Should you buy a Renault 4 E-Tech?

Without a shadow of doubt, you should have a Renault 4 E-Tech right at the top of your shopping list if you want a small electric SUV. Renault has catapulted itself right to the top of the small electric car class with this practical, good-to-drive and nicely affordable retro-themed SUV. 

Not content with producing one of the hottest new superminis out there, Renault has now produced a compact retro-inspired SUV to partner the impressive Renault 5 E-Tech. It’s a bit longer, a bit taller, and a whole heap more practical. It’s also good to drive. Performance is plentiful for this type of car, with brisk but not overwhelming acceleration and a real-world driving range of around 200 miles during the summer. It also handles tidily with a satisfying feel to the controls, making it enjoyable to drive, if not the sportiest thing in the class.  

We were hoping it would be a bit more absorbent of bumps and craters, although that’s not to say the 4 is uncomfortable, it’s just a Citroen e-C3 Aircross is suppler still and has a bit more rear legroom for good measure.   

What’s new? 

Renault has looked to its past once again for its new electric car, taking inspiration from the bestselling and tactile Renault 4 produced from 1961 until 1994. Called the Renault 4 E-Tech, it uses the 5’s platform but wrapped in the body of a small SUV for some extra breathing room. It’s available only with the larger 52kWh battery found in the 5 and a 150hp motor. 

The entry-level Evolution will cost from £26,995, substantially undercutting rivals including the car to beat, the excellent and larger Kia EV3. It’s not that much more than a Renault 5, a Techno 5 with the larger battery is the same price as an entry-level 4. Despite being the entry-level, equipment levels are reasonable with a standard-issue heat pump, wireless smartphone mirroring, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and keyless entry.  

An extra £2,000 will return a mid-spec Techno with a natty illuminated grille, Google built into the infotainment, larger driver’s display, wireless charger, drive modes, adaptive cruise with steer assist, all-round parking sensors and paddle adjustable regen with one pedal driving.  

Another £2,000 on top of the Techno will get you a top-spec Iconic. You’ll get a bit more safety kit including blind spot monitoring, different alloys, and an electric tailgate. Most importantly for cold UK winters, it’s the only way to get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. They are disappointingly not an option on Evolution and Techno trims. 

Admittedly, the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera are both cheaper than an entry-level 4 E-Tech, although neither can go as far or as fast as the Renault 4. Other rivals you might consider include the rugged Jeep Avenger EV, practical Peugeot E-2008 and the cargo carrying champion of the class, the Ford Puma Gen-E. 

For sun seekers there’s good news, from 2026 the 4 E-Tech will be available with a full-length canvas roof that opens electronically – and even with voice command. It’s called Plein Air and it’ll be optional on Techno and Iconic trims and help add some extra light and headroom for the very tallest of occupants.   

We’ve now driven the car in Portugal and in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations here in the UK and have extensive knowledge of how it performs. Continue reading for our comprehensive Renault 4 E-Tech review on the next couple of pages, where we’ll break down every aspect of the car, including its practicality and how much it costs to run. And if you want to know more about how we test cars, look at our explainer page.

Watch our Renault 4 E-Tech video review