Renault has officially unveiled the all-electric Renault 4 Savane 4X4 concept at the prestigious Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament. This all-new concept is an off-road-oriented take on the Renault 4 EV hatchback, a model that already marks a nostalgic nod to Renault’s iconic past. The new Savane 4X4 concept breathes life into the Savane nameplate while incorporating contemporary design cues, electrification, and performance upgrades tailored for light off-roading and rugged terrain.
Summary Table: Renault 4 Savane 4X4 EV Concept
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Renault 4 Savane 4X4 Concept |
| Platform | Based on the Renault 4 EV Hatchback |
| Powertrain | Dual electric motors with AWD setup |
| Battery | Likely 52 kWh (TBC) |
| Performance Tyres | Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55 |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch custom “Savane” wheels |
| Track Width | 10 mm wider (front & rear) than standard model |
| Ground Clearance | 15 mm higher than standard model |
| Exterior Colour | Jade Green with Glossy Black Elements |
| Interior | Same layout as standard Renault 4 EV |
| Unveiling Venue | Roland-Garros French Open |
| Official Website | Renault Global |
Design and Styling: Rugged With a Touch of Retro
The Renault 4 Savane 4X4 concept carries forward the retro-inspired design language of the standard Renault 4 EV but adds an assertive off-road character. The front fascia remains mostly familiar, with round headlamps and an enclosed black grille panel that’s surrounded by LED lighting strips.
The enhancements become more visible along the sides and rear:
- Flared wheel arches and thick side skirts in glossy black
- Glossy black roof with integrated roof rails for added utility
- The signature three-part vertical taillamps at the rear are retained
- Gloss black rear bumper for a contrast-heavy, robust appearance
- Finished in a striking Jade Green color scheme
Despite these visual upgrades, the concept remains instantly recognizable as part of the Renault 4 family.
Performance and Engineering Upgrades
While the aesthetics provide a more adventurous look, the Renault 4 Savane concept also benefits from a series of mechanical enhancements that align with its off-road credentials.
Increased Ground Clearance and Wider Track
- Front and rear tracks widened by 10 mm
- Ground clearance raised by 15 mm
- These changes aim to offer better stability and off-road capability
New Tyres and Wheels
- Custom 18-inch wheels branded as “Savane”
- Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55 tyres designed to offer improved traction on varied terrain
Dual-Motor All-Wheel-Drive System
The most significant mechanical change lies in the addition of a second electric motor mounted on the rear axle, effectively transforming the Savane into an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle.
- Expected to offer a power boost over the single-motor version
- Likely retains the 52 kWh battery pack, but Renault has not confirmed this
- Enhanced torque distribution for better off-road control
Expected Specifications (Compared to Standard Renault 4 EV)
Although Renault has not released exact performance numbers for the Savane concept, here’s a comparison to the standard version for context:
| Specification | Renault 4 EV (Standard) | Renault 4 Savane 4X4 Concept (Expected) |
| Motor Setup | Single Motor (FWD) | Dual Motor (AWD) |
| Power | 150 bhp | Higher than 150 bhp (TBC) |
| Torque | 245 Nm | Likely higher (TBC) |
| Battery | 52 kWh | 52 kWh (Expected) |
| 0-100 kmph | 8.5 seconds | Likely quicker (TBC) |
Interior and Technology
The cabin design of the Renault 4 Savane 4X4 concept remains unchanged from the standard Renault 4 EV:
- Same dashboard and control layout
- Focused on functionality and minimalism
- Enhanced with sustainable and eco-friendly materials (assumed based on brand direction)
No major changes have been showcased in terms of infotainment or dashboard interfaces, indicating that the prototype’s main focus is on design and mechanical alterations.
Strategic Importance: Revival of a Classic
The Renault 4 Savane nameplate was last seen in the 1990s, and this revival serves both heritage and future-focused branding goals. With the auto industry moving rapidly toward electrification, Renault’s decision to modernize a cult classic with cutting-edge EV technology and a rugged twist could signal a shift in how it positions its small SUV/crossover segment.
The introduction of a concept like the Savane 4X4 could serve as a testbed for a potential production model catering to urban explorers and EV enthusiasts looking for light off-road capabilities.
FAQs About Renault 4 Savane 4X4 EV Concept
Q1: Is the Renault 4 Savane 4X4 Concept going into production?
Ans. Renault has not confirmed production plans. The concept may influence future models depending on consumer response.
Q2: What battery pack does the Savane concept use?
Ans. While Renault hasn’t specified the exact battery, it’s likely to be the same 52 kWh unit used in the standard Renault 4 EV.
Q3: Will the Savane 4X4 have more power than the standard Renault 4?
Ans. Yes, the addition of a second motor and an AWD layout is expected to increase the overall power output, though figures are yet to be confirmed.
Q4: What are the off-road capabilities of the Savane concept?
Ans. It features wider tracks, increased ground clearance, AWD capability, and all-weather Goodyear tyres, making it suitable for light off-roading.
Q5: Where was the concept unveiled?
Ans. At the Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament in Paris.
Q6: Where can I find more information?
Ans. Visit the official Renault website: https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/
Final Thoughts
The Renault 4 Savane 4X4 Concept presents a unique blend of retro charm and modern-day utility. With its AWD drivetrain, rugged looks, and electric heart, it not only resurrects a beloved name but reimagines it for the EV era. While it’s still a concept, the strong design direction and engineering enhancements indicate that Renault may be exploring new territory in the compact electric SUV space.
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