New Renault 4: A Legend Is Reborn!

[@ArneVanhove]

Renault is on a roll. I really hope they get rewarded for.the efforts

[@gazjonze]

They have a lot to make up for in past reliability issues.

[@DraculVaDomni666]

33k for the cheapest Renault 5 in some countries is hardly being on a roll, especially when you can get a much better Kia EV3 for 40k. It seems like the R4 is going to be even more expensive than the R5. They deserve to go bankrupt with these extortionate prices.

[@montanax8127]

​@@DraculVaDomni666 You're talking like 7000 euro is nothing though. You know how long most people have to save up for that?

[@didierpuzenat7280]

@@DraculVaDomni666 If you want a Kia EV3, fill free to buy one ! 80% of new cars are still stupid polluting ICE cars so more good EVs is just more choice. And "better" means nothing, it depends of what you need and want.

[@MrOriol24]

​@@DraculVaDomni666 exact same thoughts. And also the fact this is an R4 is just wrong wrong for what the R4 was back in the day. Just like the EV Capri and the one from the 90s

[@Darx97]

The Renault 4, 5 and twingo will sell like hot cakes, I love them all, the 5 is my favorite

[@albinklein7680]

Forget it. Not at those prices.

[@trashmail8]

And the R17 ! ❤

[@stevecoinitin7521]

lol, add in 130,000 grammes of Petrol engine, warm up for 10 seconds and it's ready to go....here's one we made earlier

[@miskatonic6210]

You can't sell shitty cars just by giving them nostalgic names.

[@omegadomega]

​@@mishumihai223what are you yapping about

[@valtterivanhanen4271]

Way to go Renault! They’re definitely heading in a right direction.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

lol

[@didierstrijdonk5466]

I used to not care for Renault. I live in the US nowadays and actually feel excited about this Renault 4. Whereas the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 peak my interest because of their quality and aerodynamics, the Renault 4 speaks to me just as clearly because of its practicality. Beautifully useful and comfortably contemporary design. I would easily buy one.

[@nc3826]

European automakers are missing an opportunity in the US. Especially, since Chinese brands are effectively banned. For example why didn't Stellantis, import the attractive Jeep Avenger instead of the impractical overpriced Fiat 500e? When I look at the Renault 4, it just reminds me of one more small attractive cost effective European EV, that we're not going to get in the US. C'est la vie.

[@skierpage]

*pique my interest, a French loan-word meaning to prick. Don't peek at the peak of Mt. Everest.

[@davidrenault2354]

It wouldn't be easy to buy on in the US though... We have the 4L but we don't have a cybertruck (Thank god!)

[@Micksteroony]

@@nc3826 The biggest problem is dealership support from what I can tell - though you are right re: the fiat - but I suppose that's the Chrysler connection. The Hyundai Inster and EV3 will continue to provide compact choice.

[@ruk2023--]

People poke fun at the French for using the bumper to bump things but it seems like they are the only ones who understood the brief.

[@fcalin21]

Toyota did it first, and did it better.

[@ruk2023--]

@@fcalin21 what?

[@fcalin21]

@@ruk2023-- The modular design of the bumper.

[@ruk2023--]

@@fcalin21 I was talking about the fact that the French use the bumper to bump into other cars when parking

[@MGriff-q1i]

You mean ‘that’s why it’s called a …..’ ?

[@GabrielWB]

Was curious about the Fireman Access: The plug is made from an acrylic material developed by Tesa (from the duct tape and stuff) that seals the battery watertight during normal use. In the event of a fire, the plug is able to withstand an open flame of 500 °C for five minutes to contain the fire so people can get out of the car. After this time the hole opens up and connects the interior of the battery directly to the cabin of the car. If a fireman sprays water into the car though the window, the cabin essentially functions as a funnel to direct all the water straight into the battery to smother the cells.

[@marc0523]

Thank you for this. I was having real problems working out how this was supposed to work!

[@t1n4444]

@@marc0523 Please note the water is to help lower the temperature of the cells so will presume there is a drain on the underside of the battery casing assembly to allow a continuous flow of water through the batteries. Those who have researched lithium.battery fires will know that the heat of the burning helps to produce oxygen within the cell and thus allows combustion to continue. Much more detail online.

[@Nikoo033]

Brilliant. Thanks for explaining.

[@Mike_Ellis]

Flood the battery all you want it won’t put the fire out. So let me get this right: once the battery fire gets a hold it is designed to vent directly into the passenger compartment. They are kidding? Tell me this isn’t true.

