New Renault 4 E-Tech Revealed: Retro Looks, Modern EV Power – Worth the Hype?

The Renault 4 E-Tech has officially arrived, and it is stepping into some big shoes. Not only is it following the buzz surrounding the Renault 5, but it is also carrying the legacy of the original Renault 4—a vehicle that managed to rack up over 8 million units sold worldwide across more than four decades. That is not just a sales figure; it is a deep-rooted piece of French automotive culture. Now, Renault has the challenge of capturing that same spirit and injecting it into a modern, fully electric crossover.

At first glance, the new Renault 4 E-Tech has done its homework. Under the skin, it shares the same platform and powertrain as the Renault 5, but it gets a bit more space thanks to a longer wheelbase. It measures 4.14 meters in length, which makes it roughly 12 centimeters longer than its sibling. Available exclusively as an electric vehicle, there is no hybrid version in sight.

Powering the Renault 4 is a 52 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt battery. This setup delivers an estimated range between 241 and 247 miles based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. While that is respectable, actual mileage will depend heavily on your chosen trim and wheel size. A smaller 40 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery has been confirmed for Europe, but sadly, it will not be offered in the United Kingdom. That is a bit of a letdown for city drivers who prefer affordable, shorter-range electric vehicles that are both environmentally friendly and practical for daily life.

Charging performance is strong. Rapid charging tops out at 100 kilowatts, allowing a 10 to 80 percent recharge in about 35 to 40 minutes. Every Renault 4 E-Tech also includes vehicle-to-load functionality as standard. This means you can plug in small appliances—like a kettle on a camping trip—using the car’s battery. That is a nifty little feature that gives the 4 added versatility.

Cold weather support comes in the form of a standard heat pump, which boosts efficiency when the temperatures drop. During warm-weather testing, the car comfortably achieved 240 miles on a single charge. However, expect that number to fall to about 200 miles if you are cruising at highway speeds. Real-world range should realistically fall between 160 and 240 miles, depending on how and where you drive.

When it comes to practicality, the Renault 4 makes a strong case for itself. The boot offers 420 liters of space, including a 55-liter underfloor compartment ideal for stowing charging cables—unless you opt for the Harman Kardon sound system, which uses up that space. The loading lip is low, and the boot opening is wide, making it easier to load larger items. It is more usable than what you get in competitors like the Fiat 600e or Jeep Avenger, although the Ford Puma Gen-E still holds the edge for overall cargo volume. Unfortunately, the Renault 4 does not offer a front trunk.

Rear passenger space is where the Renault 4 gets a bit of mixed reviews. It is suitable for average-height adults, but tall passengers might feel cramped due to limited legroom and the lack of foot space under the front seats. There is no center armrest in the back, but you do get USB-C ports to keep devices charged, which will score points with families. One quirk to watch out for: the rear door’s roofline is quite low, making it easy to bump your head while getting in.

The Renault 4’s rear seating is fine by compact electric crossover standards, but it is not leading the pack. Alternatives like the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and Ford Puma Gen-E offer more generous legroom in the back. That said, if you are hauling child seats or have teenagers, it is worth trying the back seats at the dealership before making your decision.

Up front, things are much more appealing. The cabin is cheerful, practical, and thoughtfully designed. The seats are supportive and include electric lumbar adjustment, which came in handy during longer drives. The dashboard mirrors that of the Renault 5, and it is packed with charming details—from the “4” logos in the storage bins to the recycled fabric choices used on most trims. It feels far more engaging and better put together than interiors in similarly priced rivals like the Vauxhall Mokka-e or MG4.

Technology is another high point. All Renault 4 models come with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with built-in Google Maps, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The physical climate control knobs are a welcome inclusion, and the ability to dim the screen using dedicated buttons (instead of digging through menus) is a small touch that makes a big difference during nighttime driving.

The base “Evolution” trim gets a 7-inch digital driver display, but most will likely opt for higher trims, which come with a 10-inch version. It is easy to read and user-friendly. If we are nitpicking, the turn signal click sound is a bit too loud. And the gear selector’s placement on the steering column—right next to the indicator stalk—feels a bit cluttered.

Customization is another strong point. Just like the Renault 5, the Renault 4 will offer a variety of color choices, trims, wheel designs, and even 3D-printed accessories to personalize your ride.

At launch, the Renault 4 is available only as a front-wheel drive model powered by a 148 horsepower electric motor. It feels nimble and responsive with well-balanced steering, intuitive pedal modulation, and just enough zip to make it fun. Ride quality is firm but never uncomfortable, though you will feel the bigger bumps. Compared to the Renault 5, the 4 has slightly softer suspension due to its higher ride height, but it still handles corners well and remains composed on twisty roads. It is not as cushy as the Citroen e-C3 Aircross, but it is definitely more entertaining to drive.

One new feature on the Renault 4 is its regenerative braking system. Mid-spec and above models include paddle shifters that allow you to adjust between three levels of regeneration, including a full one-pedal driving mode. This makes city driving smoother and more energy-efficient, and the system feels natural and easy to adapt to—much like the systems found in electric cars from Hyundai and Kia.

Pricing for the Renault 4 E-Tech is expected to begin at around £27,000 and go up to about £32,000 for the highest trims. That positions it competitively against rivals in the small electric crossover segment. Resale values are expected to hold up well based on Renault’s recent performance.

While full equipment lists for the United Kingdom have not been confirmed, we expect a similar lineup to the Renault 5. That means even the entry-level version should include 18-inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera. The mid-level Techno trim brings extra features like the illuminated grille and adaptive cruise control. If you want heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and blind spot monitoring, you will need to step up to the top-tier Iconic model.

The warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles for the vehicle and eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery. That is competitive, though not class-leading—Kia, Hyundai, MG, and Peugeot offer longer standard warranties.

Running costs should be manageable. A full home charge will cost around £13 on a typical domestic energy plan, but smart tariff switching can cut that cost significantly. For urban drivers, that can make a real impact on monthly bills.

At the end of the day, the Renault 4 E-Tech brings together solid technology, real-world practicality, and just enough personality to make it stand out in a crowded electric crossover field. It may not offer the same instant charm or design flair as the Renault 5, but it is a strong, lovable all-rounder. If Renault can make heated seats more accessible in mid-level trims, they might just have a serious hit on their hands.