro side. However, it won't be as Spartan as that of the original 4, as future customers will still get modern amenities, including an infotainment system, a digital cluster, smartphone integration, heated seats, and likely ambient lighting. Nevertheless, some of these gizmos will be optional.

The diamond brand hasn't revealed when the all-new 4 is due, but word on the street is that it should arrive before the end of the year, with order books in Europe opening shortly after the grand unveiling.