Renault 4 parked on the street in the Provence by Sjoerd van der Wal Photography

Renault 4 parked on the street in the Village of Valensole in the Provence, France.
The Renault 4, also known as the R4, is a compact economy car produced by the French automaker Renault between 1961 and 1994. Often regarded as France’s answer to the Volkswagen Beetle or Citroën 2CV, the Renault 4 was designed to be practical, affordable, and durable—an ideal vehicle for post-war European families and rural drivers.
Featuring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, the Renault 4 was one of the first hatchbacks, boasting a five-door configuration with a spacious, flat-loading rear cargo area. Its simple and rugged design included fully independent suspension, making it capable on rough terrain—a favorite among farmers and students alike.
Under the hood, it was powered by small-displacement engines (initially 747 cc), offering modest but efficient performance. Inside, the cabin was utilitarian but cleverly designed, emphasizing function over form. Over its 33-year production run, more than 8 million units were sold in over 100 countries.
The Renault 4 became a cultural icon, symbolizing freedom, frugality, and resilience. Its versatility made it suitable for urban streets and rural backroads alike. Even today, it holds a nostalgic place in automotive history as one of the most successful and beloved French cars ever made.