- Designer Marco Maltese transformed the 2025 Renault R4 into an open-air beach buggy.
- It features rugged extensions, oversized wheels, and an exposed interior with four seats.
- The cabin has been imagined to be simple, waterproof, and easy to clean with a flat floor design.
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech debuted a few months ago as a modern, all-electric revival of the classic R4. But what if Renault decided to ditch the roof, add some rugged charm, and turn it into the perfect sun-soaked getaway car? That’s exactly what independent designer Marco Maltese envisioned with this open-air, offbeat reinterpretation, ideal for cruising the French Riviera or, more realistically, making us wish Renault had the nerve to build it.
Maltese’s digital concept takes inspiration from the R4 JP4, a quirky 1981 variant built by a company called Car Systeme. That version, affectionately nicknamed “Frog” in Italy, featured a chopped-down wheelbase, lifted suspension, two bucket seats, a roll bar, and a retractable canvas roof. It was a strange but lovable blend of a compact SUV and a beach buggy, embodying the kind of oddball charm that’s missing from most modern cars.
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The modern reincarnation follows a similar approach with the new R4 E-tech, but with a more practical four-seater configuration. While the front end, lighting units, and tail are carried over from the standard model, nearly everything else has been reworked.
The profile features open cutouts in place of doors, rugged fender extensions, and a larger set of wheels for a more adventurous stance. The roof has been removed entirely, with a roll bar providing both passenger protection and a base for carrying surfboards. At the rear, the tailgate has been redesigned to accommodate a full-size spare wheel.
The digital concept (above) compared to the standard R4 E-Tech (below).
The concept’s cabin features four individual seats with waterproof upholstery, a flat, easy-to-clean floor, and a retro-inspired steering wheel. While Maltese Design notes a reduction in onboard electronics, the dual 10-inch digital cockpit from the R4 E-Tech remains. For less-than-perfect weather, a custom canvas roof with integrated doors and Lexan windows provides some protection.
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The designer didn’t go into details about the specifications of the digital-only concept, but an AWD setup would certainly complement its character. The standard R4 E-Tech shares the CMF-BEV architecture with the R5 E-Tech and is exclusively available with FWD. The most powerful version generates 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and is fitted with a 52 kWh battery pack, allowing 250 miles (402 km) of range between charges.
The original Renault 4 debuted in 1961 and remained in production until 1992, selling a total of 8,130,000 units. The new R4 E-tech is expected to arrive in mainland Europe and the UK by mid-2025.
While Marco’s beach buggy concept is really cool, it is unlikely that Renault would approve such a variant for series production. Still, an independent coachbuilder could create a real-life version of the concept if there is such demand from R4 owners.
Thanks to Maltese Design for sharing his project with us.
