Classic Comes To 4 Again

Is one of France's most popular classics set to make a comeback? Bearing a striking resemblance to the old Renault 4, this is the Ancel - and it's actually made in Japan. The car is the work of tuning company DAMD and is based on Suzuki's Lapin, a boxy five-door hatchback popular in the firm's home market.

Auto Express Car Reviews

14th June 2004

The Ancel borrows a number of styling cues from the Renault, the best-selling French car ever. The bumpers and grille surround are identical to those of the 4, as are the circular headlights. The wheels are also modelled on the French firm's original design. Inside, the car has a minimalist feel, with simple bench seats and a painted metal dashboard. A range of period styling accessories are also on offer, including a stainless steel roofrack, single foglamp and column-change gearlever.

But under the skin, the Ancel is pure Suzuki. It uses the Lapin platform and shares its 600cc three-cylinder engine. The reason for the transformation is simple - the Japanese love retro styling, and a whole industry has been built around modifying modern cars to look like classics. In Japan, the Ancel sells for ΂£20,000, so few will find their way to the UK, where import costs would push the price higher.