8,135,424, That’s how many Renault 4s rolled off the production line and into over 100 countries during its 30-year reign. Launched in 1961 as Renault’s answer to the Citroën 2CV, the R4 quickly became an icon of simplicity and practicality. It stayed in production until 1994, but now it’s back, and it’s not what you remember. Say hello to the all-new Renault 4 E-Tech, a funky electric crossover that’s more adventure-ready than ever.

This new R4 isn’t just a straight-up reboot of the original. What started as a cheeky tribute in the form of the 4ever Trophy concept has evolved into a proper production car, a crossover sibling to the revived Renault 5. It’s got a jacked-up suspension and tough-looking body cladding that hint at some pint-sized SUV credentials. One cool retro feature? The electrically operated sliding fabric roof, a nod to the old R4’s open-air spirit.

Stylistically, the new R4 channels the rugged, boxy charm of its ancestor. Renault’s designers made sure to include rounded headlights that echo the original’s friendly face, and the vertical three-part taillights, shaped like pills, are a playful throwback. Just like the classic, the tailgate extends right down to the rear bumper, making loading and unloading a breeze, only 61 cm off the ground, perfect for urban practicality.

At 4.14 meters long, the Renault 4 slots neatly between the Clio and the Captur in Renault’s lineup. It’s 1.8 meters wide, 1.57 meters tall, and rides with a ground clearance of 18.1 cm, meaning it’s got more presence and off-road potential than the R5. Even with its compact size, the new R4 has an unmistakably tough stance, set off by 18-inch wheels that come as standard.

Under the skin, the R4 shares its platform with the new R5, which means you get a sophisticated multi-link suspension at both ends a rarity in this segment. This setup should make it one of the best-handling crossovers in the B-segment, especially for something this size.

Inside, the cabin is largely familiar, lifted straight from the Renault 5 hatchback. However, the crossover’s extra size translates into a larger 420 litre boot and a stretched wheelbase of 2.62 meters, meaning more rear legroom for passengers. The interior tech is bang up to date, too, with a 10.1-inch digital driver’s display and a 10-inch touchscreen front and centre. And yes, Renault has kept some physical buttons for the essentials.

Powering the Renault 4 E-Tech are two electric motor options: a 90 kW motor with 225 Nm of torque, and a punchier 110 kW motor with 245 Nm of torque. The latter offers some brisk performance, with 0-100 km/h dispatched in under 8.5 seconds and the sprint from 80-120 km/h (ideal for overtakes) taking less than seven seconds.

The R4 comes with a choice of two battery packs: a 40 kWh unit and a 52 kWh pack. Renault reckons you’ll get up to 400 kilometers of range on a full charge with the larger battery, while the smaller one will manage over 300 kilometers. Fast charging at up to 100 kW means you can juice it from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes, and bidirectional charging at 11 kW turns the R4 into an energy source for your home or devices.

Despite being packed with tech, the lightest version of the R4 tips the scales at a relatively svelte 1,410 kg. Of course, that will creep up as you add options and the bigger battery. There’s even a bit of utility in its DNA Renault says the new R4 can tow up to 750 kg.

After its grand unveiling at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the Renault 4 will hit European showrooms next year. The classic R4 may have been a minimalist machine, but this reborn electric crossover adds a hefty dose of style, practicality, and green tech to carry the name forward into the 21st century.