It has become quite common for new electric car models to inherit names from previous legendary models. Does the new Renault 4 E-Tech have the same characteristics that in its time made the Renault 4 one of Europe's most loved and popular cars?
If the EU is to achieve its goals with regard to zero emissions, it is dependent on producing more small cars. With Zoe For a long time, Renault was alone in producing long-range electric cars in the so-called B-class. Both the Renault 5 E-Tech and 4 E-Tech use the new one AmpR Small-the platform that Renault and Nissan have jointly developed. This is about electric cars for most people.
A retro project?
Comparing a brand new model to one launched over 60 years ago makes little sense. New Renault 4 E-Tech appears as a retro project where you create a design reminiscent of a previously popular model. Fiat 500 og Mini has succeeded quite well in continuing established model names for new electric cars, while it is difficult to understand, for example, why Ford chose to call its electric SUV the Mustang. To pass on the model name Capri to a completely different type of car also seems wrong to us who experienced Capri as new cars. As for the Renault 4, there are still many who have fond memories of the cars, and who would resent finding the model name used on a completely different type of vehicle. They have no reason to.
In the same class as the Captur
In terms of size, the Renault 4 E-Tech can be compared to Captur, a high-built car based on Clio. Renault therefore offers Clio and Captur as fossil and hybrid cars in the B class, as well as Renault 5 and 4 which electrical options. There will be a total of 4 different models in the same class!
Briefly about the Renault 4 E-Tech
The largest battery pack for the Renault 4 E-Tech is 52 kWt and can provide a range of 400 km with a 150 hp engine. With 40 kWt batteries, the range is 300 km with a 122 hp engine. The batteries are located under the floor. The engine is front-mounted with front-wheel drive. Renault envisages that the target group is young families. It will be large enough for that, with the following measurements: Length 414 cm, width 180 cm and height 157 cm. The boot holds 420 liters and the car is approved to tow a 750 kg trailer.
Decor that creates associations
There are several design similarities between the new and the old Renault 4. Many of the effects are created as purely decorative elements. They bring associations to the original model, but it should probably also be added that the had no decorum – no mockery. Everything had a function.
The grill that came in 1975 is now decoratively marked with LED lights. A small special case is a slanted icon at the back of each front screen, by the charging hatch. It illustrates a visible body joint the old cars had which followed the torpedo wall at the same angle as the windscreen. Furthermore, the ribs in the metal at the bottom of the side doors illustrate the powerful side protections that the GTL model had. The finish of the rear door is also done in the same spirit as the original. The rear trapezoidal side window is also a very important design element.
The original cars had a curb weight of just over 700 kg, about half that of a new car with a large battery pack. The engines were 845 cm3 and with 34 hp they accelerated quickly up to 50 km/h and could reach a top speed of 110-115 km/h under favorable conditions. The length was half a meter shorter and the width 30 cm narrower than the new model. The height, however, is the same. The size ratio between old and new models is unlikely to be perceived as a problem, as all new cars are now larger than they were in the 60s and 70s. The good interior height in the old cars gave a good sense of space. The boot also seemed spacious since the wheel suspension and suspension were hidden under the car. But originally the Renault 4 was only registered for 4 people.
The indeterminable factor
One factor that made the Renault 4 special was that it had something about it – an indefinable factor of charm or personality. It made me feel happy again every time I approached the car. Like meeting a pet. There was always a good atmosphere inside, especially when there were more of us. With a Renault 4, one could experience that driving pleasure is about much more than horse power and speed. You don't have to be particularly observant to note that charm and personality are no longer a theme in today's car fleet. I realize that young people are unlikely to have had their own experiences with "fours", but may discover that Renault has made a car that has a bit more personality than other SUVs and crossovers?
Pictures of the Renault 4 E-Tech
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