Renault: The revival of the "Quatrelle"
Following the electric new edition of the R5, the French have now also revived the legendary R4 as an electric vehicle.
A car that is given an affectionate nickname by the vernacular almost has to be likeable. The Renault 4, built between 1961 and 1994, has various nicknames: In France, it is known as "La Quatrelle", i.e. the four, or "La Motte de Beurre", which translates as lump of butter. In Italy it is a "frog", in Finland they call it a "droplet", the Spanish speak of "Cuatro Latas", which translates as "four cans". For whatever reason.
Now the French are relaunching the legendary Renault 4. Like the recently reanimated R5, the former high-roof estate also comes as a modern electric car with a retro design - however, the R4 has now been designed as a fashionable SUV. The length of just 4.14 meters has been used efficiently, with comfortable and spacious seating in both rows. The trunk with 420 to 1405 liters is also impressive. There is no "frunk" under the hood.
Two motor variants
The frugal interior of the "Quatrelle" is a thing of the past; the cockpit in the new R4 with its dual display, ambient lighting and chic quilted upholstery is just as fashionable as its body shape. This applies at least to the top-of-the-range "Iconic" version we drove, which is only available in conjunction with the more powerful engine (110 kW/150 hp), larger battery (52 kWh) and thus a higher WLTP range of 409 kilometers and faster charging speed (up to 100 kW DC) and is offered from CHF 36,500.
But even the entry-level model with 90 kW/120 hp, 40 kWh battery, 308 kilometers range and 80 kW charging power from 29,500 Swiss francs is still very well equipped: The digital cockpit, a comprehensive assistant package, parking sensors, reversing camera and much more are on board as standard in all versions.
Driving fun guaranteed
On the road, the new R4 surprises with a taut setup, direct steering and a compact driving experience - something we were used to from the "Quatrelle" of the past. The good all-round visibility deserves praise, and if you tick the box in the right place when ordering, you can even see upwards - a large folding roof is available on request.
Following on from the success of the electric R5, Renault is also doing a lot of things right with the R4 E-Tech - driving pleasure and benevolent glances from the roadside are guaranteed with the French car. The price positioning is also right. But whether the Renault 4 E-Tech will be as popular with the public as the new R5 remains to be seen.
