Renault 4 Savane brings 4×4 and two motors to compact crossover

Renault has revealed a rugged, four-wheel-drive version of its new compact crossover in the shape of the Renault 4 Savane concept.

Set to go on display at the Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament, the Renault 4 Savane is a concept car but hints at a more “adventure ready” variant of the brand’s latest EV which could make it to market.

The model revives a name first used on the original Renault 4. The all-electric revival gets a 15mm suspension lift over the regular Renault 4 and a 10mm wider track at the front and rear. The car sits on chunky Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55 tyres wrapped around bespoke black Savane 18-inch alloy wheels.

It also comes in a unique Jade Green finish with gloss black wheel arches and bumpers, which feature new shock-absorbing properties. The roof is also black and finished with a pixel-inspired printed fabric. Inside, the outdoorsy theme continues with a “deep brown” fabric finish and houndstooth panels on the seats.

Significantly, the Renault 4 Savane isn’t just about the looks, it also gets a second motor, mounted on the rear axle and providing permanent four-wheel-drive. Renault says this provides capability in mud, snow and “demanding” off-road conditions. There’s no word on the technical details, but the regular Renault 4 comes with a choice of 118bhp or 148bhp front-mounted motors, suggesting the Savane could offer close to 300bhp.

The car is notable for showing that the Ampere Small platform, which also underpins the Renault 5 and Alpine A290, is capable of accommodating a two-motor powertrain.

Renault hasn’t confirmed if the Savane will make it to production, but it appears to be close to road-ready. If it does make it to production, the Renualt 4 Savane would most likely be competing with the Suzuki e Vitara, which is also set to come with a four-wheel-drive option – a rarity in the compact SUV class.

Besides the Renault 4 Savane, the French brand’s Renault 5 Turbo 3E hyper-hatch will be on display at the French Open from May 19 to June 8, alongside the special Roland-Garros edition of the Renault 5, named in hour of the famous venue.

“True to the spirit of exploration of the Renault 4 Savane from the 1960s, the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept show car pushes the adventurous side of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric to the maximum,” commented Sandeep Bhambra, chief designer for Ampere and Renault. “It adds a chic spirit worthy of ‘gentlemen explorers’ eager for limitless journeys.”