Renault Novaquatre
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault Celtaquatre |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Defunct | 1940 |
| Successor | Renault Juvaquatre |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Parent | Renault |
The Novaquatre was launched by Renault in the fall of 1937 and remained in production until 1940, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to the Primaquatre. It featured the bodywork of the smaller Renault Celtaquatre combined with the 2383 cc four-cylinder engine sourced from the larger Primaquatre.
Conceived as an economical option, its powerplant generated a peak output of at 3,000 rpm, which was slightly lower than the Primaquatre’s at 3,300 rpm despite having a comparable engine size. Its fuel efficiency was improved, consuming between 9 and 10 litres per 100 km, compared to the Primaquatre’s higher rate of 12 to 13 litres.
Initially, the Novaquatre could reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h (69 mph), but this dropped to 100 km/h (63 mph) after Renault introduced a smaller 1813 cc engine in late 1939. Power delivery was directed to the rear axle via a traditional three-speed manual gearbox.
After the discontinuation of the Celtaquatre in April 1938, Renault replaced it with both the smaller Renault Juvaquatre and the Novaquatre. The wheelbase of the Novaquatre was lengthened from to , aligning it with the earlier dimensions used by the Celtaquatre "Commerciale" model.
The onset of World War II and the German occupation of northern France in 1940 significantly disrupted production. In late 1939, Renault revised the Novaquatre by fitting a smaller engine and upgrading from cable-operated brakes to Lockheed hydraulic brakes. The updated Novaquatre BFH1 was planned for an official debut at the canceled 1939 Motor Show.
Production numbers were modest; by April 1940, out of a total of 716 vehicles manufactured, only 35 were Novaquatres, compared to 441 Juvaquatres and 240 Primaquatres. Manufacturing ended shortly before or during the early phase of the German invasion in mid-1940.
Types
- BDR1/2 until late 1939
- BFH1 starting in 1940
References
- Automobilia, n°50, May 2001