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CONS ›› Limited freeway vary, minor ergonomic quirks
One would suppose that Europe has sufficient small SUVs to fulfill the rising demand, however each occasionally, a brand new addition to the phase proves there’s all the time room for yet another. A becoming instance is the Renault 4 E-Tech, an EV-only various to the Clio-based Captur with a retro-modern design and Renault 5 E-Tech underpinnings.
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A couple of months after we drove the R5 hatchback, we acquired the keys to the R4 crossover which – not like what the numbers could counsel – is a bigger and extra sensible providing.
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Our press automotive is the mid-spec Techno trim, slotting proper in between the entry-level Evolution and the flagship Iconic. Besides the usual Renault 4 E-Tech, the corporate can also be providing a Plein Sud variant with a retractable cloth high creating an open-air feeling.
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QUICK FACTS
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But let’s begin with the fundamentals. The authentic R4 was launched in 1961 as the primary front-wheel-drive passenger automotive by Renault. The 4L was designed to serve households and staff, and ended up promoting 8.13 million models over its 33-year manufacturing run, changing into one of the vital profitable French automobiles in historical past.
Modern Revival With A Twist
Fast ahead to the current, Renault has infused the spirit of the traditional property/hatchback into a contemporary electrical crossover. The manufacturing model debuted in 2025, following the rugged Renault 4ever Trophy idea from 2022.
Of course, 64 years of evolution introduced huge modifications to the expertise and the footprint, with the R4 E-Tech being nearly half a meter longer in comparison with its predecessor. Still, the EV stays on the smaller facet of Europe’s B-SUV phase measuring 4,144 mm (163.2 in) lengthy. When in comparison with the R5, the R4 is 222 mm (8.7 in) longer, with 84 mm (3.3 in) of the additional size between the axles.
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Photos and Videos: Thanos Pappas/Carscoops
Despite the bump in dimensions and the leap into crossover territory, Renault designers managed to seamlessly combine a number of styling references to the unique. The R4 may not be as engaging because the R5, nevertheless it nonetheless turns heads on the street because of its retro but contemporary look.
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Highlights embrace the tastefully illuminated grille integrating the semi-circular LED headlights, the protecting cladding on the bumpers, the squared-off wheel arches, the sculpted traces on the profile, and the signature greenhouse. The pill-shaped LED taillights and black roof are harking back to the previous-gen Mini Countryman, however a few of these options have been taken from the traditional 4L.
Modern Interior Design
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Moving inside, the dashboard and and digital cockpit are carried over from the Renault 5 E-Tech. While the higher and decrease sections are dominated by exhausting plastics, the material inserts on the dashboard and the door playing cards assist enhance the perceived high quality.
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The 10.1-inch infotainment show sits proper in your face, however fortunately there’s an influence button so you possibly can change it off while you’re driving at night time. The Google-powered OpenR software program is straightforward to make use of and responsive, though I did encounter a couple of Android Auto bugs throughout my time with it. The “Reno” AI assistant can also be a bit annoying, popping up at random occasions.
Minor ergonomic points embrace the amount buttons that are mounted on the highest of the display, although there’s a devoted media stalk behind the steering wheel. Another factor that wants time to get used to is the place of the column-mounted gear selector, making a stalk-heavy setup. On the intense facet, the bodily controls on the middle console are an exquisite contact, providing you with rapid entry to the local weather settings.
Space And Equipment
The actual benefit of the R4 over the R5 lies in passenger lodging because of the longer wheelbase and the taller roofline. Rear-seat headroom is beneficiant and knee room is satisfactory, whereas the rear bench can accommodate three adults for brief journeys.
The 420 lt (14.8 cubic ft) boot is massive sufficient for a automobile of its measurement, though it might be good to have a devoted compartment for the charging cables for the reason that electrical motor occupies the entire house below the hood.
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I used to be additionally impressed with the usual tools. Our mid-spec Techno trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, the digital cockpit, a six speaker audio system, a wi-fi charging pad, 4 USB-C retailers, auto local weather management, a hands-free tailgate, auto-folding mirrors, Multi-Sense drive modes, and a complete ADAS suite with auto parking.
The solely motive to improve to the flagship Iconic is that if you actually need the heated steering wheel and heated seats with a massaging perform for the driving force and artificial leather-based upholstery. And the one vital omission from total lineup is rear local weather vents, though that is widespread amongst B-SUVs.
Superb Road Manners
Believe it or not, the best power of the R4 E-Tech is the way it drives. The EV-dedicated AmpR Small structure is much more subtle than its measurement suggests. The very good suspension setup with an ordinary multi-link rear axle is barely barely softer than the R5, sufficient to make it a bit extra snug with out loosing its sharpness.
