The New Renault 4 EV Is A Masterclass In Retro Feelgood

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive a charismatic French hatchback that won’t break the bank.

Road Test: Renault 4 E-Tech

Jeremy: The new Renault 4 E-Tech is a retro-inspired mini-SUV that successfully balances nostalgic charm with modern-day practicality to create a great all-rounder.

As the larger, more versatile sibling to the Renault 5 E-Tech – our 2025 Car of the Year – the 4 offers a compelling package for drivers looking for an affordable EV with true character.

Perhaps not as cute as the fantastic 5, the funky 4 still has stylish chic that pays homage to the 1961 original – the car with a dashboard gearstick that had a habit of coming away in your hand.

That model sold over 8 million in 40 years and is as much a part of French culture as a brie-packed baguette. Note the boxy silhouette and signature circular headlights – it has a charm of its own.

The 4 also boasts a larger boot than the 5, a class-leading 420-litres, with a very low loading lip that makes packing the shopping exceptionally easy. Rear leg room is also better, while a high roofline adds to that airy feel.

And there’s plenty like in the design-focussed cabin. Those who remember the old Renault 4 will recall a certain lack of creature comforts – to put it politely. The 2026 version is as cool as a rival Mini, with a crystal-tip gear selector behind the steering wheel, patterned door trim and thick stitching on the dashboard.

Features we like include a clever 36-litre underfloor bin in the boot for the charging cables. Unfortunately, UK right-hand-drive versions miss out on the old-school, folding front passenger seat found in European models.

It’s a nostalgic masterpiece, loaded with dots of colour, a pleasing combo of matching materials and soft-touch trim. However, the throwback to the old Renault 4 stops there – everything else is cutting edge tech.

Heated seats and steering wheel were all standard in the £30,995 Iconic model we drove, with ambient lighting, a 10.3-inch Google-based infotainment system and synthetic leather for good measure. The only letdown was Bluetooth – I couldn’t get my iPhone to connect however hard I tried.

Equipped with a decent-sized 52kWh battery, the 4 has an official range of up to 249 miles. Real-world range is more like 200, although this can drop significantly in cold winter conditions. Acceleration is brisk but not thrilling, 0-62mph dispatched in 8.2 seconds.

And because the 4 prioritises comfort over sportiness, it features a softer suspension than the Renault 5. Light and easy to drive, in town it’s especially good thanks to a tight turning circle and light steering.

Originally a versatile utility icon in the 1960s, the Renault 4 has been reinvented as a compact electric SUV. Practical, roomy and cute, it also has the automotive X factor: a sense of fun.

Jessica: Well done Renault for creating yet another brilliant family car that’s fantastic value for money.

Like the 5, the 4 punches well above its weight, feeling more premium than some hatchbacks priced much higher. The quirky styling won’t be to everyone’s taste and a little more battery range would be useful, but it’s impossible not to fall in love with this gorgeous hatchback.

Also worthy of mention is the real wicker basket baguette-holder. It’s lined with a removable bag to carry your daily bread – brilliant!

Discover more about the Renault 4 E-Tech at renault.co.uk