The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech: A Nostalgic Return to Urban Driving Bliss
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving automotive landscape, witnessing trends ebb and flow, and technologies mature from nascent concepts to mainstream realities. In my tenure, few developments have been as captivating as the resurgence of the classic car nameplate, reimagined through the lens of modern electric propulsion. Renault, a marque with a storied past, has masterfully tapped into this sentiment, and the latest manifestation, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech, is a testament to their forward-thinking retro strategy. This isn’t just another electric vehicle; it’s a delightful rediscovery of urban mobility’s inherent joy, a sophisticated blend of heritage and cutting-edge engineering that proves the past holds profound lessons for our electric future.
Renault’s recent electric vehicle offensive has been nothing short of spectacular. Following the vibrant and undeniably cheerful Renault 5 E-Tech, and the sportier Alpine A290 derivative, comes the eagerly anticipated return of the Renault 4. These vehicles are more than mere transportation; they are cultural touchstones, reborn with advanced electric powertrains and contemporary design flair. While previous offerings might have played it safe, Renault’s current trajectory, embracing its iconic past, has ignited a passion and optimism within the automotive sphere. The R5 E-Tech, in particular, has been a conversation starter, its bold styling and engaging driving dynamics eliciting smiles and securing a place in the hearts of discerning buyers. The crucial question now is: can the Renault 4 E-Tech replicate this success, offering its own unique brand of charm and utility?
The Renault 4 E-Tech’s lineage is distinct from that of the 5, yet both evoke similar feelings of warmth and accessibility. The original Renault 4, produced from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, was a revelation in its time. A simple, boxy design housed practical and affordable engineering, empowering generations of French drivers with unfettered mobility. It was the quintessential egalitarian automobile, a workhorse that simply got the job done, allowing its owners to focus on life’s everyday adventures without fuss.
Today’s Renault 4 E-Tech, while sharing the philosophical underpinnings of its progenitor, is a decidedly modern affair. Built upon the same versatile platform as the acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech, this reincarnation swaps combustion engines for a sophisticated electric powertrain, promising up to an estimated 247 miles of range on a single charge. The design language is a clever evolution, respecting the original’s proportions and character while integrating the necessities of 2025: enhanced safety, increased passenger space, and, of course, the substantial battery pack. While it may not possess the outright visual drama of its sibling, the Renault 4 E-Tech strikes a perfect balance, leaning into an endearing cuteness that allows it to stand out elegantly in a sea of conventional vehicles. For those seeking a small family EV that sparks joy from the moment they approach it, Renault has delivered. The meticulous attention to detail in its graphics, its subtle design cues, and its unmistakable “Frenchness” create an object of desire. In a world often characterized by anonymity, this resurrected icon offers a much-needed dose of nostalgic charm, a comforting reminder of simpler, perhaps more joyful, times.
Renault’s decision to maintain a degree of simplicity in its powertrain offerings is commendable. For the UK market, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is equipped with a 52-kilowatt-hour battery, feeding a 150-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels. This configuration allows for brisk acceleration, reaching 62 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 93 mph. While not intended for outright performance, this setup is perfectly suited to its urban and suburban mission. Crucially, the car offers a WLTP-certified range of up to 247 miles, a figure that, while subject to real-world variables, represents a significant step forward for accessible electric motoring.
In a move that demonstrates a genuine commitment to transparency and customer education, Renault has implemented a “real-world range calculator” on its website. This innovative tool allows potential buyers to input their typical driving routes, anticipated weather conditions, and chosen driving modes to receive a more personalized and accurate range estimate. This proactive approach to managing expectations, by acknowledging the factors that influence EV range, is a welcome departure from the often-optimistic figures presented by competitors. It’s a pragmatic solution that fosters trust and empowers consumers.
For those who need to replenish the battery quickly, the Renault 4 E-Tech supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW. This capability is more than adequate for a vehicle designed for city commutes and occasional longer excursions. Renault claims a 15% to 80% charge can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, a timeframe conveniently aligned with a typical grocery run. This suggests a seamless integration into daily routines, transforming charging from a chore into a simple pause.
Practicality remains a cornerstone of the Renault 4’s identity. The cargo area offers a useful 14.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats deployed, expanding to a generous 49.6 cubic feet when folded. Beyond the primary storage, the cabin is thoughtfully designed with numerous cubbies and storage compartments, ensuring that everyday essentials can be stowed away with ease. Even the inclusion of a pair of cupholders in the center console speaks to the car’s focus on user convenience.
The Driving Experience: Effortless Urban Navigation
There’s an undeniable sense of liberation that washes over you as you pilot the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech through city streets. It’s a vehicle that effortlessly encourages a relaxed driving posture, free from the anxieties of performance figures or aggressive maneuvering. The controls, from the steering wheel to the accelerator pedal, are remarkably light and intuitive, making every input feel natural and effortless.
Engaging the drive is as simple as selecting “D” via the column-mounted stalk and gently pressing the accelerator. In Comfort mode, the car glides away with a surprising sprightliness, offering ample responsiveness for navigating urban traffic. While Eco mode is available to maximize range, it does introduce a slight dulling of the throttle response. For everyday city driving, Comfort mode strikes an ideal balance between efficiency and engagement. For those who appreciate personalization, a “Perso” mode allows for fine-tuning of various vehicle characteristics to suit individual preferences.
