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Patxi Fernández
Viernes, 27 de diciembre 2024, 11:30
In many instances, brands turn to the designs of their most iconic models to attempt a fresh market entry. Examples like the Mini, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 500, or the recent Renault 5 clearly demonstrate that a glance at the past from the future can be a promising idea.
For the upcoming year, the diamond brand will launch the new generation of the Renault 4, transformed into an electric car, with numerous nods to the original "Cuatro Latas." Therefore, we will review how it was and how the new car will be, to understand their similarities and differences that mark the passage of time.
Speaking of the original Renault 4, there are still numerous units in circulation in Spain, as 800,000 "Cuatro Latas" were produced in Renault's factories in our country, and especially in Portugal, where its commercialization lasted a few more years than in Spain. In total, more than 8,000,000 units were manufactured over three decades, destined for more than 100 countries. This makes it the best-selling Renault model in the world.
The history of the Renault 4 begins, after 5 years of development and thousands of kilometers of testing in extreme climates, with its presentation to the French press on August 28, 1961.
The R4 brought together a range of innovative technological solutions, both in terms of design, modularity, mechanical technology, and dynamic versatility. Firstly, it featured a Break body mounted on a platform-type chassis, conceptually very innovative, based on the excellence of simplicity.
Its architecture, with 3.6m in length and 1.5m in height, provided ample space for passengers and the trunk. This allowed it to offer a spacious 5-seater cabin and simultaneously transport a large cargo volume of up to 480 liters. Additionally, the rear seat was foldable very quickly and easily, offering up to 1.45 m3 of available space. Thanks to the incorporation of a 5th door hatchback, with a wide opening angle, it offered exceptional rear accessibility, practically unprecedented in its time, reinforcing its eminently practical, modular, and versatile character.
Secondly, it was the first compact model, since the end of World War II, to propose front engine and traction, to which was added independent suspension on the front axle, with all the advantages in terms of maneuverability and steering precision that this entails, paving the way for future Renault models.
The R4 proposed other very useful mechanical advances. For example, it was equipped with sealed ball joints, free of lubrication, which resulted in lower maintenance costs for the car. Another pioneering solution in its segment was the closed and hermetic cooling circuit, which incorporated a special liquid capable of withstanding the lowest temperatures. This meant that it was no longer necessary to replenish antifreeze in the circuit liquid, a frequently inconvenient operation with an associated cost. The only real maintenance of the car was the oil change.
After its launch in France in 1961, it was time for its introduction in Spain through the start of its production at the Valladolid Assembly Plant from 1963, beginning a fruitful industrial stage that would last until 1989, in the case of the R4 car, and until 1991 in the case of its van version. Between the two, 800,000 units of this legendary model were produced in Spain, nearly 10% of its worldwide production.
The presentation in Spain of the Renault 4, in its "L" version, took place, generating great expectations, on February 25, 1964, during the tourism boom and development that characterized the society and economy of 1960s Spain. The press of the time unanimously highlighted its versatile and economical character, and the virtues of its "all-road" suspension, as well as its innovative concept in terms of ease of access to the cabin.
Another highlighted aspect was its cheerful personality and, especially, the price, which, at 84,000 pesetas of the time, was clearly below the segment threshold, which hovered around 100,000 pesetas (about 600 euros today).
The model marketed in Spain had specific characteristics: an 845cc engine, which developed 30 hp and a 12-volt electrical installation, and exceeded 100 km/h offering very low consumption.
The media presented it as an object of desire for those who wanted a practical, versatile, and affordable car.
The affectionate nickname "Cuatro Latas" quickly became popular, referring to the rear label that reflected the initials "4L." Its commercial development in the Spanish market grew rapidly, alongside Spanish society, for almost three decades, until it became the mythical model it is today.
Throughout its history in Spain, the 4L was modernized and accompanied the technological evolutions that emerged, without losing its original personality and conceptual virtues. Thus, it incorporated more modern and efficient engines, such as the 852cc "sierra" C engine and the 4-speed gearbox, in 1968, or later, the 1,108cc 38hp engine, disc brakes, etc. It also introduced elements such as the panoramic sunroof, which helped reinforce the model's playful character.
The introduction of more stringent international environmental regulations, from January 1993, led to its industrial end, as was the case with other models from other brands, as it was technically unfeasible to introduce the new mandatory elements, such as the catalyst. The last unit produced of the 4L came off the line on December 3, 1992, although production in Spain ceased in 1989.
With the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric, Renault confirms its intention to accelerate the energy transition on a European scale, democratizing the electric vehicle.
The brand offers a range of 100% electric vehicles that cover all needs and uses. The Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric finds its place in the B segment, just above the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric. Slightly larger and more spacious than the latter, it positions itself like the Captur with respect to the Clio. While the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric targets an urban clientele, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric has a broader vision and aims to bring all audiences, including young families, closer to electric driving.
The Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric, a product of the Renaulution, joins Renault's electric range as the car for multiple needs. Its ambition is clearly expressed in the philosophy that guided its design: to respond to as many customer use cases as possible.
Therefore, it has been designed for both daily commutes and weekend getaways alone or family leisure outings. This heritage naturally comes from the Renault 4. And like its predecessor of the time, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric looks forward and sets a new horizon: to allow everyone to explore the uses of electric vehicles. As the "cowboy car" of the 21st century, it can do it all. Cities, fields, mountains, and highways are eagerly awaiting it.
As proof of its versatility, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric offers a unique trunk volume/modularity duo in the segment: 420 liters usable thanks to its cubic shapes; very accessible loading threshold; ingenious storage compartments; foldable bench; tablet-type passenger seat arrangement (a novelty in a Renault electric vehicle), etc.
And whatever the chosen route, whether on paved roads or slightly bumpy paths, comfort is guaranteed thanks to a considerable ground clearance and the advanced Extended Grip system. All these features, combined with its record habitability, low center of gravity, road behavior, 'one pedal' function, and range of up to 400 km, have been made possible thanks to the specific AmpR Small platform, unique in Europe and shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric.
With all this, the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric becomes the perfect compact car to stay calm both in traffic jams and on long distances.
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