RENAULT 4 EXTRA

OWNING ONE TODAY

 

Driving a Renault 4 after having used modern cars for years exposes the age of the design, however its unique character and ingenuity balances this out. The major disadvantages of Renault 4 ownership are in lack of passive safety and rust.

The Renault 4's safety record doesn't bear thinking about. After all, it has no airbags or crumple zones and most models don't even have head restraints or rear seatbelts. The dashmounted gearstick which under impact, can shoot into the cabin in any direction. However the United Kingdom Department of Transport Survey published its annual report in 2003 based on the collisions in which the driver was injured. The Renault 4 didn't feature, because only models involved at least 150 collisions appeared. But assuming it is at least as safe as the Citroen 2CV, the report indicates that it is not too unsafe. Needless to say, the 2CV did poorly in the report, but it was on a par with the Mk1 Nissan Micra, the 1990 Suzuki Swift, the Renault Super5, Subaru Impreza, and the 1990 Toyota Starlet. It was actually safer than the 1996 Toyota Starlet, the Fiat Panda, the Mini and the Mk2 Volkswagen Polo.

The car doesn't have a transmission tunnel, which usually contributes to torsional rigidity. There are some, if not many, design features which favour the Renault 4: its windows which are relatively resistant to shattering, its passenger doors free from window winding mechansims etc, and its higher than average ground clearance. It is also worth noting that it is very difficult to lose control of a Renault 4. Roadtesters in magazines such as Motor and Autocar acknowledged that even in its twilight years, they could not find a limit to the car's roadholding.

During the Renault 4's career, it underwent many roadtests. Looking at these, it seems as though the car changed very little because its vices and virtues remained essentially the same throughout its life. They agreed that the Renault 4's ride, roadholding, brakes, and practicality were excellent. They also agreed that its ergonomics were poor, that the interior was rather spartan, and that performance was not one of the car's strengths. Its appearance was never complimented as such, but it was acknowledged as being characterful and purposeful. The roadtests contradict eachother in reference to interior space, ventilation, seating, visibility and noise. Some say the engine is reasonably quiet and that the road noise is too loud while others say the opposite. Some were saying in 1980 that its interior was cramped and narrow, others said it was spacious. The seating was criticised for being short on support by some, but others said that the seats offered ample support.

In practice these roadtests have little bearing on the ownership experience. From my own experience, I know that: the interior is reasonably spacious and legroom is not a problem, but the rear bench is too short and too close to the floor. The front seats are too soft and none of the seats are supportive enough. The layout may have been criticised, but it quickly becomes second nature. The pedals are not positioned ideally. The interior varies a lot depending on the version. Most are hard wearing and some versions look surprisingly good. Others have dated and weared poorly. The level of noise which gets into the car is generally quite high, but not uncomfortably so, and it can be improved with sound deadening sheets. The fuel consumption is excellent due to tall gearing. This has knock-on effects in terms of performance, and it is a pity that Renault never saw fit to install a five-speed gearbox. The visibility is not a problem. The ride is still excellent and the handling is very safe. The steering is slightly more sensitive than would be ideal and there is understeer. Despite the cars tall shape and bluff sides, the directional stability is always excellent even though you can feel the car being rocked.

It is important to remember that the Renault 4 (like all other classic cars) is an old car and has the compromises of one. While new cars are improving all the time in areas such as safety, dynamics and technology, the Renault 4 will remain the same.

In places with wet climates, Renault 4s are a rare sight on the roads. Here in Ireland, they used to be everywhere. However, they were built as utilitarian cars, and often treated as pure workhorses. As a result, very few have survived here. It is not regarded as a classic by most car enthusiasts. However there is now a dedicated Renault 4 garage, called Renospeed in London, as well as other garages in Ireland willing to do proper car restorations.