Renault 4 primed for electric SUV reboot

Renault looks set to revive its Renault 4 nameplate with an electric twist, unearthed online patent images reveal.

The new images indicate a design following in the footsteps of the recently-announced Renault 5 electric hatchback remake. However, the old Renault 4 hatchback shape, which was produced as a small front-wheel-drive family car from the 1960s, looks set to be ditched in favour of a high-riding body style, according to the leaked design sketches.

Design shows squared-off, boxy features for the reimagined Renault 4, presenting a far more utilitarian look than its namesake was known for. It’s expected that this car will be a small SUV counterpart to the Renault 5 electric light hatch, which was presented at the beginning of 2021.

The car also sports a set of stylised wheels surrounded by plastic cladding, horizontal lighting signatures and a vented C pillar.

Renault currently does not offer a small electric SUV in its line-up, though will introduce one soon with the 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech. With that, there is likely still space for a supermini SUV to sit underneath that model line, creating space for this Renault 4.

Some suggest that its design could also expand to offer a van variant, bulking up Renault’s already-expansive commercial line-up. Referencing history, the Renault 4 was offered in a two-door van variant.

While not explicitly mentioned, it’s expected that this SUV twin to the Renault 5 prototype will use a similar all-electric battery powertrain.

Renault’s 'Renaulution' business plan will see a focus placed on profits over outright volume and the introduction of 24 new models by 2025. Of those 24 new models 10 will be all-electric, which this Renault 4 reprisal is understood to be a part of.