Let’s talk about the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, a car that looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a retro photo album but comes with a plug and a hefty dose of modern flair. This isn’t some dusty rehash of a classic; it’s a clever move by Renault to steal your heart with a blend of youthful nostalgia and trendy electric tech. Buckle up, because this little crossover has more up its sleeve than you’d expect at first glance.
The Renault 4, or the “R4” as the French fondly call it, is back, and boy, is it making a statement! At 4.14 meters long, it slots neatly between the Clio and the Captur, but with an attitude that screams, “I’m here to have fun.” The design is a cheeky nod to the original R4, which sold over eight million units, making it Renault’s all-time bestseller. Think round headlights, skinny tires, ribbed flanks, and roof rails that look ready to carry a surfboard. It’s tough yet oddly cute, like a bulldog given a makeover by a hipster barista. And that pearlescent Hauts-de-France green paint? It’s a tribute to the Maubeuge factory where this car is proudly assembled with French flair. Made in Europe, complete with tiny French flags to prove it. Patriotism on wheels, and I’m all for it.
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor, since this is an EV—lies the AmpR Small platform, the same one powering the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, but with a slightly longer 2.6-meter wheelbase for extra room. You’ve got two flavors to choose from: the Urban Range with 120 hp and a 40 kWh battery for about 300 km of range, or the Comfort Range with 150 hp and a 54 kWh battery that pushes you toward 400 km. Not exactly Tesla numbers, let’s be real—this is a city car, not a transcontinental cruiser. Fast charging up to 100 kW means you’re back at 80% in half an hour, just enough time to grab a croissant and an espresso.
The interior is where the Renault 4 really flexes its muscles. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a retro-modern cockpit that feels like it was designed by someone who’s watched too many French arthouse films. The OpenR Link infotainment system with Google integration is lightning-fast and user-friendly, and the digital assistant, Reno, tries to be your best mate. Truth be told, after a few minutes of chatting with this ChatGPT wannabe, I was craving the silence of a monastery. Thankfully, you can switch it off. The boot offers 420 liters of space, and with the rear seats and passenger seat folded, you can haul items up to 2.2 meters long—perfect for lugging a vintage ladder to your trendy loft. A 10.8-meter turning circle makes city parking a breeze, even if your parking skills are on par with a tipsy penguin.
Driving the Renault 4 is a hoot. The suspension is quintessentially French: soft, comfy, and forgiving of potholes, though it can stumble over a particularly ambitious speed bump. It’s no sports car—let’s get that straight—but the steering is surprisingly sharp, and the one-pedal mode (a first for Renault) lets you glide through traffic smoothly. You can even tweak the regeneration with steering wheel paddles, which feels a bit like playing a video game. The 150 hp version has enough pep to put a grin on your face, but it’s the overall charm that really hooks you. It’s like a good glass of wine: not overwhelming, just right.
It’s not all perfect, though. The Renault 4 lacks a bit of the playful spark of its smaller sibling, the R5. That one’s got a mischievous twinkle in its headlights, while the R4 feels like the serious older brother trying to impress the family. And while the range is decent, it’ll likely shrink like a cashmere sweater in a hot wash come winter. But let’s not nitpick: for a compact crossover that looks like it rolled out of a ‘60s scrapbook, this Renault does a cracking job.
With 670 personalization options and trim levels like Jogging, Techno, and Iconic, you can make this car as unique as your Spotify playlist. Want more grip? Go for the Extended Grip upgrade with M+S tires and extra drive modes like Snow and All-Terrain. It’s not a proper off-roader, but it can handle a muddy path without throwing a tantrum.
In short, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a car you buy with your heart, not your head. It blends nostalgia with modern tech in a way that makes you smile, even if it’s not flawless. It’s for people who love a good story, a dash of quirkiness, and a hefty dose of French character. And honestly? In a world full of dull SUVs, that’s exactly what we need.
Fallen head over heels for this retro EV? Head to our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/ to find the car that makes your heart race. Who knows, you might soon be cruising in your own slice of French nostalgia.