[@t1n4444]

​@@Mike_Ellis Lithium batteries generate their own oxygen when hot enough, as when in a fire. Water is used to reduce the temperature of the battery pack. Why not simply Google first?

[@SisGuitarGAS]

Looking forward to the in depth reviews on this one. Small car with French chic, a big boot and a moderate sized battery? Yes please

[@avtomad722]

It's fantastic! Great review- and gosh, seeing that old one, gosh, as a kid I absolutely loved these cars

[@engineeredlifeform]

Oh, lovely! My parents had a Renault 4 back in the 70s, they'd bought it when they were stationed out in Cyprus. They needed a car to get around the terraced mountain roads, and the choices were between a Land Rover and a Renault 4. I have fond memories of travelling up to Yorkshire in it to visit my gran, with the dog in the boot.

[@vadim6385]

Except it's entirely different. Think original VW Beetle vs the Golf based New Beetle.

[@engineeredlifeform]

@@vadim6385 why have you replied with this? We all know it's different.

[@skasteve6528]

My parents had one in Cyprus too. It was known then as a bondhu basher.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@engineeredlifeform The original was a good car. This is another safety hazard and environmental disaster.

[@georgejohnson1498]

I also passed my test for a driving license un 1977, but a sixteen year old on agricultural tractors! On a Massey Ferguson 188 - CVJ 911 L. The lane was covered in frozen rain, but I still managed a straight and safe emergency stop! The tester said that we could do the test on another better day if I wanted, but I said that we should have a go! I also used to drive a Renault 4 - HFE nnn N in the early 1980s. It was a hoot. Not fast, but so comfortable and rolled over like crazy on even slight bends! I wish the companies would make a truly simple small car like the original R4 but with EV power. The new one looks fine, but simple or compact it is not. Best wishes from George

[@51WCDodge]

My students days , at agricultural college, was 'Where can I get a Renault 4? 😁

[@kjh23gk]

Looks amazing! The only thing that I would want which wasn't shown would be seating like the Hyundai Casper/Insta: sliding, fold flat rear seats and fold flat front seats. I don't think any other electric car has such practicality.

[@drfisheye]

I think the Renault 16, from 1965, was the first car with sliding rear seats. The Twingo had it as well. And the Renault Espace went a lot further with those ideas. Pitty this new Renault isn't as practical.

[@kjh23gk]

@@drfisheye And the Yeti/Karoq, but all of those are ICE vehicles. The Casper/Insta is electric, which is why I mentioned it in comparison to the Renault 4. And to be fair, we don't yet know what the seat arrangement is going to be in it yet. With Renault's history of practical seating options, the Renault 4 may end up being better than the Hyundai. Fingers crossed!

[@b.archambault]

les sièges avant sont entièrement rabattables 😌

[@captainmakai]

I’ve got a megane and it’s incredible. Love the look and drives very well. I’m sitting in it right now!

[@alexandersaksvoll5373]

Looks promising! If they can nail the holy triangle: efficiency, software and interior space, I will absolutely consider this one!

[@MildStallion1]

When I saw you showing the features of the old Renault 4, it reminded me of Car Talk's rule: "Nobody copies the French, and the French don't copy anybody".

[@patrickjr11]

The only thing I don't like about the Renault 4 and 5 is the battery could be bigger. And that's it. They look fantastic, the tech is right, the heritage is an excellent USP, pricing is great no stellantis style price gouging and they are going to sell loads. Renault are absolutely rocking the design at the moment. Well done them.

[@Bim2K]

Agree. With a larger battery it would put the cat amongst the pigeons for sure

[@martythemartian99]

I see your point, especially since I'm from Australia where we regularly go very long distances. But this comes across to me as a simple city runabout and if the price is right, I think it will sell quite well.😊

[@patrickjr11]

@@martythemartian99 in Europe it will sell bucket loads. Just the battery size seems a little behind the curve now. The market has moved on a little. Granted it's further then I can drive before I need a break but it seems the only lacking bit in an otherwise excellent product

[@MrKOenigma]

I configured an 5 yesterday, soon it reached 34.000€ 😢 therefore I will stick to my Zoe for now

[@justinstephenson9360]

I agree. Nothing wrong with a sub 50 Kw battery for a purely city car, but the R4 & R5 really need a 60-65 KW battery pack

[@speedysmart1]

Nice review - would like to see it in action! You appear to have forgotten about a couple of cars - Citroen 2CV which had a dash-mounted gearstick (my sister-in-law had a tap as the gearstick!) and there was the Smart Roadster which had a cloth motorised roof. The 2CV was also available with a cloth roof - hence its nickname of a pram....

