Renault 4 E-Tech (2025 - ) review

While Renault has yet to confirm exact UK pricing and specifications, it has promised the R4 will be very competitively priced, so it will likely start at around £27,000 to undercut rivals such as the Fiat 600e and the Mini Aceman. The combination of range and standard equipment makes the R4 look very good value indeed, particularly as all trims should sit comfortably below the ‘expensive car supplement’ threshold for VED which now applies to electric cars. For those lucky enough to have a driveway and the ability to charge at home, the R4 should cost very little to run. Plus, company car buyers will also gain the Benefit In Kind advantages by going fully electric.

The original R4 was full of rugged charm and Renault claims this new 4 is still a go everywhere car for everyone. However, this it is very much a road car so it won’t take kindly to any hardcore off-roading. When it comes to reliability Renault hasn’t historically had the best reputation, but things have improved in recent years and its electric cars have generally fared well. The R4 shares the same battery and motor with the new R5, but both cars are too new to give us a definitive view of reliability. However, the battery comes with its own eight-year warranty and the rest of the car gets a two-year unlimited mileage warranty followed by a third year capped at 100,000 miles.

The R4 comes with all the safety features you’d expect, though you’ll have to pick the highest-grade car to get the full gamut of 26 advanced driver assistance systems. That said, you will get things like lane keeping assistance, speed limit warnings, a speed limiter and driver attention monitoring on even the entry-level car. Meanwhile, the top of the range model gains extras such as adaptive cruise control with steering assistance and blind spot monitoring which will also alert you to oncoming traffic while reversing. Some features are more helpful than others and Renault has included a handy ‘My Safety’ switch enabling you to quickly switch to your preconfigured preferences with a simple double click. Should the worst happen, all Renaults have a QR code which can be scanned by emergency services to gain information about accessing the car and additionally, electric models have a ‘Fireman Access’ feature for quick access to extinguish a fire in a damaged battery.

The interior of the R4 looks almost identical to the R5, barring the unique graphics in the shape of a four. However, to differentiate between the models Renault has added more padding into the seats of the R4 and tweaked the suspension for comfort. While we haven’t had a chance to experience this on British roads yet, our test drive in Portugal suggested the car copes well with uneven surfaces and, though some wind and road noise creeps in as you get up to motorway speeds, the seats felt suitably squidgy yet supportive. Rear passengers will appreciate the extra legroom compared to the R5, and there’s about the amount of space you’d expect in a car of this size. Another obvious difference between the two reborn icons is the boot. The R4 is larger and has a lower opening with a flat floor helping to make loading easier with additional space in an underneath compartment. However, it’s worth noting if you upgrade the sound system you’ll lose this. Regardless, there’s also a selection of hooks and straps to secure items adding practicality. We love the funky interior design and the R4 is expected to follow the same trim hierarchy as the R5 with three levels – Evolution, Techno and Iconic – each using their own combination of upholstery materials.

The design of the R4 features plenty of nods to the original car such as the shape of the rear lights and the front grille with illuminated surround and central Renault logo on higher grade models. The canvas ‘plein sud’ roof is a standout feature, though disappointingly it will be a cost option reserved for higher-grade models, and it won’t be available from launch. We’ve not yet driven one yet, but we did have a static demo, and we reckon it’ll be worth the wait. The roof folds back like a giant sunroof extending the full width and length of the car, without impeding headroom or obscuring rear visibility. Exact specification will be announced in due course, but we expect all cars to come with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a heat pump helping to improve efficiency in cold weather. Moving up a trim level with get you all around parking sensors, Renault’s signature Google-powered infotainment and wireless phone charging. Only top of the range models are likely to get heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though, which feels a little stingy.

The R4 has just one power option and uses the same 52kWh battery with 150 horsepower motor available on the R5. This has an official range of up to 247 miles and during our test route our car was suggesting it could do well over 200 miles, though we were on slower roads in the Portuguese sun. Renault is experienced in making electric cars which is evident by the smooth and consistent way the R4 delivers its power. It’s not fast, but it is perfectly zippy around town and has no trouble keeping up with motorway traffic. You have the option of four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and configurable Perso – which vary the level of responsiveness without changing the car’s driving feel. From Techno trim upwards the R4 comes with paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking and for the first time Renault has included a ‘one-pedal’ setting. We liked how easy it was to switch through the different levels and were impressed by how gently it brought us to a stop just by easing off the accelerator in ‘one-pedal’ mode. Overall, the R4 is accomplished and easy to drive providing substance to match its unique style.