Retro-inspired EV to lead Renault's Paris show launches

PARIS -- Renault plans a full slate of launches and product reveals at this year’s Paris auto show, led by the Renault 4 concept, a retro-inspired small full-electric vehicle that will go into production by 2025.

The Renault 4 will be a "reinterpretation" of the original model, a rugged five-door hatchback that was in continuous production from the 1960s to the early 1990s, the automaker said Friday in a news release.

The car -- potentially named the 4ever -- is likely to go into production as a small SUV, a companion model to the coming Renault 5 small EV hatchback, which also draws on the original model.

Another key premiere at the show will be a concept car from Alpine, Renault Group’s sports-car and racing brand.

Under a plan to expand the brand from the A110 sports coupe, Alpine plans three full-electric models – including a small "hot hatch" related to the Renault 5 and an SUV. Renault said only that the concept would embody "the future of its product and sports strategy."  

Renault brand will also show the full-electric version of its Kangoo compact passenger van and "a sporty and offbeat show car" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original Renault 5 in 1972.

Also appearing at the group’s stand at the show, which is being held for the first time since 2018, will be the Mobilize Duo, a small EV designed for urban mobility on a subscription or sharing basis, from Renault’s mobility and finance unit.

The Paris show, after suffering from the absence of many non-French brands in 2018 and being canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, is seeking a reboot by combining with the Equip’Auto exhibition for after-sales and services. It runs Oct. 17-23.

Jeep, Chinese debuts

In addition to Renault Group, brands that have committed to appear include Stellantis brands DS, Jeep and Peugeot, and the new Chinese entrants Great Wall and BYD.

Major public reveals include the Jeep Avenger small SUV, the Peugeot 408 compact fastback, a facelifted DS 7 Crossback SUV, and coming models from BYD and Great Wall.