[@kbtred51]

The 4 was designed as a response to the sales success of the 2CV and intentionally copied the Citroen shifter to poach their customers. (so not uniquely Renault Robert)

[@dankingsbury9971]

Not to mention the Fiat 500...

[@RegEdmunds]

My wife and I loved our Renault 4, it took us everywhere, across the UK, across Europe, even ploughed fields, I also loved the gear lever and the way it left the floor area clear. A great car, the best we ever owned.

[@recklessrogue9027]

I bet you're glad you can now talk about the physical buttons that definitley do exist Robert xD Good quick review and great show at Farnborough this weekend! The 5 was all I'd hoped it would be in the metal and a front runner for my next daily.

[@ManpreetSingh-mu4xn]

Renault has made some good choices recently with models (5 and 4) and trim (espirit, rafale, alpine) in other marques. They have resisted making a stand alone luxury brand like other manufacturers . Well done Renault.

[@mtb0x]

They went the other way. Renault became the Luxury brand. Dacia was installed below the Renault range to keep more budget options. I drive a Dacia Duster and it’s got Renault written all over the parts. In the Indian market it is a Renault. They could have released it as a Renault in the U.K. but instead decided to split the brands and up the desirability of the Renault range.

[@gsbeak]

Alpine is the stand alone luxury brand.

[@michaelbacon561]

Yes, they have gone in the other direction with their budget brand Dacia, which looks to be the sensible decision in current market conditions.

[@magnustrovik3701]

Very nice review. Cant wait til i can see the new renaults here in Sweden. My grandma had one of the old Renault 4 so this brings back childhood memories.

[@carstenjunge1327]

I like that it is a small car with a decent sized boot.

[@didierpuzenat7280]

For "youtube experts" mocking the flooding of the battery with water, please read the following quote from US National Fire Protection Association : "Firefighters should use water to fight a lithium-ion battery fire. Water works just fine as a fire extinguishing medium since the lithium inside of these batteries are a lithium salt electrolyte and not pure lithium metal. Confusion on this topic stems from the fact that pure lithium (like what you see in the table of elements) is highly reactive with water, while lithium salts are non-reactive with water".

[@Berkeloid0]

I'm no expert but from reading the comments, the concern seems to be more about the idea that the battery fires produce their own oxygen, so flooding the battery won't rob the fire of oxygen. I think it stems from those videos showing small lithium batteries happily burning away underwater.

[@dorientjewoller113]

No expert either ... But the Danish fire fighters have discovered and proved that it's better to use brine ( combination of water & salt) to put a battery fire out. The salt in the water speeds up the decharging of the battery quicker.

[@RichardHaydenuk]

Glad the V2H is being thought about at last. I'm watching this video on a PC that's being powered by my Nissan Leaf on V2H

[@Jaw0lf]

Great to see how Renault have embraced EV's and are really thinking about how they can make it differently. Will done for the quick review!!

[@martythemartian99]

While normally not a big Renault fan, I can see myself in one of these. Many reasons but mostly... BUTTONS! I like buttons and switches in a car.😊

[@KennethPaul]

I said the same, I had written Renault off as a potential for my next car...then I ended up in a dealership, test drove one and honestly, they are really nice 👌

[@mtb0x]

I really like this. We had a las gen Renault Twingo and I now have a Dacia Duster. The Renault 4 looks really cool, it has the same smiley face the Twingo has but also feels retro modern like the HondaE. It’s like all the best bits of a Twingo, a Fiat panda and a Fiat 500 rolled into one. Renault are really killing it right now design wise. They’ve released a huge amount of new cars recently. They will probably get my money again when my PCP is ready for exchange.

[@alituxworth]

I love how EV sales are going up ⬆️

[@alexandersaksvoll5373]

Same! In Norway EVs made up 96% of new vehicles sold in September. Its so cool that we are going in the right direction!

[@cs1-p5e]

i'll love the moment the national power grids give up

[@desertstar223]

I also love how hybrids are outselling EVs.

[@GruffSillyGoat]

@@desertstar223 - They're not though, at least not in the UK. Over 62,500 more BEVs have sold so far this year than HEVs. HEVs have a 13.7% market share so far this year and BEVs 17.8%. PHEVs is following on further behind at 8.3% market share and numbers so far this year total less than half (46%) of BEVs sold.

