The upcoming Renault 4 crossover and Renault 5 will have different appearances and driving characteristics, despite being based on the same platform, according to Vittorio d'Arienzo, chief engineer for small electric cars at Renault. Both vehicles are part of Renault's Ampr Small electric platform, with the ability to have different wheelbases. The Renault 4 and 5 share one wheelbase, while there is a longer wheelbase for a slightly larger vehicle and a shorter wheelbase for the electric successor to the Twingo E-Tech.
The Renault 4 crossover is set to be launched in about a year's time, while the Renault 5 has recently been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Renault plans to introduce four vehicles based on the Ampr Small platform, with the Renault 4 and 5 being the first two. Additionally, the electric successor to the Twingo is expected to debut in 2025.
Both vehicles will be equipped with a high-tech rear suspension with a multi-link axle, which d'Arienzo described as "the best technology on the market". It is compact, saves weight and space compared to a wishbone design, which according to Autocar is good news for the installable battery capacity, and enables "excellent wheel control in different applications and ride heights".
Renault 4
However, anyone expecting the "fun French driving behaviour" of the original Renault 4 from the 1960s to 1980s would be disappointed. According to the engineers, the new 4 E-Tech will be soft to drive but will not have to contend with the extreme body roll of the legendary original.
Autocar assumes that the new platform could accommodate a second engine in the rear - possibly paving the way for an all-wheel drive version of the 4. According to the report, the 4 is due to be launched in 2025.
The Renault 4 prototype was recently shown for the first time during winter testing. It was revealed that it is significantly higher than the new Renault 5 and has the characteristic sloping C-pillar of the original 4-series. Like the Renault 5, the production car is expected to have a retro look. According to Autocar, it will be the "Swiss army knife of crossover SUVs".
Source: Autocar
