French automaker Renault intends to make the design of its future models more restrained and uniform, Autocar reports. At the same time, the Renault 4, Renault 5, and Twingo retro electric cars will retain their recognizable style.

This was announced by Renault Group design chief Laurens van den Acker, explaining the changes in the brand's strategy after the appointment of new group CEO François Provost.

According to van den Acker, the company wants to find a balance between the individuality of each model and the brand's unified design language. Previously, Renault sought to give its cars the most vivid and unique look possible, but now it intends to move towards greater harmony in design.

“It's kind of a pendulum that swings, and there is no right or wrong approach necessarily,” van den Acker said. He explained that the retro models must first and foremost maintain their identity: buyers choose the Twingo, R5 or R4 as independent automotive icons, and not for the sake of Renault’s overall design style.

Alexandre Malval, who joined earlier this year to head deign for the Renault brand, should help shape a more unified image for future models. This is especially true for cars in the C and D segments, in which Renault seeks to strengthen its position.

Van den Acker called the E-Space concept an example of a new approach: it makes reference to the original Espace minivan, but at the same time demonstrates a modern design. Specialized electric platforms will open up additional opportunities for stylistic experimentation.

Thanks to them, future models may have a longer wheelbase, larger wheels, and shorter suspensions. According to Renault, such cars will be lower than SUVs, but higher than traditional sedans. Van den Acker emphasized that as the car moves into more expensive segments, the design should become more restrained and have a timeless look.

At the same time, Renault intends to maintain its French character: the cars should look respectable, but not cold and faceless.