[@desertstar223]

@@GruffSillyGoat Im not talking UK only. Worldwide Hybrid sales rose 65% vs. a 46% gain for EV sales, according to Edmunds data. During the first quarter, Toyota's overall sales jumped 21.3%. But within that number, sales of the hybrid Camry soared 142.7% APRIL 2024

[@julieann287]

How very exciting! What a fun looking EV! I have been a satisfied Renault owner...in the 1990's; a used Alliance that was pretty inexpensive and amazing for a little sedan. Thank you for all you do!

[@zahrioumctobi8491]

I need 10,000 euros to buy a car. Who can help me give me this amount?💶💶💶💶💶💶💶

[@brunomadeira8432]

The nicest thing is that the car is appealing and doesn0t look cheap.

[@zobobeebo8011]

No no no!!! I had an original Renault 4, my first car 33 years ago - bought it for £95, sold the number plate for £125!😄 Bright yellow, called it the Yellow Submarine! Loved the gear shift, slide windows and crazy suspension, at 19 years old it was just awesome. All the parents hated me driving it, though, as it was literally made of tin! When I hit a wall once and buckled it quite badly, I just got out and pulled the wheel arch back into place! And the front wings both rusted along the hood and flapped in the wind when I went over 40mph 😂 honestly drove it till it fell apart, this new fangled one just doesn't have the same appeal (though does look a lot safer lol).

[@G-ra-ha-m]

Your old 4 was far safer and more environmentally friendly. I wish they still made them.

[@zobobeebo8011]

@G-ra-ha-m I'd say no to that lol, absolutely no sturdy structure to it at all.. look awesome though and I agree, I'd love another💛

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@zobobeebo8011 Not sturdy at all, but lightweight, and not prone to bursting alight in the garage :D

[@Achillias]

The Renault R4 looks beautiful.

[@harry7384]

It's got the one pedal driving ! 👍🏽 (soon on other Renaults)

[@didierpuzenat7280]

Let's hope all E Tech Renaults will get it with an OTA update. It is one a the very few cons of the R5, Megane and Scenic.

[@karlwest437]

Renault are excelling themselves at the moment, good on them!

[@WolframSCHROEDER]

What a good surprise! This car was not at all on my radar. With cars like these, EV mobility might be an alternative after all. Thanks for this interesting, albeit short, presentation. I love it in every aspect.

[@volt8684]

Owner of R 4/5/6/11/12/16/ fuego/21 and Laguna. Loved each and everyone. My mk1 berlingo is like bigger R4. Same rear hatch really useful. Wish I could still buy a berling mk1 petrol

[@alexishart1989]

Looks good. Put me down for two of them.

[@Ashley.D]

Compact? Looks pretty big in the video, I'd need to see one in person

[@kbtred51]

It's a class, above sub-compact and micro.

[@Zereniti77]

It’s 414cm in length. For comparison, VW Golf is 428cm.

[@KiltedGreen]

The original was 366cms long

[@wesbishop3790]

Very nice car! Thanks for sharing! I had an R8 back in the 70s in the USA and aside from some nagging electrical issues, it was a very nice car. Would love to see Renault back in the US again with their BEV fleet!

[@wakeywarrior]

Very surprised the using the car for the house power source hasn’t already taken off. If it effectively acts as a massive house battery and saves you £5k buying one that’s a huge boon. Renault are perhaps the most impressive EV maker of all currently, well done to them.

[@didierpuzenat7280]

I think it is a bit frightening regarding warranty, for the automaker. A solution would be to express warranties in kWh rather than km. Most people will just drain a few kW from the car, eg to withdraw the house from the grid at pick hours, and of course quite more kWh in a very rare blackout even ; but a few people could abuse and perform several cycles per day.

[@wakeywarrior]

@@didierpuzenat7280 problem is they take so long to charge on a 7kWh charger, there would be no advantage other than charging 11.30 to 5.30 or whatever. And very few people will use the maximum, we are very high users and without my car, we use 20 kWh per day, about 3 x the usual. So even me would only do a max of about 3 cycles a week on it, probably 2. Of course, if it isn’t there discharging 20 kWh into my house, I’m driving it, using the battery much faster. So the longer it’s on the drive doing this, the better in some ways.

