Review: Renault 4 EV

When Renault’s former CEO announced his plan to reignite the brand’s fortunes by reimagining its former icons, some feared it could be a nostalgic strategic misstep.

Five years on, Luca De Meo’s vision is being realised, first with the reinvented Renault 5 and then the 4 tested here. Growing up in a rural Yorkshire village, my memories of the Renault 4 were of a practical pea green version driven by the local church verger.

The new, fully electric version retains plenty of that practicality but injects a dose of poise and technology that will appeal to a new generation of customer.

Prices start at £26,995 for the “evolution”, rising to £28,995 for the “techno”, with its smarter 18-inch alloys, roof rails, steering wheel-mounted paddles to adjust the regenerative braking effect, adaptive cruise control and two charging ports in the rear.

The £30,995 “iconic” driven here adds heated front seats and steering wheel, a powered boot, adaptive cruise control with an upgraded cabin featuring a synthetic leather dashboard and illuminated 'Renault 4' light panel.

That light panel is nothing compared with the LED illuminated face of all 4s. Its 1.45m-wide glass housing contains the headlights, a glowing LED rim and a backlit Renault logo.

All 4s also feature the same 52kWh battery, claiming a 241-247-mile driving range and a 148bhp power output good for an 8.2 second dash to 62mph.

Unlike in some rivals, a heat pump is also standard, mitigating potential energy losses caused by the climate control.

In our summertime test, the 4 proved good for 210-220 miles from a full charge.

Gone are the once typically French tall spring and spongy rear end of the old Renault 4.

But while Renault’s compact crossover, which counts the Kia EV2, Jeep Avenger and Ford Puma Gen-E among its rivals, is more supple than the 5 hatchback, it still rides with impressive pliancy.

Preserving the load-carrying ability of the original 4’s tall, tall rear end, the new version also serves up a sizeable 420-litre boot.

The success of Renault’s reinvention of its former icons is largely down to its attention to detail.

There is quite a lot of plastic on display in the cabin. The cowling around the 10-inch Google-powered infotainment system and 10-inch instrument display lacks the seamless appeal of the best screen-dominated interiors.

However, that padded dashboard, fabric door cards and stylish herringbone fabric and quilted leather seats look great. Rear leg and headroom are also sufficient for two adults.

The timing of the Renault 4’s rebirth sees it join one of the EV sector’s most hotly contested segments.

However, its competitive price, practicality and retro styling should guarantee that the French carmaker’s so-called “Renaulution plan” continues to gather momentum.

Renault 4 E-Tech iconic

Price: £30,995 Engine: 54kWh battery Power: 148bhp Torque: 245Nm Transmission: single speed Top Speed: 93mph 0-62mph: 8.2 seconds Range: 241-247 miles (WLTP combined) CO2 emissions: 0g/km