Renault’s line-up has expanded significantly in recent years, becoming broader and more articulated. Yet amid all these developments, the wave of “nostalgia” that began with the R5 continues with the Renault 4 E-Tech. Although it shares almost everything with its smaller sibling, in some respects it feels like a more mature and versatile model.
Renault 4 E-Tech: our tops & flops
Yes, the platform is still the AmpR Small, shared with the Renault 5 (test drive here) and the Alpine A290 (test drive here), but the philosophy behind this model—much like its design—draws directly from the original R4: combining relatively compact dimensions with outstanding practicality. Now reinterpreted as a crossover, it continues to embody that spirit. With a longer wheelbase than the Renault 5, the R4 guarantees solid rear-seat space and, above all, a generous boot capacity, making it potentially well suited even for longer journeys. I say “potentially” because there is a shortcoming we’ll address shortly.
The configuration mirrors that of the R5. Here we have a front-mounted 150 hp motor paired with a 52 kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of 400 km. Interestingly, it manages slightly better efficiency than its smaller sister. Build quality is very good, and it benefits from the OpenR Link system based on Android. On the road, it is genuinely pleasant to drive, with chassis tuning designed to provide almost immediate steering response and smooth ride comfort, although the brakes can feel somewhat abrupt.
So why only “potentially” suited to longer trips? Because compared to its main rivals, there is no Long Range version available. A 400 km range—while realistic—is limited by today’s standards, especially when competitors at a similar or slightly higher price point offer more. And that is, ultimately, its biggest flaw.
Prices in Scandinavia
A Proper Reimagining
More than three decades after the original model disappeared from showrooms, the new Renault 4 honors its heritage by positioning itself as an unpretentious, versatile vehicle. At 4.14 meters long, it sits comfortably between the smaller Renault 5 and the larger Clio, placing it squarely in the B-segment crossover category alongside rivals like the Alfa Romeo Junior, Fiat 600, and Jeep Avenger.
The proportions tell the story: the Renault 4 gains 22 cm on the Renault 5 in length, stands 5 cm taller, stretches 4 cm wider, and stretches its wheelbase by 8 cm. This additional space translates into practical benefits—most notably a commanding 18 cm ground clearance and a flat cabin floor that makes rear seating genuinely hospitable for three passengers.
The exterior design subtly nods to the original R4’s rusticity without resorting to overt retro-pastiche. Circular headlights and vertically stacked taillights echo the predecessor’s honest simplicity, while the side profile remains the most recognizable element. That generous ground clearance reflects the original’s ability to handle rough roads, a capability maintained for navigating less-than-perfect surfaces and avoiding parking lot curbs.
Interior are good, personal and practical as promised
Inside, the multi-level dashboard balances practicality with style. A fabric-covered central section in some trims orients the infotainment screen and controls toward the driver—a considerate touch. The seats feature distinctive denim-effect upholstery, while a motorized fabric roof that opens accordion-style adds a playful dimension to the cabin experience.
Higher trims introduce houndstooth patterning with yellow stitching and laser-etched, back-lit “Renault 4” badging. Under the hood, Google Automotive powers the infotainment system, delivering a smartphone-familiar interface that integrates Google’s apps and services seamlessly.
The 420-liter cargo hold benefits from a lowered loading sill and adequate room for practical daily use—impressive considering the vehicle’s compact external dimensions.
Really fun to drive, but range…
Built on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5, the new R4 is exclusively electric. Two powertrain options are available: a 120 CV motor paired with a 40 kWh battery (308 km WLTP range) or a 150 CV motor with a 52 kWh battery (408 km WLTP range). Both feature front-wheel drive.
The engineering deserves praise. A multi-link rear suspension—more sophisticated than typical for the class—combines with direct steering ratios that wouldn’t feel out of place in sportier vehicles. The brakes are responsive, aided by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that modulate regenerative braking intensity, encouraging spirited driving through twisty roads.
This represents a substantial departure from the original’s comfort-first suspension tuning, yet the new R4 maintains everyday practicality while delivering genuine driving enjoyment. The more precise handling allows the car to dance in the curves without sacrificing its core identity as a relaxed, accessible daily driver.
However, some control placement choices feel dated. The windscreen wiper lever sits perilously close to the transmission selector, inviting accidental activation during reversing maneuvers. The unconventional park brake system—which requires shifting to neutral and engaging the electric parking brake manually or allowing the car to do it automatically when the door opens—demands a learning curve that shouldn’t be necessary in 2026.