[@drfisheye]

Because why would you take power out of your car to your home? You need the power in your car to drive it. When you have solar power, you can just charge your car battery and use it to drive. No need to feed it back to your house.

[@didierpuzenat7280]

@@drfisheye The average distance driven per day in Europe is about 30 km so about 5 kWh so about 40 minutes with a 7 kW charge point. So on a daily basis you have plenty of time to discharge to the home and charge back to the car what you need. And of course the motivation for feeding the house (or the grid) is to take advantage of specific contracts. In many countries, electricity can be *very* cheap at some hours of the day and *very* expansive at other hours. And of course, it is the future since it is not possible to have more than 30% of intermittent renewable electricity "in" the grid without batteries. So if you need a battery, why not having it in your car (rather than stationary) and take advantage of it to drive more easily longer trips ! And from a purely environmental point of view, "deleting" your house from the grid at peak hours means no gas or diesel or coal generator will have to produce electricity to keep the grid from failing.

[@nc3826]

The only practical way to feed the grid on a consistent basis with an EV's battery, is via battery swapping. Which is not going to happen in Europe anytime soon. V2L is still a nice feature to have. but its value is marginal for most EV users at best. Since for one thing your vehicle is not always at home. And many people in Europe do not even have home charging. It's way oversold by the EV advocacy community. So it shouldn't be a major consideration for most people purchasing an EV.

[@siwi666]

Superb mon ami!

[@reeceagland1980]

V2h is great. Needs to be standard . Like the design, like the bumper thing too. Nice simple interior yet stylish. Renault are the most advanced of EU EV makers. Also smart, unlike Stellantis, their EV are pure and not compromised by having to also be designed for ICE and Hy rid.

[@kennethstealey1311]

What a lovely little car. I think that the windows are smaller than the original. Thanks, Bobby!

[@samjohnston4945]

Great review. Thanks Robert.

[@IgorEngelen1974]

The 4 always fascinated me as a kid. They certainly did a good job creating this one. It's a car I can see myself owning once retired.

[@Nigelrudyardmusic]

It's a fantastic design, like the new 5. We had the original 4, 5 and 6 in the 1970s, so it's nice to see them resurrected as EVs!

[@billyjean2905]

From ioniq 5, retro futurism design has prevailed and personally I love this tendency

[@rocon86]

What was cool about the original Renault 4 was the umbrella handle gear stick. The new Renault 4 and Renault 5 look great.

[@th42]

Similar story to RL’s - parents had several 4s over the years & I learnt to drive in one failed first time, but if you ever tried an emergency stop🤦 love this version.

[@andrewducros1127]

Fantastic! Renault are on a roll!

[@justincredible5406]

Nice cars, but the originals were vehicles for the masses. The price of these cars is insane.

[@cbmorgan365]

These cars will be comparatively cheap for EVs.

[@greghughes54]

Outstanding news and a brilliant quick introduction to the car. I really prefer the reviews by Robert - the other guys are good, but Bob is the master. More please.

[@arpadbalazs3296]

I had a Renault 4 GTL 30 years ago, and I would love to have the new one today.

[@a-dino]

"never seen any other car with a canvas roof" are you joking lmao

[@barrymurton8988]

Love it. PS loved the south show. £? I had a Renault 30 with a canvas roof!

[@darwinskeeper421]

So Robert has never seen another car with a canvas roof and a walking stick gear lever? Has he not seen a Citroen 2CV? The original Renault 4 was created as a slightly less agricultural answer to the 2CV. It may have lacked the older car's brilliant suspensions, but it replaced the Citroen's 2 cylinder air cooled hemi engine with a quieter liquid cooled inline 4. It also borrowed the funky gear lever from the 2CV. I'm also puzzled about Robert's comment about the canvas roof as they were pretty common on the continent. Maybe Bob needs to watch a few old movies like The Love Bug, The Castle of Cagliostro and a few others to recalibrate his automotive sensibilities.

[@t1n4444]

Yes, sometimes one wonders why Robert gets to do the interview thing. His lack of knowledge ref old school car ephemera is disappointing at times. Mind you his lack of knowledge about modern BEVs is equally disappointing for someone who purports to run a BEV platform. Come on Robert, time for you to hang up the furry dice and engage someone like James May. I believe he may be looking for work even as we type.

[@kbtred51]

@@t1n4444 Robert started this show at a time when people dismissed it. He has made a success of it and employed the team, but chooses to front the episodes he has a passionate interest in. First series he fronted ALL of them even the vaporware stories, now there is a whole lobbying and exhibition side for him to run.

