4 reasons why the Renault 4 E-Tech electric should be at the top of your SUV shortlist

Old school? No, old’s cool – at least if you’re Renault. The company knows it has a rich heritage in cars people loved in their youth, so is tapping into that legacy with its new range of cutting-edge all-electric models.

And it’s clearly working. Witness the runaway success of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, What Car? Car of the Year for 2025 and one of the UK’s best-selling electric cars of this year. Or the new Scenic E-Tech electric– a sleek, modern SUV reimagining of Renault’s stalwart people carrier that proved so good it scooped Best Electric Family SUV at the 2024 What Car? Awards.

Now it’s the Renault 4’s turn. Blending the spirit of the 1961 original with ultra-modern tech and irresistibly cool retro styling, it looks set to follow in the footsteps of its hatchback sibling.

So, the question is, should you consider one? We certainly think so. Here are four reasons why.

Discover the Renault 4

#1 Impressive real-world range

When electric vehicles were the ‘next big thing’, one of the barriers to their take-up by customers was range anxiety – people worried about how far their EV would travel between charging stops. Rightly so, because quite often, it wasn’t that far at all.

But that was then, this is now, because cars such as the Renault 4 can travel from here to a long way over there without you having to give a thought to plugging in. Its 52kWh battery delivers an official WLTP range of up to 247 miles^[1] – a figure that’s more than competitive in the Renault 4’s small electric SUV market arena.

Recharging doesn’t take long either, because a 100kW rapid charger will replenish the battery from 15% to 80% in just half an hour^[2].

#2 Dynamic driving character

The Renault 4 is the sort of car you’ll enjoy driving, no matter what sort of journey you’re undertaking.

The front wheels are driven by a 148bhp electric motor, which means every drive is infused with the sparkle of instant torque and punchy electric performance. As a result, the 0-62mph dash is covered in just 8.2 seconds – making it nippier than most of its rivals. Plus, its smooth power delivery makes it a perfectly amenable motorway companion.

When the going gets twisty, the Renault 4 more than delivers. Its clever suspension offers an idea mix of comfort and control, isolating you from the worst lumps and bumps the UK road network can offer, but at the same time keeping body roll in check through the corners.

The Renault 4 is adept when it comes to slowing down, too. The brakes are smooth and strong, and most versions feature an adjustable regenerative-braking system, which varies the speed at which the car slows when you simply take your foot off the accelerator.

Add in light and accurate steering that makes in-town manoeuvres easy, plus the sort of turning circle a housefly might wish for, and you’ve got a car that excels on any road, in any situation.

#3 Smart and ergonomic interior

The original Renault 4 was one of the most minimalistic cars around when it appeared in 1961, and that simplicity continued throughout its life. Yes, it featured a couple of screens, but these were called the windscreen and rear window.

The current car couldn’t be more different – and contemporary. Yes, it has similar glassware front and rear, but, from Techno trim onwards, it also features a crisp 10.0in digital driver’s display which shows information such as the car’s speed, remaining range, and the drivetrain setting, while a central 10.1in touchscreen uses rapid Google built-in^[3] software to offer one of the slickest, most intuitive infotainment systems around.

Renault has also taken care to keep the climate controls separate from the screen, because these are operated through much easier and more practical buttons and switches.

Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, too, because there’s lots of adjustment available for the seats and steering wheel. You can also adjust the amount of lumbar support in the driver’s seat.

Interior space is good for the class, with loads of room for the driver and front-seat passenger, while the large 420-litre boot is bigger than you’ll find in numerous rivals. There’s even a nifty 55-litre cubby area beneath the boot floor for your cables and other gubbins. The boot opening is also large and easily accessible, and the low load lip makes packing and unpacking a total breeze, especially with the electric tailgate available on iconic trim.

#4 Fully equipped

If ever a car disproved the phrase “you get what you pay for”, that car is the Renault 4. You see, not only is it available for a price that is lower than those of its major rivals, but it also offers a vast array of standard equipment in each trim level, and a feeling of quality that is second to none.

For example, the range kicks off with the Evolution trim, which costs from just £26,995. Not bad at all when you discover that it comes with climate control, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry and a heat pump for more efficient warming of the interior in winter.

Moving up to Techno adds adaptive cruise control that keeps you a set distance from the vehicle ahead, front and side parking sensors and a wireless phone charger, while top-spec Iconic brings heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, plus different alloy wheels. Safety kit is all present and correct, too, including a driver-attention monitoring system, automatic emergency braking (AEB), and lane-keeping assistance.

And to top it all off, the Renault 4, along with the rest of the Renault electric range, is now eligible for the new government-funded electric car grant, giving you an additional £1500 towards the cost of your new EV.

Summary

So, should you consider the Renault 4? Well, with impressive real-world range that allows you to go about your daily business (and far beyond) with total peace of mind, pulse-raising driving dynamics that inject a sense of French flair into every drive, a plush, tech-packed cabin that makes every journey safer and more enjoyable, and a generous equipment list, we certainly think so.

The Renault 4 – proof that new’s cool, too.

Discover the Renault 4

^[1] WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes only. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.

 ^[2] Figures quoted are for a new Renault 4 comfort range 52kWh battery with a standard 100 kW DC charger. Charging time may vary depending on charging conditions, including charger type and condition, on-site power usage, battery temperature as well as ambient temperature at point of use, battery age and state of charge, and if battery safeguarding technology is activated. Indicated rapid charging time requires use of a 100kw DC charger, available only on public charger network - visit MyRenault for coverage details.

 ^[3] Google, Google Play, Google Maps, Waze and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC