While the successful R5 takes us right back to the legacy of charm and charisma of the 1972 three-door of the same name, the project aimed at re-evoking its sister R4 evokes a more nuanced vision. \u201cThe idea was to reverse the historical positioning of the two models\u201d, explains Paula Fabregat-Andreu, head of B-segment car design for Amp\u00e8re’s electric vehicle division: \u201cThe R4 becomes the more chic option\u201d. The ground clearance and vaguely off-road character that once represented \u201crustic\u201d traits, therefore, now allow the car to compete as a small crossover, \u201coften considered more contemporary and desirable than a saloon\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Renault](\"https:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025010702_Renault4ETechElectric.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Soft shades for the exteriors<\/strong><\/span> The cure for the slope of the tailgate<\/strong><\/span> Roomy rear passenger space<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe sense of volume typical of the original thus combines with a new urban, \u201cvelvety\u201d character. Starting with the colours: \u201cDusty shades have been favoured, such as the Hauts-de-France green launch colour, which pays homage to the soft \u00cele-de-France blue of the past while at the same time echoing the name of the region where the car is now produced\u201d.
\nThe same sophisticated approach is extended to reinterpret the most pregnant formal aspects, such as the grille or the three thin ribs on the doors The 18-inch wheels and 18 cm ground clearance complete the visual consistency.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nThe process of enhancing perceived quality has, however, run into a major criticism, paradoxically centred on one of the most significant elements of yesterday\u2019s R4: the rear panel. \u201cAs much as the lines of the R5 could be directly replicated in an eye-catching effect, here we had to be very mindful of the slope of the tailgate, which did not provide convincing results in all cases. This is something we have worked hard on\u201d, Fabregat-Andreu points out, acknowledging the challenges of reimagining a product with a distinctly utility flavour.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nMoreover, the past is faithfully revisited in the functional layout, even down to the height of the loading sill (just 61 cm off the ground). \u201cOn the outside, you are attracted by the aesthetics, on board you discover unsuspected versatility: the electric architecture has provided a generous wheelbase and roomy rear passenger space, details such as separate mobile phone pockets appear, the 420-litre boot offers hooks, elastic bands and a clever dual-access double floor, and the front right-hand seat can fold down into a table\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>