The Renault 4 is back, but this time as an electric crossover. With retro design, modern technologies and an advanced platform, the new Renault 4 E-Tech not only brings nostalgia, but also the future of mobility.
Now imagine: In the 1990s, Renault ceased production of the Katrica, a car that we all know, even if we only ever saw it in the parking lot in front of the store. And now, after almost thirty years, Renault is bringing this legendary name back into the limelight – but it's not just a throwback to the past. Instead of a humble folk vehicle, we get a fully electric crossover that combines retro design with modern technologies. You can relax - the new ones Renault 4 E-Tech it is not just another recycling of the past. This is a car that proudly steps into the future.
It is simply an icon that has mobilized generations in the past. Between 1961 and 1994, only 8,135,424 examples of this popular model, making it one of the most mass-produced cars in the world. Designed as a response to the Citroën 2CV, the Renault 4 quickly became a symbol of simplicity and utility. Its reliability, robustness and adaptability have brought it success in more than 100 countries. People affectionately called it "katrca", as it was popular among families, farmers and even travelers due to its accessibility and easy maintenance. New ones Renault 4 E-Tech is not just trying to revive this iconic past, but to transform it for the new electric age, maintaining the spirit of simplicity and utility that defined the original.
Design that tells a story
Renault 4 E-Tech retains the recognizable design features of its predecessor. Despite being a crossover at its core, you immediately notice some iconic details – the classic round headlights, retro-inspired grille and taillights reminiscent of an old car. The new hatchback also has a few modern tricks up its sleeve, such as an electrically retractable canvas roof that's a subtle nod to the past.
With its dimensions (length 4.14 meters, width 1.8 meters and height 1.57 meters), this new Renault 4 is larger than the old four, but still compact for city life. The high chassis (7.1 inches or 18 cm from the ground) allows it to tackle urban curbs or off-road challenges with ease. And speaking of wheels, all vehicles come with 18-inch wheels – the perfect compromise between style and functionality for a crossover of this size.
Interior: retro on the outside, modern on the inside
Stepping inside, the new Renault 4 greets us with a mix of past and future. The dashboard is familiar – it actually shares the interior with its sibling, Renault 5 – which means we get digital 10.1 inch screen in front of the driver and a 10-inch central touchscreen. A few physical buttons still remain (thank goodness!), which will please those who don't like everything hidden in on-screen menus.
Unlike the original car, where there was barely enough space for two adults and some luggage, the new Renault 4 offers 420 liters of trunk volume. And thanks to a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, rear seat passengers will have considerably more legroom than the original – certainly enough for short city trips or weekend trips.
Two motors, two batteries - choose wisely
Modern technology hides under the retro chassis. The new Renault 4 E-Tech will be available with two versions of electric motors. The base engine develops 121 horsepower (90 kW) and 225 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for city driving. But if you need more power, you can opt for a more powerful version with 148 hp (110 kW) and 245 Nm of torque. This version reaches 100 km/h less than 8.5 seconds – which isn't exactly supersport acceleration, but it's more than enough for everyday use.
Renault also offers two batteries: 40 kWh and 52 kWh. The latter enables a range of up to 400 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, and the smaller one up to 300 kilometers. When the battery reaches empty, the 100kW DC charger can charge up to 80 %s in 30 minutes – just enough time for a coffee and a quick social media browse.
A look into the future with a touch of the past
In the new Renault 4 E-Tech, the past and the future come together in a way that is sure to fascinate both old-timer fans and those looking for a modern electric car with character. With generous equipment that includes driver assistance systems, one-pedal regenerative braking, and even reverse-charging capability (yes, your cat can power your home in an emergency!), this little crossover delivers much more than just nostalgia.
The price is not yet known, but given the technological advancement and equipment, it can be expected that the new Renault 4 E-Tech will be placed among urban crossovers such as Renault Captur and Peugeot e-2008. With the price very similar Renault 5. It will hit Slovenian roads next summer, and as everything seems to be, it will be one of the most zof exciting electrical innovations, which awaits us in 2025.
bottom line, Renault 4 E-Tech proves that a car can preserve your soul, even if its mechanics are completely revamped for the new era. And if it performs as well as the original cat, it will quickly become a favorite of a new generation of drivers.