[@GruffSillyGoat]

@@kbtred51 - I wouldn't worry this troll has a thing against Robert because he doesn't say nice things about hydrogen. I hate to think his view on Dave over on _Just Have A Think_ given his latest video on the subject.

[@t1n4444]

@@kbtred51 You might believe Robert made a success of his interviewing techniques or even in his assertions but not everyone. As per one observation made in another place recollections may differ. Robert is quite adept at skirting inconvenient questions and ridiculing others. It is quite clear that Robert is in denial ref sales of BEVs, which are in a terminal decline in UK ref overall numbers. His recent explanation on why this should be was really quite entertaining. Robert is unable to accept EV batteries can and do self ignite. Robert is incorrect in stating that battery fires can be extinguished by water as in excluding air (oxygen). Lithium batteries generate oxygen via the heating process within the battery itself. The "injection" of water is merely to cool down the cells, no more no less. Topics avoided include the cost of insurance, cost of repairs or replacement of the battery pack. No mention at all of the stated upcoming taxes to be levied on EVs as of April 2025. No mention of the CO2 generated in the construction of lithium tech batteries. No mention of contamination of water during the metals refining process. All the above can be found online via Google. One can only wonder why Robert doesn't include the above in his narrative. In addition we are treated to interviews of Dan going on about the superiority of EVs. Quentin, curiously, is now mute ref his opinions ... dare I suggest an epiphany moment? On Robert's other platform we are treated to dubious descriptions of heat pumps and "super" efficient storage radiators. Anyone who has read up on the topic, or who did Physics at school, knows electrical heating in resistance appliances are almost 98% efficient in the conversion from electricity to radiant heat anyway. Robert appears not to quite get that a lot of his audience watch his content for amusement as in spotting the "bloopers". And then post cutting critiques in response. We shouldn't but we do. In my not so humble opinion if Robert wishes to retrieve the situation he might consider covering the up and coming development of hydrogen powered vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are electrically powered and even include a buffer battery. Again, chapter and verse on how hydrogen works in a fuel cell can be found online. As for those so called informed posters who claim hydrogen powered cars can't work need only Google up that topic to learn how mistaken they are. It has to be said that the number of posters giving us hydrogen history lessons has now reduced to almost nothing. Trust all is now crystal.

[@GruffSillyGoat]

​@@t1n4444 - and yet, sales of BEVs have been increasing outshining both HEV and PHEV, whilst diesel and petrol are both in decline. Again, if facts can be found to counter the industry figures please provide these. In terms of latest news on hydrogen, this would be the research report from August that outlined the current and future trade offs in hydrogen production and the mismatch between supply abilities and demand complexities. Currently, hydrogen production accounts for a significant 2% of energy production CO2 emissions. This is something that is changing very slowly with the hydrogen council themselves targetting 2040 as the date by which green hydrogen electrolysis may take over - and that is predominately in heavy transportation not light vehicles (like cars). The electrolysis itself is not without impact as hydrogen is a powerful green house gas enabler, which the report draws attention to with the expected levels of hydrogen escape into the atmosphere. Then there is the disparity between water rich and water poor nations, the latter for whom a hydrogen economy would be problematic to support without great cost. Finally there is the question of sufficient material resources being available to support a scale up in production and use of hydrogen, what with very rare and expensive elements (like platinum) being required. _p.s. no need to bother with the usual tl;dr response, the above reply text is half the word count of your long winded diatribe._

[@cbmorgan365]

I love what Renault is doing. I think our next car will be a 4 or a 5, both look great. Can’t believe how big the boot is in the 4.

[@MrKOenigma]

The Zoe already has the extinguisher access in the back below the rear seats. Water doesn't stop the battery fire by replacing air& oxygen (oxygen is in H2O), water cools the pack, so it helps to stop the reaction.... They should have used LFP by now 😢

[@davidarf]

I was also surprised by Rob's claim that the water would put the fire out by stopping the oxygen supply. My understanding is that LIPO batteries have an electrolyte that breaks down at high temperature and produces oxygen which sustains the fire making it very difficult to put out. Water pumped in can, as you say, reduce the temperature and possibly reduce the number of cells breaking down. The Norwegians have also experimented with using salt water to help to discharge the charge from the batteries. Yes, LFP would be a better choice from the safety standpoint.

[@hcw199]

Still the reason I wouldn't risk putting my family in an electric car. Also having one charging in the garage would be terrifying too!

