The Return of a Legend: 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech
Nostalgia is a powerful currency in the automotive world, and Renault is currently cashing in more than most. Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Renault 5, the French manufacturer has officially pulled the covers off its sibling: the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech. While the R5 captures the spirit of the urban hot-hatch, the new Renault 4 is aimed squarely at the lifestyle crossover market, offering more space, more ground clearance, and a feature that has enthusiasts buzzing—the return of the folding cloth roof.
Starting at an estimated £27,000, the Renault 4 E-Tech isn't just a retro exercise; it is a strategic move to dominate the B-segment EV market. It brings a level of character and utility that has been missing from the functional, often sterile world of modern electric SUVs. By blending 1960s design cues with cutting-edge Ampere platform technology, Renault is proving that the future of motoring doesn't have to look like a generic appliance.
Open-Air Freedom: The New Folding Cloth Roof
The standout feature for the 2025 model is undoubtedly the "Plein Air" inspired canvas roof. For those who remember the original 4L, the folding roof was synonymous with French summer drives and rugged simplicity. In the modern E-Tech version, this is an electrically operated fabric roof that opens up the cabin to the elements without the weight and complexity of a traditional convertible mechanism.
The roof spans nearly the entire length of the cabin, measuring roughly 80cm in width. When retracted, it provides an airy, expansive feel that transforms the driving experience. Unlike a panoramic glass roof, which can often turn a cabin into a greenhouse, the cloth roof offers genuine airflow and a connection to the environment. It is a bold choice in a segment dominated by fixed-roof crossovers, and at the £27k price point, it offers a lifestyle appeal that few competitors can match.
Performance, Range, and the Ampere Platform
Underneath the retro-chic bodywork lies the AmpR Small platform, the same architecture found in the Renault 5. However, the Renault 4 has been stretched to provide a more versatile footprint. Buyers will have two primary battery options to choose from:
1. The 40kWh Battery: Targeted at urban commuters, this version offers a range of approximately 186 miles (WLTP) and is paired with a 120hp motor. 2. The 52kWh Battery: For those looking to venture further afield, the larger pack provides up to 250 miles of range and a more punchy 150hp motor, capable of 0-62mph in under 8.5 seconds.
Charging is equally impressive for a car in this price bracket. With 100kW DC fast-charging capability, the Renault 4 can juice up from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Furthermore, the car features bi-directional charging (V2L), allowing you to power external devices—like a coffee machine or a laptop—directly from the car's main battery. This makes it an ideal companion for camping trips or outdoor adventures, leaning into its "4L" heritage of being a car for all purposes.
Interior Tech: Google Integration and Sustainable Luxury
Step inside, and the Renault 4 E-Tech feels decidedly premium despite its competitive pricing. The dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup featuring the OpenR Link system with Google built-in. This means Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a host of Play Store apps are native to the car, offering a level of software fluidity that usually requires a much higher price tag.
Sustainability is a core theme here. Renault has utilized recycled fabrics for the seat upholstery and dashboard trim, giving the interior a tactile, 'living room' feel rather than a plastic-heavy industrial vibe. Despite its compact dimensions (at 4.14 meters long), the clever packaging of the EV platform allows for a 420-liter boot and a flat-folding front passenger seat, enabling the transport of items up to 2.2 meters long. It is, quite literally, a small car that thinks big.
Competitive Landscape: How Does It Compare?
The £25,000 to £35,000 EV bracket is becoming the most contested space in the industry. The Renault 4 faces stiff competition from both established players and new entrants. Here is how it stacks up against some of our top recommendations:
* Renault 5 E-Tech (Approx. £23,000): If you don't need the extra ground clearance or the massive boot, the R5 offers the same tech in a more agile, cheaper package. It's the choice for city dwellers who value style over utility. * Fiat 500e Convertible (Approx. £31,000): The Fiat remains the king of style, but it lacks the interior space and modern infotainment of the Renault 4. It’s also significantly more expensive when optioned with the folding roof. * Mini Cooper SE (Approx. £30,000): The Mini offers a more 'go-kart' driving feel and premium interior finishes but suffers from a much shorter range (around 190 miles for the base version) compared to the long-range Renault 4. * Jeep Avenger Electric (Approx. £34,000): The Avenger is the Renault 4’s closest rival in terms of rugged crossover appeal. While the Jeep feels more 'off-road' capable, the Renault 4 wins on software integration and that unique folding roof charm.
Pricing and Availability
Renault has confirmed that the Renault 4 E-Tech will hit UK showrooms in early 2025. While final trim pricing is still being finalized, the entry-level 40kWh model is expected to start at approximately £27,000. The high-spec 'Iconic' trim with the 52kWh battery and the folding cloth roof will likely push closer to the £32,000 mark. Even at that higher end, it remains significantly more affordable than many larger electric SUVs that offer less personality.
Our Verdict: The Bottom Line
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is a masterclass in how to revive a classic nameplate. It doesn't just rely on its cute looks; it backs them up with a highly functional interior, class-leading Google software, and a range that makes it a viable primary vehicle for most families.
The addition of the folding cloth roof is the proverbial cherry on top, offering a sense of fun and 'joie de vivre' that is often missing from the EV market. If you are looking for a compact crossover that stands out in a sea of grey SUVs, the Renault 4 is likely to be the best value proposition of 2025.
Final Score: 9/10
* Pros: Stunning retro design, class-leading infotainment, practical boot space, unique folding roof option. * Cons: Entry-level battery range might be tight for long-distance drivers; higher trims can get pricey.