Renault's small EVs revive European car heritage with 4 and 5 models

Renault has launched the electric 4 and 5, small EVs that blend nostalgia with modern technology. The 5 Roland Garros edition and 4 Plein Sud variant highlight design touches like a 3D-printed console and Jean-Michel Jarre sound presets. The 5 is 4m long, the 4 is 4.144m, both sharing a 52 kWh battery (40 kWh optional for the 5) with a range over 250 miles. Prices start at £26,945 for the 5 and £23,445 for the 4. The 4 spawned concepts: the 2023 4EVER Trophy and 2026 JP4x4 Concept. A limited-production 5 Turbo 3E with six-figure price is planned. Citroën will revive the 2CV with a concept at October's Paris Motor Show, as confirmed by CEO Xavier Chardon. The small EV revival includes Fiat's 500, 600, Panda, Peugeot's hot hatches, BMW Mini-E, Dacia Hipster, and Hyundai Inster. EU stats show average daily miles max at 19km in Germany, 5.6km in Greece. Battery prices have fallen, enabling affordable small EVs after Chinese firms led sub-£20k models. Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat were post-war compact car pioneers.