(1996-2026) Évolution néo-rétro Renault : de la Fiftie à la Twingo

Le design Renault adopte désormais un concept nostalgique et élégant, dans la tendance électrique.

Renault’s Neo-Retro Project History

The first Neo-Retro project at Renault was undoubtedly the Fiftie, which was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1996 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 4CV. It was a beautifully designed and functional car that received a positive reception from the public.

However, Renault never pursued the project further, as it was uncertain where it would fit in the lineup and it may have been too early for such a concept.

Alpine Concept A110-50

In 2012, Renault introduced the Alpine Concept A110-50 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Renault Alpine A110. However, it was more of a marketing stunt during the Monaco Grand Prix, based on the Renault DeZir concept car that was showcased two years earlier at the Paris Motor Show.

The fully drivable car created quite a sensation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom.

Alpine Vision (2016): The First Milestone

The true realization of a neo-retro project came with the unveiling of the Alpine A110 in March 2017. It was showcased as a showcar called Alpine Vision in 2016 and entered production a year later.

Then, during the Renaulution in January 2021, CEO Luca de Meo presented the Renault 5 Prototype. It is a concrete project for an electric city car that subtly blends the genes of the iconic R5 and its successor, the Supercinq, with the demonstration codes of the R5 Turbo.

This exciting recipe will soon be available in the form of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, joining the lineup later this year.

Bringing Back the 4L: In Pairs

Following the success of reviving the beloved 1970s star, Renault delved into its past again to bring back another iconic model, the Quatrelle. To highlight the SUV aspect of the car without revealing all the details, the 4Ever Trophy concept car made its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October 2022.

The production version will be an electric recreational vehicle, serving as an alter ego to the Captur. This future R4 E-Tech, expected to join the lineup in 2025, will not come alone. It will also be available as a van, paying homage to the Renault F4.

The Electric Twingo of 2026

Finally, the latest milestone, for now, in this strategy is the return of the Renault Twingo, this time in electric mode. The concept car, called the Legend, takes inspiration from the design of the first generation of the Twingo, launched in 1993.

Renault would be wise to fully explore this trend. Volkswagen, with its modernized « Combi » called the ID. Buzz, has already experienced great success.