Renault’s new Renault 4 E-Tech electric takes that nostalgia and gives it a modern, eco-friendly twist. Essentially, it is the Renault 4 we know and love but now with electric power and a green conscience. It seems aimed at people who admire the Renault 5 E-Tech style but need a bit more practicality in their lives. For example, a 420-litre boot that is perfect for family trips, weekend adventures, or hauling pretty much anything you can think of. So, is the Renault 4 just a Renault 5 with a different look? Let’s find out. To compare visit our Renault 5 Blog here.
Performance and Practicality
Under the floor is a 52-kWh battery delivering up to 150 hp. Charging is impressively quick. You can go from 15 percent to 80 percent in around 30 minutes using a 100-kW charger. That gives the Renault 4 an outstanding range of up to 249 miles (WLTP).
It is not just about going the distance. The Renault 4 is seriously practical. The boot offers 420 litres of space, expanding to 1,405 litres with the seats folded, making it perfect for families, shopping sprees, or even that spontaneous road trip.
Timeless Yet Modern Design
The Renault 4 captures the nostalgia of its classic roots while feeling thoroughly modern. Its front end is the real standout, with a distinctive face and a contemporary light signature that makes it instantly recognisable as a Renault, even at night. It feels like Renault is crafting a stronger, more cohesive identity across its electric lineup.
The clearest sign that the Renault 4 is the more practical choice shows from the side. From the front and rear it looks very similar to the Renault 5, but along the profile you really notice where the extra space has been added. There are also some nice nods to the original Renault 4’s design, including the rear quarter window detail, which helps give it that familiar heritage-inspired shape, reimagined in a more modern and refined way.
Interior and Tech That Just Works
You get Renault’s OpenR Link system with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen across the range, and on higher trims you also get Google built in for proper navigation and apps. The best part is how easy it is to use, which is not something you can say about every modern car.
Renault has not buried everything in confusing touch menus, so it still feels like a car you can jump into and just get on with. No tech stress, no endless tapping through screens just to turn the heating down.
The sound system is strong for a standard set up and clearly better than a lot of the basic systems you get in cars like this. It will not rattle your chest, but it will make your commute, podcast, or road trip playlist sound properly decent.
Space and Practicality
This is where the Renault 4 really earns its keep.
The 420-litre boot is easy to use, with a wide opening and low loading height that saves your back when lifting heavier items. There is also underfloor space for charging cables, keeping the main area clear for actual luggage.
Fold the rear seats and capacity rises to 1,405 litres, which is plenty for bikes, DIY runs, flat pack furniture, or a family weekend away without turning packing into a puzzle game.
Inside, there is useful storage up front and a layout that suits everyday driving rather than just looking fancy. Rear space is not huge, but it is roomier than smaller electric superminis, making it a better fit for adults in the back or child seats.
Driving Impressions
How a car feels on the road is always subjective, but the Renault 4 is clearly tuned to feel light and easy rather than big and clumsy. With up to 150hp on offer, it feels at home in town and has enough punch for faster roads, without ever pretending to be a performance car.
Certain versions offer one pedal driving, which smooths things out in traffic and makes stop start journeys less tiring. Driver assistance and cruise features depend on trim level, but the overall focus is to make everyday driving straightforward and stress free.
In the bends, the Renault 4 feels stable and easy to trust. It is not designed to be sporty, just comfortable, predictable and easy to place on the road, which is exactly what many drivers will appreciate.
Range and Charging
For the UK, the Renault 4 is built around a 52kWh battery with an official range of up to 249 miles under WLTP testing.
Real world results will change depending on weather, speed and driving style, but the numbers suggest it fits well into family life. It should cover daily commuting and local trips with ease, while still being capable of longer journeys if you plan your charging stops.
Trims, Pricing and Which to Go For
The line-up is simple, with three versions called evolution, techno and iconic.
Prices in the UK start at £26,995 for evolution, then rise to £28,995 for techno and £30,995 for iconic. Lease offers can bring monthly costs down to roughly £275 per month, depending on the deal.
Techno is likely to be the best all round choice for most buyers, offering a strong mix of useful features without pushing the price too high. Evolution keeps things more basic but still delivers the core Renault 4 experience. Iconic is aimed at those who want extra comfort and tech and are happy to pay for it.
Rivals and Where It Sits
The most obvious alternative sits in the same showroom. The Renault 5 focuses more on style and a smaller footprint, while the Renault 4 adds extra space and a more practical shape.
Against other brands, it lines up with compact electric crossovers that try to balance easy driving with family duties. What helps the Renault 4 stand out is its character and design, plus a boot that is genuinely useful rather than just average for the class.
Verdict
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric delivers on what it sets out to do.
It looks distinctive, fits neatly into Renault’s new electric direction, and brings a level of practicality that the Renault 5 cannot match, helped by its large boot and more usable body shape.
