Renault 4 small EV to debut at Paris show; Dacia to unveil compact model

PARIS -- Renault Group will have two major debuts at the Paris auto show in October, with the Renault 4 small electric SUV and a compact Dacia model, expected to be the Bigster.

The Renault 4 was shown in concept form as the 4ever at the 2022 Paris show; Renault said at the time that the concept's basic silhouette was “80 percent” of the final production version. Like the Renault 5 small EV, which is just starting production, the 4 is built on the Amp-R platform.

Also like the 5, which was inspired by the Renault 5 from the 1970s, the Renault 4 has styling cues from the original model, a rugged small hatchback that debuted in the 1960s.

In addition to the Renault 4, the brand will also have a concept “embodying the brand’s future in terms of sustainability and decarbonization,” the group said on Sept. 4.

The Dacia Bigster has also been shown in concept form. It is the second major launch for Dacia this year, following the new generation of the Duster SUV. The budget-focused brand has moved slightly upscale in recent years and away from the small car segment with the Jogger crossover and now the Bigster.

Other Renault Group will have a presence at the show, which starts on Oct. 15. Alpine will have a public debut for the A290 electric hot hatch based on the Renault 5, a show car that will “foreshadow the next Dream Garage vehicle,” and display the Alpenglow Hy6, a race-car styled prototype with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

The Mobilize mobility services brand will display the Duo and Bento, two electric quadricycles. 

Renault’s commercial vehicle division will have a “next generation” concept car and a prototype of the large Master van with a hydrogen powertrain.

After a subdued 2022 event that highlighted several Chinese brands, the Paris show will have  stronger European representation this year, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford and Peugeot. Cadillac and Kia will also have stands, as will the Chinese brands BYD, Forthing, GAC, Hongqi, Maxus, Seres, Skyworth and Xpeng.