Reaching local speed limits is a breeze, and the car’s gentle chime serves as a pleasant reminder should you stray into excessive territory. Like all contemporary vehicles, the Renault 4 E-Tech is equipped with a comprehensive suite of mandated active safety systems. Thankfully, these can be deactivated with relative ease, allowing drivers to tailor the auditory experience to their comfort level.
The Renault 4 E-Tech’s tall, upright stance and relatively slab-sided profile contribute to its excellent maneuverability, allowing it to slip through tight spaces with confidence. However, the glasshouse, while contributing to the exterior aesthetic, is somewhat limited in size, with the rear window offering a rather modest view. Fortunately, a standard reversing camera mitigates this limitation, though its resolution is somewhat basic, falling short of the clarity offered by more advanced systems. While it suffices for its intended purpose, a higher-definition display would have been a welcome enhancement.
On the open road, the Renault 4 E-Tech performs competently. It cruises at highway speeds with composure, and despite its modest power output, it possesses sufficient readily available torque to confidently overtake slower traffic. Wind noise is noticeable but not intrusive, allowing for enjoyable conversation or podcast listening during longer journeys. Ultimately, this is a vehicle engineered to smooth out the often-mundane aspects of daily driving, transforming them into more pleasant experiences.
Even on more challenging, winding roads, the Renault 4 E-Tech proves to be an engaging companion. Its modest power, combined with the instantaneous torque of the electric motor, allows for a consistent momentum to be maintained, encouraging a fluid driving style. The suspension, tuned for comfort rather than outright sportiness, exhibits a slight but predictable body roll during cornering. The steering is light and precise, further enhancing the car’s maneuverability. Engaging “Sport” mode provides a touch more vigor, but it’s the Comfort mode that truly defines the car’s character, offering a delightful blend of fun without overwhelming performance – a rare and welcome attribute in today’s automotive market.
Beyond selectable drive modes, the steering wheel-mounted paddles offer adjustable levels of regenerative braking, from minimal to a full one-pedal driving experience. While the one-pedal mode is intuitive and efficient, the ability to fine-tune the regeneration adds an interactive element to the driving experience.
The digital instrument cluster presents information—speed, selected mode, remaining range—in large, easily legible fonts. The 10.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen is equally clear and responsive, even to the lightest touch. Renault’s proprietary infotainment software is user-friendly, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay is also supported. While some climate control functions are managed by physical buttons, the highly effective heated seats are accessed through the touchscreen.
What Shines Bright:
The overwhelming sense of joy that permeates the Renault 4 E-Tech is its most significant asset. Renault’s latest EVs seem to have shed the overly serious demeanor that plagues many modern vehicles, and this lightheartedness is infectious. While the industry is awash with marketing jargon about “driving pleasure,” the Renault 4 E-Tech delivers genuine happiness on the road. Its refusal to take itself too seriously, and its encouragement of relaxed driving, are major advantages.
The “not sporty” designation translates directly into a supremely comfortable ride. The suspension is supple, the seats are supportive without being restrictive, and the overall driving experience is one of effortless gliding. This comfort is a substantial benefit, particularly for those who spend significant time navigating urban congestion.
In contrast to some other electric vehicles that experienced significant range degradation in colder weather, the Renault 4 E-Tech demonstrated remarkable consistency. Over a mixed driving cycle, it achieved an impressive 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, translating to a real-world range of approximately 187 miles—a testament to its efficient design and thermal management.
Areas for Refinement:
The column-mounted gear selector, while a familiar interface for those accustomed to internal combustion automatic transmissions, can occasionally be a source of minor frustration. The system requires sufficient brake pressure to engage forward or reverse gears. Failure to apply adequate pressure, even when stationary, can result in the selector refusing to shift. Moreover, a momentary lapse in attention, such as not confirming the selected gear on the display, could lead to an unintended acceleration in the wrong direction. While perhaps a minor inconvenience for experienced drivers, it could present a potential hazard for those less attentive.
While mandated by law and beneficial for promoting safer driving habits, the constant audible alerts from the active safety systems can become intrusive. Although the inclusion of a programmable button for quick deactivation is a thoughtful addition, the question remains whether users will consistently utilize it. For the sake of driver sanity, one hopes they do.
The reversing camera, while fulfilling its primary function of obstacle detection, suffers from a noticeable lack of resolution. While it allows the driver to perceive obstructions, the image quality is subpar and detracts from an otherwise well-executed feature.
Pricing and Conclusion:
While the Renault 5 E-Tech, with its smaller battery option, starts at a more accessible price point, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech begins its journey in the UK at approximately $35,668 (£27,195), with higher trim levels reaching $40,914 (£31,195). While the upper end may seem substantial, it reflects the vehicle’s unique blend of retro charm, modern technology, and practical utility.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its compact dimensions, modest range, and 100kW charging capability, while perfectly adequate for many, might not meet the demands of all potential buyers. However, as a dedicated urban and suburban commuter, it presents an exceptional proposition. It is undeniably fun, remarkably easy to live with, and possesses a distinct character that far surpasses the blandness of many mass-produced vehicles.
For the demographic it targets, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is poised to be an utterly perfect companion. It’s a car that promises to inject a daily dose of cheerfulness into the lives of its owners, transforming every drive into a moment of nostalgic delight.
If you’re seeking to inject a dose of personality and pure, unadulterated fun into your daily commute, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is more than just a car—it’s an experience waiting to be embraced. Explore the configurations and discover how this charming electric revival can brighten your driving future today.
