The electric Renault 4 is front-wheel drive only at present, but Renault has shown a new concept that could herald a four-wheel drive (4WD) version.

Premiered from 19 May on the Renault stand at the Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament, Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept is described by Renault as a show car designed for the modern-day “gentleman explorer”. It says the name of Savane was synonymous with exploration back in the 1950s. And in 1986, the Savane name returned with a version of the original Renault 4.  

The new Savane concept comes with ground clearance that is 15 mm higher than the standard Renault 4 E-Tech electric.

The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept also features a second electric motor on the rear axle for permanently available all-wheel drive.

Renault says the show car demonstrates the potential of the AmpR Small platform to create a B-segment electric vehicle with four-wheel drive.

Sandeep Bhambra, Chief Designer Advanced, Ampere & Renault, said: "True to the spirit of exploration of the Renault 4 Savane from the 1960s, the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept show car pushes the adventurous side of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric to the maximum.

“Increased ground clearance and widened tracks are combined with a permanently active all-wheel drive system to allow it to tackle the most rugged terrains. With its unique Jade Green colour combined with Glossy Black elements and the Deep Brown interior, it adds a chic spirit worthy of 'gentlemen explorers' eager for limitless journeys."