New Renault 4 E-Tech Electric – A New Chapter in Electric Motoring.
New Renault 4 E-Tech Electric – A New Chapter in Electric Motoring.
The all-new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is based on the same ‘AmpR Small’ platform as the multi award-winning Renault 5 E-Tech, and it takes its name from the Renault 4 hatchback that was produced from 1962 to 1994. The original Renault 4 went on to sell over eight million units during the intervening years, and became a symbol of accessible, dependable motoring for the masses.
Battery & Trim Options.
There are three trim grades available in the new Renault 4 E-Tech: Evolution, Techno and Iconic, and it is currently available with two battery options. First up is the 40kWh battery with a driving range of up to 300km and a power output of 120hp, and this is only available in Evolution trim, while a larger 52kWh battery with a range of up to 410km and a power output of 150hp is available across all three trim grades. The car can be charged at a maximum rate of 11kW (AC) via a wall-box charger, or at up to 100kW (DC) for a 15% to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes at a public fast-charge station.
Retro Styling.
The new Renault 4 E-Tech marks a significant moment in automotive design, blending nostalgic retro styling with cutting-edge EV technology, and it aims to capture the free-spirited functionality of its beloved predecessor, while offering a more practical and versatile space for modern family life. The design language of the 4 E-Tech is heavily inspired by the original Renault 4, featuring recognisable styling cues, such as its slab sides and distinctive rear design, while the large, round headlamps and retro-inspired strakes contribute to a cute and charming aesthetic that gracefully nods to the original, without resorting to caricature. The resolutely modern vertical tail-lights add a stylish touch to the car’s clever rear end, and they are reminiscent of the original 4’s stacked light cluster.
Hi-Tech, Modern Cabin.
Inside the cabin, the retro look continues with a solid dashboard design that is multi-layered with different materials that are of high quality, and durable, too. The Google-powered infotainment system is quick to respond to commands, and is intuitive in its operation, while the digital instrument display that sits beside the infotainment screen provides the driver with all of the essential driving information. User-friendly physical climate controls, and impressive build quality create a genuinely appealing driving environment which is shared with its Renault 5 sibling. A class-competitive 420-litre boot capacity is almost 100-litres more than that on offer in the Renault 5, reinforcing the 4 E-Tech’s role as a practical and versatile retro EV. The bespoke flat-floor platform that underpins the new 4 E-Tech enhances overall roominess, delivering excellent headroom and legroom for everyone onboard. The stylish cabin in the Renault 4 is more practical than that found in the Renault 5, with enhanced headroom being the most obvious gain for rear seat passengers.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new Renault 4 E-Tech 52kWh ‘Iconic’, which was finished in Cumulus Blue metallic paintwork, with a contrasting black roof and door mirror casings, along with black plastic wheel arch protectors, lower side sill protectors, and front & rear bumper elements. The range-topping ‘Iconic’ model comes complete with a generous array of comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment systems as standard. Key standard equipment includes: 18-inch “Parisienne” diamond-cut alloy wheels, silver window strip and roof belt, dark tinted rear windows, two-tone paint with black roof, refined black quilted textile trim with yellow top-stitching, heated front seats with driver’s side electric lumbar support, heated steering wheel, electric handsfree tailgate, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear occupant safe exit alert, and a power-to-object adaptor with V2L bidirectional charging. The Renault 4 E-Tech is an excellent car to drive around town, because the electric motor offers just the right amount of punch for darting about in traffic, but is smooth and refined in slow-moving traffic. The multi-link rear suspension is generally composed on rough road surfaces, and the brakes come with varying levels of regeneration, which includes a very useful ‘one pedal’ drive function. The car’s tall, upright stance means visibility is good all round, and the driver can sit relatively high to get a good view of the road ahead. The Renault 4 E-Tech is one of the best small electric cars to drive on a motorway too, because it is more than able to keep up with fast-moving traffic, and it exudes a comfortable ride quality that adds to its dynamic character during spirited driving. The ‘multi-sense’ button on the steering wheel provides access to four distinct drive modes; Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso – all of which are linked to a selection of interior lighting ambience customisation settings. The car feels well-planted when negotiating tight bends and sharp corners, with plenty of power and torque available – even in ‘Normal’ mode. However, select ‘Sport’ mode and the accelerator becomes even more responsive, and the suspension firms up in order to accommodate a sporty driving experience. The steering is well-weighted and instantly responsive to driver inputs, and is also sharp enough to give the driver confidence when overtaking or changing direction.
Verdict & Price.
The new Renault 4 E-Tech builds on the outstanding success of the 5 E-Tech, and is further proof that Renault’s design renaissance is gathering pace at a rapid rate. The new car successfully blends nostalgic design with modern EV practicality and tech in a manner that feels well thought-out and cohesive. Renault has once-again proven that looking backwards can sometimes be the most exciting way to move forwards. The new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric 40kW Evolution is priced from just €26,995 (ex-delivery), with my range-topping test-car specification priced from €33,995 (ex-delivery). Prices quoted are inclusive of current Irish Government EV incentive for private buyers.
Visit www.renault.ie for further information.
