The new Renault 4 E-Tech has been unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.

Renault described the new model as a retro-futuristic reinvention that reflects Renault’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition.

The front grille is inspired by the original Renault 4 and is made from a single 1.45m-long piece and is unique in the industry, with its continuous and illuminated surround framing the Renault logo at its centre. At the rear, the original’s iconic three-part lights are ‘given a new lease of life, with modern lines and a distinctive LED signature’.

Renault says those are just two of the many nods to the original Renault 4’s design; others include the bonnet lines that continue to the bottom of the grille, the shape of the rear quarter window, the three lines sculpted into the doors that bring to mind the plastic protectors of the original and the distinctive forms in the roof, now adorned with roof bars.

Also evoking the original 4, an electric canvas opens at the touch of a button or by voice control to reveal an 80x92 cm view of the sky that can be enjoyed by all passengers. When closed, Renault says its lining delivers ‘excellent acoustic and sealing qualities with no trade-off in weight or loss of headroom’.

Larger than the Renault 5 (with which it shares 68% of its components), the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric has an extended 2.62m wheelbase.

First seen on the Renault 5, Reno – the virtual travelling companion – is also present on Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric. Reno supports customers throughout their ownership experience, both inside and outside the car. Reno can answer questions and perform tasks such as scheduling charging.

Built on the same AmpR Small platform as the R5, Renault says the suspension has been optimised for a smoother, more comfortable ride for all occupants, while the steering system has been revised with a shorter ratio (14:5) and a tight turning circle of just 10.8m, ‘perfect for city streets and easy driving’.

Two powertrains are available, both of which are equipped with a heat pump to maximise their efficiency as well as bidirectional charging with V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) functionality that can power external devices from the battery or feed electricity back into the grid as necessary.

The 52 kWh battery uses NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology and a simplified architecture that means it weighs less than 300kg. It powers a 110 kW (150 hp, 245 Nm) electric motor that accelerates the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric from 0-62mph in less than 8.5 seconds, with a WLTP range of up to 250 miles. Equipped with a 100 kW DC charger, it can replenish the battery from 15 to 80% in just 30 minutes, or an 11 kW AC 10-100% charge in 4 hours 30 minutes. A 40 kWh battery is also available, coupled to an 80 kW DC charger and a 90 kW (120 hp, 225 Nm) electric motor to offer a range of up to 186 miles.