[@MrKOenigma]

@@hcw199 but you do have a Petrol or Diesel car 😂🤷

[@MaticTheProto]

@@hcw199lmfao yet you drive them in an ice cars that‘s 28-80 times likelier to combust. What a hypocrite you are

[@t1n4444]

​@@davidarf This is because Robert takes his cue/reads the script from his researchers. But now you would have thought his researchers would have learned about lithium ion batteries producing oxygen at high temperatures. And how cooling off the battery bank with oceans of water is the preferred method of extinguishing lithium ion fires. Chapter and verse online for them as are interested.

[@shia_labeouf]

Absolutely adore the new 5 (even more so the Alpine A290) and this looks like another step in the right direction. Great to see a company developing cars in this segment, and a genuine rival to the Chinese giants.

[@andresilva8444]

Love it! and YAY! Buttons!!

[@BurakTheWeekender]

this car is beautiful !

[@lex_corptech]

Oh, so the Vehicle 2 Load/House basically makes the car act as a home battery I could have, where I actively charge it up with energy when it's cheap, and the house uses the power when it's expensive. This would be great, especially as a 2nd car.

[@Just-SomeGuy]

It gives me enormous joy seeing each new EV being released. It continually increases the pressure to phase out ICE cars and brings cleaner air closer and closer 🤗

[@rickybryan1759]

Love it when Robert pulls rank

[@stefandesterck8315]

My mom still talking about her R4 era

[@TCHHCTN]

Looks great!

[@beetooex]

I'm looking forward to Dacia making a small, simple 4x4 on this platform. I'll never be able to justify one but it'll be cool.

[@MGriff-q1i]

I appreciate the French attitude to styling cars. They have a utilitarian quality that is uniquely French. If they ever make a Godess EV I would love one of those. I have never owned a Renault.

[@tetchuma]

I wish we could have these in the U.S. Perfect size. Only negative I can see is piano black interior trim… Every consumer hates piano black interiors.

[@ericeinar]

I like the design. Here in America we like more range. Having said that, it wouldn’t prevent me from buying this.

[@avidian888]

Great video as always, thank you! If I'm honest, I like the old design much better, wish they could have stayed more true to the old line and didn't make the new designs so chunky...

[@Diffusion8]

The 4 and 5 are just so good! ❤ I hope they sell like hot cakes!

[@jasonallatt5410]

Great review!

[@wbjxfkwsklejfde34d]

Nice. I'd like this as our "big" car to replace my golf, but 250 mile max range? but tight for holiday trips.

[@Mike_Ellis]

don’t forget 80% to 20% is 60% of the 180 mile range, that’s going to look more like 130 miles actual. And the ‘feature’ that you leave in the morning only to find that the car has been running the kettle and toaster and has now 30% charge left leaves me without words. I’ll stay with my Proace, 1100 mile range. 900 miles if it’s loaded to 3 tonnes.

[@wbjxfkwsklejfde34d]

@@Mike_Ellis that might well be better for your lifestye, if not the planet and your lungs. We have an i3 that is absolutely awesome for "local" trips - which includes zooming about all day sunday between kids activities and a long weekday commute. it has 170mile real world range on a 42kw battery. Its just for our big (second) car, i would like a bit more

[@surfrider75]

within a minute I'm happy: Front and back-seat fold flat to make space for surfing equipment!!! YEAH!!!!

[@didierpuzenat7280]

Or for a Billy !

[@KiltedGreen]

Sounds like with the R4 and Panda they are following BMW with the “mini” (I mean, look at the size of it!). Take a classic small, iconic, cheap car then give your new large, expensive model the same name and bingo!

[@MarcFresko]

Unique gear lever in the old R4? Um, how about the Citroën 2cv then? A good thing though: we had a Reault 17TS with a motorised canvas roof, and it was great (the roof, as well as the car!)

[@leegoodman297]

Renault are the quiet underdogs of the electric revolution, they rescued Nissan, who then brought out the Leaf (the first proper electric car if you don't count things like the Mitsubishi MIEV and its derivatives). Followed by their own in the form of the ZOE, sure Tesla have outshone them, but they've been quietly making sensible, practical and good looking electric cars with the new Scenic, 5, et al great job Renault!

[@somnambulist1965]

Bravo ❤

[@dancinglizard6034]

Looks nice

[@brummiesalteno-81]

I like what renault are doing with their EV's. This looks really interesting and practical. Only slight disappointment is all that bonnet space and no frunk? Renault have done the retro mod really well with the R5 and now the R4.

