By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
It seems Renault is continuing to ride the nostalgic wave with the return of a sixties-born hatchback in EV form.
Hot on the heels of all-electric retro versions of the Renault 5 and Twingo, the French giant is launching a new-look R4.
The old R4 was some car. The design brief from Renault CEO, Pierre Dreyfus, was simple, build me ‘a versatile car and one that suits the needs of everyone…. call it the blue-jeans car.’ Built between 1961 and 1994, the finished product with its top-hinged single piece tailgate was a best-seller.
It was the first mass-produced hatchback on the market and would go on to sell 8.1 million units across five continents.
On a recent holiday in Portugal I came across an early 1963 example in its original misty blue finish and was reminded of its solid but functional look. Whilst Europe loved the car the R4 struggled for buyers in the UK and many simply rusted away.
At the time it may have seemed a bold pitch at the Citroen 2CV market but to many in the trade the R4 was a better car.
Fast forward 30 years and the R4 E-Tech electric is soon to hit European showrooms.
Its design is striking and there are elements of the original R4. The angular radiator grille running across the entire front, the vertical back lights and rear three-quarter windows are a clear nod to the old car.
There is plenty of room inside and the option of a canvas roof – echoes of the original model – is a nice touch. That said there’s no getting away from the fact that in 2024 we are looking at another SUV, not an everyday hatchback.
Let’s hope this EV can do justice to the iconic R4 name. It could be a tall order!