The Renault 4 Might Be The Best Retro EV Out There | Review

PROS ›› Styling, handling, equipment
CONS ›› Limited highway range, minor ergonomic quirks

One would think that Europe has enough small SUVs to satisfy the growing demand, but every once in a while, a new addition to the segment proves there’s always room for one more. A fitting example is the Renault 4 E-Tech, an EV-only alternative to the Clio-based Captur with a retro-modern design and Renault 5 E-Tech underpinnings.

A few months after we drove the R5 hatchback, we got the keys to the R4 crossover which – unlike what the numbers may suggest – is a larger and more practical offering.

Review: The Fun 2026 Renault 5 EV America Will Never Get To Buy

Our press car is the mid-spec Techno trim, slotting right in between the entry-level Evolution and the flagship Iconic. Besides the standard Renault 4 E-Tech, the company is also offering a Plein Sud variant with a retractable fabric top creating an open-air feeling.

QUICK FACTS › ModelRenault 4 E-Tech› PowertrainSingle Electric Motor (FWD)› Output148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) › Torque245 Nm (180 lb-ft)› 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)8.2 seconds*› Top Speed150 km/h (93 mph)*› Battery52 kWh Lithium-ion› Range (WLTP)415 km (258 miles)› Dimensions163.2 in L x 70.9 in W x 61.9 in H (4,144 x 1,800 x 1,572 mm)› Wheelbase103.3 in (2,624 mm)› Boot Capacity420 lt (14.8 cubic feet)› Curb Weight1,462 kg (3,223 lbs)*› Price (Greece)from €33,500 ($37,500) SWIPE

*Manufacturer

But let’s start with the basics. The original R4 was introduced in 1961 as the first front-wheel-drive passenger car by Renault. The 4L was designed to serve families and workers, and ended up selling 8.13 million units over its 33-year production run, becoming one of the most successful French vehicles in history.

Modern Revival With A Twist

Fast forward to the present, Renault has infused the spirit of the classic estate/hatchback into a modern electric crossover. The production version debuted in 2025, following the rugged Renault 4ever Trophy concept from 2022.

Of course, 64 years of evolution brought big changes to the technology and the footprint, with the R4 E-Tech being almost half a meter longer compared to its predecessor. Still, the EV remains on the smaller side of Europe’s B-SUV segment measuring 4,144 mm (163.2 in) long. When compared to the R5, the R4 is 222 mm (8.7 in) longer, with 84 mm (3.3 in) of the extra length between the axles.

Photos and Videos: Thanos Pappas/Carscoops

Despite the bump in dimensions and the jump into crossover territory, Renault designers managed to seamlessly integrate multiple styling references to the original. The R4 might not be as attractive as the R5, but it still turns heads on the road thanks to its retro yet fresh appearance.

More: Renault’s R4 Concept Just Became A Beach Buggy That Moonlights As A Pickup

Highlights include the tastefully illuminated grille integrating the semi-circular LED headlights, the protective cladding on the bumpers, the squared-off wheel arches, the sculpted lines on the profile, and the signature greenhouse. The pill-shaped LED taillights and black roof are reminiscent of the previous-gen Mini Countryman, but some of these features were taken from the classic 4L.

Modern Interior Design

Moving inside, the dashboard and and digital cockpit are carried over from the Renault 5 E-Tech. While the upper and lower sections are dominated by hard plastics, the fabric inserts on the dashboard and the door cards help improve the perceived quality.

Review: The 2026 Renault Austral Facelift Is Polished, But It Has A BMW-Sized Problem

The 10.1-inch infotainment display sits right in your face, but thankfully there’s a power button so you can switch it off when you’re driving at night. The Google-powered OpenR software is easy to use and responsive, although I did encounter a few Android Auto bugs during my time with it. The “Reno” AI assistant is also a bit annoying, popping up at random times.

Minor ergonomic issues include the volume buttons which are mounted on the top of the screen, even though there is a dedicated media stalk behind the steering wheel. Another thing that needs time to get used to is the position of the column-mounted gear selector, creating a stalk-heavy setup. On the bright side, the physical controls on the center console are a wonderful touch, giving you immediate access to the climate settings.

Space And Equipment

The real advantage of the R4 over the R5 lies in passenger accommodation thanks to the longer wheelbase and the taller roofline. Rear-seat headroom is generous and knee room is adequate, while the rear bench can accommodate three adults for short trips.

The 420 lt (14.8 cubic feet) boot is large enough for a vehicle of its size, although it would be nice to have a dedicated compartment for the charging cables since the electric motor occupies all of the space under the hood.

More: Renault’s E-Space Concept Reboots A Minivan Icon

I was also impressed with the standard equipment. Our mid-spec Techno trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, the digital cockpit, a six speaker audio system, a wireless charging pad, four USB-C outlets, auto climate control, a hands-free tailgate, auto-folding mirrors, Multi-Sense drive modes, and a comprehensive ADAS suite with auto parking.

The only reason to upgrade to the flagship Iconic is if you really need the heated steering wheel and heated seats with a massaging function for the driver and synthetic leather upholstery. And the only important omission from entire lineup is rear climate vents, although this is common amongst B-SUVs.

Superb Road Manners

Believe it or not, the greatest strength of the R4 E-Tech is how it drives. The EV-dedicated AmpR Small architecture is a lot more sophisticated than its size suggests. The superb suspension setup with a standard multi-link rear axle is only slightly softer than the R5, enough to make it a bit more comfortable without loosing its sharpness.

More: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/10/nissan-pixo-renault-twingo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target=

Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.