[@darrenaitcheson795]

Would definitely consider a Renault once my wife's Juke is up for replacement next year. No other European manufacturer is even able to get close to the likes of Kia & Hyundai on practicality and design at the minute IMHO. (YMMV)

[@t1n4444]

Hmm ... yes, but, what car does your wife want? Keep that up and soon you won't be interfering in any choice of car for your ex-wife.

[@darrenaitcheson795]

@@t1n4444 Sorry, meant to say "*we* would definitely consider!"

[@t1n4444]

@@darrenaitcheson795 😂😂😂😂

[@zenzen9131]

I'd buy this for the re-introduction of tactile buttons alone ! I've yet to talk to anyone who wants to control 100% of things with a touch screen ! When will the other manufacturers listen to what we want ?

[@universeisundernoobligatio3283]

Love my Model Y with a touch screen, no tactile buttons , tactile buttons are for people that like lights, buttons and switches, how yesterday.

[@morethanadequate]

The original R4 was designed to compete with the Citroen 2CV, with the umbrella gearshift on the dashboard and canvas roof. The new R4 has a canvas roof like the C3 Pluriel (2003 - 2010). If it's made of the same vinyl material it will degrade in sunlight and after 5 years develop cracks that let in water. Many Pluriels were scrapped because the roof cost over 2.5k to replace and the value of the car at that stage meant a replacement was not economically viable.

[@MarkHarveyArt]

Finally an EV that actually has some useful design changes and concepts for the driver simplicity… At first glance, an EV I would actually consider moving to from my ICE…. and that is something up to this point I would flatly refuse doing. Only issue is what price tag gets applied to it, but if they are aiming to beat back the Chinese, it’ll have to be pretty competitive.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Flooding the pack doesn't just take the available oxygen out, it also gives the cells a lot of mass to dump heat in to, letting them cool faster.

[@mchlbk]

Very, very nice.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I agree with others: Renault is on a roll with modern tech and enjoyable design.

[@mikejfranklin7000]

"The way the windows open, very very unique" apart from the Mini (1959). Also the canvas roof: have you never seen a Citroen 2CV?!

[@alexweiner3218]

Haven't seen the FC review of the Renault 5 yet...there are a million other 'first drives' out there. But we want Jack! Surprising to see the walk around of the R4 before the test drive of the R5, no?

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Love it - and the Renault 5 too.

[@rinnin]

Liking this short, snappy review format. Might even be able to keep my Dads short attention span 😜

The range is killing it

[@objection_your_honor]

Renault pulled out of Canada decades ago. Their cars rusted after 2-3 years with the road salt we put on the roads. They sold a lot of the old Renault 5 here, but I haven't seen one for over 20 years. They are all in rust heaven.

[@victorseal9047]

It looks good. Being French, I’m surprised Renault, Peugeot and Citroen don’t export their vehicles to Québec.😮

[@Mike_Ellis]

imagine how shit this would be at -25°C

[@Mike_Ellis]

You are quite correct to the point where you state that water will absorb some of the heat energy. My question remains: what is then going to happen to this water? This is secondary school physics. I‘m not taking the piss here, I honestly want to make people aware of what is going to happen when water finds it‘s way into a very hot compartment. It won‘t end well at all. Despite Google and the French paperwork. Your call….

[@tuxede]

The bonnet is very high for a city car. Bonnet height is the most important factor when it comes to pedestrian fatality

[@didierpuzenat7280]

Yes, but sadly it is what most people ask for. So let's say it is better than many cars. Now the key point is to enforce speed limits in towns (30 km/h in mine) and to hope that automatic emergency breaking works !

[@goncaloaraujo6644]

exactly

[@nderezic]

The battery doesn't need external oxygen to burn - it contains it's own oxygen - just like a rocket. That's why filling the battery compartment with watter will not put out the fire out. It might cool the battery a bit until all the water evaporates ... hopefully they've added a steam release valve

[@belgianfries3739]

the legend is reborn in an expensive electric vehicle

[@stevenbarrett7648]

Everything is good...apart from the pricing, pity as it would have been a fantastic seller just an unrealistic price when entering what's rapidly becoming a very crowded market segment. But love the look of this !

[@XY-ep8uz]

The twingo will be fire. I can’t wait to see that released My only issue with the 4 is that it doesn’t look like the 4 as much as the 5 looks like a 5