The Renault 4 name is making a bold return, and it has a lot to live up to. Following in the successful tyre tracks of the Renault 5, this new all-electric crossover draws on over four decades of heritage, with the original model selling in the millions worldwide. Now, the new Renault 4 E-Tech aims to blend that timeless French charm with a thoroughly modern EV experience.

Performance

For now, the new Renault 4 sticks with front-wheel drive, powered by a 148hp electric motor that offers a satisfying mix of responsiveness and refinement. It’s not an EV that overwhelms with power, but one that delivers smooth, composed acceleration. The pedals are well-calibrated, the steering is intuitive, and when pushed on a winding back road, especially with Sport mode engaged, it proves to be good fun.

Renault also equips the 4 with a smart regenerative braking system. Drivers can adjust the regen level using paddles behind the steering wheel (if you’ve gone for the mid-range trim), and a one-pedal driving mode is available too, making urban driving and stop-start traffic that bit easier.

Range and Charging

You’ll have two battery options to choose from: the standard model promises up to 308km (WLTP), while the larger battery boosts that to 409km. Based on similar performance from the Renault 5, expect around 320–340km in typical driving from the bigger battery, more than enough for most commutes and day trips.

Charging speeds are competitive too. Up to 100kW DC rapid charging can get you from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Plus, every Renault 4 comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) tech as standard, so whether you're powering a coffee machine on a camping trip or charging your e-bike, it’s got you covered. A heat pump is also included as standard, helping to optimise performance in colder weather.

Design and Interior

Inside, Renault has given the 4 a playful but practical feel. The front seats are supportive with generous adjustability, and the electric lumbar support is a welcome addition on longer journeys. There is also extra cushioning in the seat's vs the R5 sportier feel. The overall layout mirrors the Renault 5’s with plenty of creative flair, from subtle branding in storage compartments to pops of colour and soft-touch materials. It’s far more inviting than the interiors of some rivals like the MG4 or Mokka-e.

Tech-wise, a 10.1-inch touchscreen comes standard across the range, complete with Google Maps integration, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There are physical controls for the climate settings (a big plus), and thoughtful touches like dimmable screen buttons for night-time driving.

Boot space is another strong point. You get 420 litres of storage, plus a handy 55-litre compartment under the floor for your charging cables, unless you spec the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, which swaps that area for a subwoofer. Still, with a low boot lip and wide opening, loading bulkier items is easy.

Cost Considerations

Expected pricing starts below €30,000 and rises to roughly €35,000 for the top-spec versions, putting it right in the mix with its closest competitors. It also comes with Renault’s standard warranty. That’s solid coverage, even if some rivals like Kia or MG offer more generous plans.

Verdict

The Renault 4 E-Tech isn’t just another compact electric crossover. It brings a dose of personality and practicality in equal measure, and that’s a rare combination. While rear-seat space is a bit tight, and there’s no front trunk, this is still a versatile EV that’s easy to live with and enjoy. Whether you're drawn in by its heritage or its modern-day features, the Renault 4 E-Tech is definitely worth keeping an eye on.