New Renault 4 fronts with twin-motor AWD concept

Renault’s new 4 compact SUV is likely to gain a 4×4 variant with the unveiling of a new off-road-influenced concept dubbed Savane.

Reprising a name from the history books, this new concept rides 15mm higher than the standard car. It also features bespoke utility-style wheels wrapped in chunky Goodyear tyres. Inside are ‘deep brown’ textiled fabrics. 

Off -oad potential is suggested by wider tracks and contrasting black body cladding. The 4×4 badging strongly suggests a second motor driving the rear axle. 

The FWD car comes with 112kW so the 4×4 would produce around double that. It would therefore be a rival for twin-motor Skoda Elroq vRS.

While a production version is not yet signed off, it shows that its Ampr Small architecture can produce a dual-motor set-up. 

A spokesperson said Renault is “currently studying the technical feasibility and the financial equation”. However, they added: “We can’t confirm anything yet about the arrival of a production 4×4.”

If it reaches showrooms, the 4×4 will be among the smallest electric cars available with a twin-motor powertrain.  

Its existence also means its lower-riding Renault 5 sibling may adopt a similar set-up. However, it is unclear whether the 5’s small body and floorpan would allow a rear motor. 

The original 4 was a more rugged offering than the contemporary Renault 5 city car. So their electric descendants are continuing that theme.  

While a twin-motor concept of an AWD 4 was signalled by a Trophy concept in 2022, Renault has never suggested a twin-motor 5 was even a possibility.

But if it did come to pass, that has significant implications for the 5-based Alpine A290 hot hatch. It could then undergo a substantial power boost and could take advantage of torque vectoring across its two axles for added agility and responsiveness.