Renault goes beachy with new concept

Renault is doubling down on the retro vibe as it brings heritage cues to a reincarnated brand favourite.

The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is openly inspired by the 1969 Plein Air Renault 4 and later — and much more rugged — 1981 JP4 concept. As the name might suggest, this new concept has permanent four-wheel drive and joins other playful concepts including the FL4WER POWER (shown in Paris a couple of years ago), Savane 4x4, Vision 4Rescue and 4EVER Trophy. 

The immediate comparison that comes to mind is a larger Fiat Topolino with partially open doorsides, roof and boot, although the similarities are in ideology than form. The JP4x4's interior is decked out in plush materials with all the usual physical and digital creature comforts, and sports a bright orange interior that teams nicely with the aqua blue exterior. 

Renault's advanced design director, Jean-Philippe Salar, describes it as "a cross between a pick-up and a beach buggy," and notes that the idea was to eliminate "the boundary between the exterior and the interior." 

Mission accomplished, we would say, and a reflection of what Salar told us for his Car Design Review judge's profile. "A car is one of the most complex things to design: exterior, interior, design language, the importance of proportion and creating an emotional connection to the customer."

Beyond the novelty of a fun off-road concept apparently aimed at surfer types, the JP4x4 concept holds design cues that may pertain to future production projects. 

Most notable is the use of a 3D printed pattern on the bodysides (shown below at the charging port), which adds texture beyond the application of paint or polycarbonate cladding. Salar suggests it gives the impression of "sportswear and trainers" but that does not feel immediately apparent, in our view. Regardless, it feels feasibly transferrable to a production setting; the X-shaped roof less so. 

All this seems to echo precisely what group design boss Laurens van den Acker has been advocating for. Speaking with Car Design News in Milan, he explained how the brand is looking to offer affordable yet fun models — cars that are "created with relatively modest means, yet from a design perspective are at a very high level... You can have all of the fun and none of the guilt."

The JP4X4 concept has had its digital reveal early as usual, and will be shown in the metal at the 2026 Roland Garros French Open tennis tournament in Paris.