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On B-roads, the R4 drives like extra like a hatchback than a crossover, preserving its composure within the corners with nearly no physique roll. At full throttle and in slippery circumstances the FWD setup would possibly wrestle to place the facility on the street, inflicting torque steer. The steering may not be as communicative as within the Ford Puma, however it’s fast and direct. In the Sport mode, it will get a barely extra weighted really feel, making the driving expertise extra pleasurable than your common EV.
At the identical time, the R4 affords a refined and quiet trip on the freeway, whereas being zippy and agile in city environments. Thankfully, Renault listened to our suggestions and added a One Pedal drive perform making life simpler in on a regular basis visitors.
Our press automotive featured the flagship powertrain with a front-mounted electrical motor producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.2 seconds.
In actuality, the R4 feels so much quicker than the quantity suggests, particularly inside the 40-120 km/h (25-75 mph) threshold. The Sport mode unlocks full energy, the Comfort is barely smoother in its response, whereas the Eco considerably limits the output for the sake of effectivity making it good for town.
In phrases of vary, the R4 E-Tech with the 52 kWh battery can simply exceed 400 km (250 miles) in suburban and metropolis visitors, that means that the typical driver might be charging it much less typically than as soon as per week. However, if you’re continually driving at freeway speeds, real-world vary drops nearer to 250-280 km (155-186 miles). Thankfully, the battery can replenish 15-80% of its power in roughly half an hour when related to a 100 kW DC charger. In my case, I solely needed to cease for 10-Quarter-hour to finish a 260 km (160-mile) journey.
For patrons searching for a lower cost level, Renault additionally affords a less expensive model with a 40 kWh battery providing a 310 km (193 mile) vary, and a 118 hp (88 kW / 120 PS) electrical motor. By the tip of the yr, the lineup will develop additional with an entry-level Jogging variant that includes a fair smaller 37 kWh battery, 305 km (190 miles) of vary, and an 107 hp (80 kW / 110 PS) electrical motor.
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Still, based mostly on my expertise with the 52 kWh battery, I wouldn’t suggest choosing the smaller models when you intend to make use of the R4 as a household hauler or outdoors town partitions. Fortunately, the 2027 mannequin yr updates have elevated the vary of the flagship variant to 415 km (256 miles). Overall, I imagine that the R4 would nonetheless profit from the addition of a longer-range battery choice later within the product cycle.
As for a possible dual-motor AWD choice just like the one provided by the rival Kia EV3, it might definitely make the R4 extra appropriate for all-weather adventures, though there’s no indication there’ll ever be one. After all, even the bigger Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech EVs are completely out there with FWD setups regardless of driving on the AWD-compatible AmpR Medium structure.
Pricing And Rivals
We examined the Renault 4 E-Tech in Greece, the place it’s priced from €28,900 ($32,400) for the bottom 40 kWh Evolution 120 PS mannequin – dropping to as little as €24,400 ($27,300) while you account for the native EV subsidies and scrappage profit. This is barely €2,000 ($2,200) costlier than the smaller Renault 5 E-Tech hatchback with the identical powertrain, making it a superb deal.
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Stepping as much as the bigger 52 kWh battery with 150 PS brings the entry level to €33,500 ($37,500) earlier than subsidies for the Evolution trim. Our mid-spec Techno retains at €35,500 ($39,800), whereas the flagship Iconic tops out at €37,500 ($42,000). Finally, the Plein Sud canvas roof provides a €1,200 ($1,300) premium.
Key rivals within the crowded subcompact electrical SUV phase embrace the Peugeot E-2008, Ford Puma Gen-E, Kia EV2 and EV3, Jeep Avenger Electric, Mini Aceman, Fiat 600e, in addition to the budget-conscious and family-friendly Citroën ë-C3 Aircross.
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Besides EVs, the mannequin can also be dealing with competitors from quite a few well-established hybrid and ICE options just like the super-popular Toyota Yaris Cross and the Dacia Duster. Another choice is Renault Captur sibling which begins from as little as €20,900 ($23,400) for the most cost effective LPG/gasoline model and from €24,500 ($27,500) for the self-charging hybrid.
Verdict
The Renault 4 E-Tech does an awesome job in increasing the attraction of the closely-related R5 hatchback by including real day-to-day practicality with out sacrificing a lot of its fun-to-drive character. While a longer-range battery choice would have made it much more fascinating, it already stands out as one of the vital full subcompact electrical crossovers.
The mixture of eye-catching appears with a beneficiant tools, and an excellent chassis setup for the requirements of the phase, makes the R4 E-Tech a compelling case for being the perfect mainstream retro EV available on the market. Too dangerous it’s availability is at present restricted to Europe and the UK.
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