It was in January 2021 that the Renault 5 made an unexpected return as an electric concept to preview a future production model. Fast forward to today, the French marque is announcing the return of another long-running nameplate. Scheduled to go on sale in 2025, the Renault 4 is currently attending the Paris Motor Show as a crossover. Like the other concept, this one ditches the combustion engine to go fully electric.
Officially known as the Renault 4ever Trophy, the new B-segment EV takes its name from the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally in the Moroccan desert. The annual event dedicated to Renault 4 cars celebrates its 25th anniversary.Th The anniversary in 2023 prompts the company with the diamond logo to celebrate the milestone with this rugged show car headed to Paris. It is painted in Gunmetal Silver and rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/55 R19 tires.
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At the heart of the concept car is an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower in a much larger vehicle than its predecessor. It stretches to 4,160 mm (163.7 in) long and 1,950 mm (76.7 in) wide for what the French automaker says will be a market positioning vehicle similar to the Captur subcompact crossover. It is said that the reborn Renault 5 will serve as the electric equivalent of the Clio supermini.
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At 1,900 mm (74.8 in) long, the Renault 4 Ever Trophy has high ground clearance and boxy wheel arches. Photos of the interior are yet to be provided, but the longer body will bring far more rear legroom than the classic model. The use of a dedicated electric platform (CMF-BEV) means the wheelbase can be maximized after shaving off the front and rear overhangs. The original R4 had small rear doors while its modern equivalent looks far more usable.
It is designed to accommodate a 42-kWh battery pack mounted between the axles and is good for about 250 miles (402 km) of range. The front electric motor is good for 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than nine seconds. Don’t expect some of the neat features of the concept in the production model, like air compressors in the wheels, a carbon fiber roof rack, a stronger underbody, or all that chunky body cladding.
Ahead of its market launch in about three years’ time, the Renault 4ever Trophy is being showcased alongside the new Electric 5 at the Paris Motor Show.