All-new Renault 4: family classic revived as a nostalgic electric SUV

• All-new small electric SUV
• Range of up to 249 miles
• Expected to cost from around £26,000

While the new Renault 5 supermini has been grabbing headlines this year, it now has a bigger, more practical sibling to share the spotlight with – the new Renault 4. It continues the same retro-inspired theme introduced with the 5, but applies it to a trendy small SUV shape inspired by the original Renault 4 of the 1960s.

The new Renault 4 has a serious task on its hands if it’s to rise to the top of the family EV class. Models like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30 have impressed across the board, while the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda packs equally retro styling, so the 4 will need more than just charming looks if it’s to succeed on our shores. A focus on affordability, with an estimated starting price of just £26,000, could be enough to win buyers over when the Renault 4 arrives in spring next year.

What does the Renault 4 look like?

‘Retro-futuristic’ is the name of the game in the Renault design department at the moment. If the Renault 5 set the tone, then the 4 has doubled down, unashamedly leaning on the cute-yet-boxy design of the original R4 of the 1960s. The round headlights are framed by an illuminated grille outline, harking back to the face of the original but updated with modern graphics and LED tech.

22

There are other nods to the past, too. The rear quarter windows share the same distinctive trapezoidal shape as before, while the pill-shaped tail-lights sit on a sloping rear tailgate in much the same fashion as the ‘60’s R4. Of course, all of those details are applied to a much larger SUV body, as previewed by the 4EVER Trophy concept, but the general proportions have stayed true to the source material.

Compared to the Renault 5, the 4 is 220mm longer, providing more space for rear-seat passengers and for a larger boot, measuring 420 litres or 1,400 litres with the seats folded. Perhaps a better comparison would be Renault’s other small SUV, the petrol-powered Captur. The 4 is around 90mm longer than that model and sits slightly higher off the ground, despite the two sharing the same overall height.

What about the Renault 4’s interior?

The Renault 4’s cabin has been pretty much lifted wholesale from the Renault 5, at least up front. There’s the same pair of displays seated within a large rectangular housing, one for driving information and the other for infotainment. There are some handy shortcut buttons for the climate controls, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are present as expected.

22

Having sat in the driver’s seat, the soft textiles used for the seats, doors and dashboard all feel high quality and we could only find scratchy plastics if we went deliberately searching for them. There are a handful of small storage cubbies dotted around, although you won’t squeeze much into the compartment between the two front seats beyond a phone or a wallet. At least the Renault 5’s detachable baguette holder has found its way into the 4.

What are the Renault 4’s important specs and details?

It’s little surprise to learn that the Renault 4 shares much of its EV gubbins with the 5 – including its electric motors and batteries – given that the two cars both use Renault’s AmpR Small platform. Entry-level cars will come with a 40kWh ‘Urban’ battery and a 118bhp front-mounted motor capable of delivering over 186 miles of range.

Those who fancy travelling further afield can upgrade to ‘Comfort’ specification. This nets you a bigger 52kWh battery and 148bhp motor, with range increasing to a WLTP-tested 249 miles. Performance will be nippier, too, thanks to that upgraded motor, with Renault quoting a 0-62mph time of under 8.5 seconds. Both batteries can be topped up from 15-80% in 30 minutes, according to Renault, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities are baked in.

How much does the Renault 4 cost and when can I buy one?

There’s still no word on UK pricing for the Renault 4 yet, but Renault has confirmed that it will sit between the 5 and the Megane E-Tech. That would suggest a starting price in the region of £26,000, with Comfort spec cars likely to cost a couple thousand more. Renault’s usual three trim levels Evolution, Techno and Iconic will be offered, each packing more kit than the last. You can expect a bright palette of single and dual-tone paint colours, while there’s even an optional retractable fabric roof.

More information will be revealed prior to UK order books opening in Spring 2025. 

Find out everything you need to know about the Renault 4’s sibling, the Renault 5…