The new electric Renault 4 made its Irish debut earlier this week in front of the country's motoring press. It is the second EV from the French brand to be inspired by older Renault models, following on from the much anticipated new Renault 5.
The original Renault 4 was launched in the early sixties as a practical and affordable family car for the masses, and this new electric version takes both design and practicality cues from it - with a unique single piece illuminated grille, a modern reinvention of the three-part rear lights, and countless other touches.
Available to order in Ireland for the 252-registration period, the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric will be offered with the choice of a 52 kWh battery with 150 hp motor and a WLTP range of up to 409km, or a 40 kWh battery and 120 hp motor with a WLTP range of 308km with heat pump on both.
The 11 kW AC bi-directional charger is combined with DC charging of 100 kW for the 52 kWh car and 80 kW for the 40 kWh car.
As well as being compatible with V2L (vehicle-to-load ) to power external electrical items, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is also equipped with V2G (vehicle-to-grid ) technology, making it ready to supply electricity to the national grid once energy tariffs suitable for V2G cars become available in Ireland.
There will be three trim levels to choose from - 'evolution', 'techno' and 'iconic' - with all versions of the new Renault 4 coming with 18-inch wheels and a comprehensive suite of safety tech, such as Active Driver Assist for level 2 assisted driving, 26 driving aids, rear occupant safe exit alert, and 'My Safety Switch'.
A total of seven body colours are going to be offered, as well as a range of exterior personalisation options for the roof, bonnet, wings and front and rear bumper stops.
In the interior, the ambience of Renault 4 E-Tech electric varies with the finish. Here, a central 10-inch multimedia screen is standard with the OpenR Link system with Google built-in, as well as Reno, the official Renault avatar, a new Chat GPT based everyday companion.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is slightly bigger and roomier than the new electric Renault 5, with an extended 2.62-metre wheelbase returning generous cabin space and a 420-litre boot including a 35-litre underfloor area for the charging cable.
The tailgate is bigger than it appears, an effect achieved by extending the door into the bumper for a bigger opening and lower load sill, in the same way as on the original Renault 4.
Like its predecessor, the new-generation model also offers a 'plein sud' opening canvas roof, which is now electric and can be opened with voice control to reveal an 80x92 cm view of the sky.
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 10.8-metres.
Irish pricing for the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric should be confirmed in the coming months.
