At the 2024 Paris Motor Show, I got to explore the Renault 4 electric crossover, which has just been announced in Europe, with prices starting at £26,995 OTR (around USD 36,643) in the UK. Spending some time around the different variants, I felt that it was a perfect runabout for European cities and towns, and an option worth considering for the U.S. if Renault ever were to considering re-entering this market.
Even cooler was the Renault 4 mini caravan by Carapate Aventure, a French start-up that’s been building compact teardrop-style trailers for the last six years.
Drawing inspiration from the original American teardrop trailers, these little caravans are manufactured locally near Nantes and are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for something lightweight, practical, and easy to use.
Weighing just 1,200 lbs, the Renault 4 edition of the Carapate looks easy to tow, consumes less energy, and is quick to set up. It’s designed with a retro silhouette that works well with the Renault 4’s looks, and offers a mix of basic comfort and clever design. Measuring approximately 151.6 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 69.3 inches tall, it’s compact enough for tight spots but still manages to fit up to five people inside.
The sleeping setup doubles as a sofa, so it works as both a space to relax and to sleep. There’s a sliding kitchen that can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it ideal for campers who prefer cooking on the go. It also features a side awning door for a bit of shade and convenience.
What differentiates Carapate Aventure is its focus on local production and eco-design. The caravans are manufactured in France using advanced machining technology, moving away from their early handmade prototypes to a more industrial production method. The build quality and attention to detail remain solid.
According to Carapate Aventure co-founders Jean-Marie Reymond and Fabien Denis, it is the only mini-caravan, and possibly the only caravan overall, that has undergone a complete lifecycle analysis, meaning its environmental impact has been measured throughout its production.
As for pricing, the mini caravan is currently listed on Carapate Aventure’s website starting at €17,600 (around $20,115 USD). However, this is based on their standalone product, and it’s still unclear how Renault will price the R4 version. Official pricing details have yet to be confirmed.
To me, the Renault 4 mini caravan felt like a smart, simple option for people who want a no-fuss camper. It’s made for outdoor use, it’s easy to handle, and it’s clearly built with care. There’s nothing flashy about it. But it does its job well, and I liked how straightforward it was.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
