A Nostalgic Electric City Car Reimagined for Modern Drivers
For over a decade, I’ve witnessed the automotive landscape evolve, especially within the electric vehicle sector. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, not just for groundbreaking technology, but for the revival of beloved icons. Renault, a brand synonymous with accessible innovation and French flair, has masterfully tapped into this sentiment. Following the triumphant return of the Renault 5, the company is now poised to reignite the passion for another legend: the Renault 4 E-Tech. This reborn Renault 4 E-Tech is more than just a city car; it’s a carefully curated blend of retro charm and contemporary electric performance, designed to recapture the hearts of drivers seeking something truly special.
Renault’s strategic pivot towards electric mobility, infused with a potent dose of nostalgia, has proven to be a winning formula. The vibrant, retro-styled Renault 5 electric hatch captured widespread attention, and its performance-oriented sibling, the Alpine A290, added a thrilling edge. Now, the arrival of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric completes this triumvirate of modern reinterpretations. These vehicles are not mere carbon copies of their predecessors; they represent a sophisticated reimagining, integrating cutting-edge EV technology into a package that instantly evokes fond memories. The industry, and indeed consumers, are taking notice. The question isn’t if Renault’s retro-EV strategy is working, but rather, how far this momentum will carry them.
The original Renault 4, produced from the early 1960s through the mid-1990s, was a cornerstone of practical, affordable mobility in France and beyond. It was the quintessential “car for the people” – unpretentious, remarkably versatile, and imbued with a Gallic spirit that resonated deeply. Its simple, boxy design prioritized utility and ease of ownership, allowing countless families to navigate their daily lives with confidence. Today’s Renault 4 E-Tech review reveals a vehicle that honors this heritage while boldly embracing the future.
2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric: Specifications and Capabilities
The new Renault 4 E-Tech electric shares its foundational platform with the highly acclaimed Renault 5, a testament to smart engineering and platform synergy. However, it carves out its own distinct identity. Where the original 4 offered robust internal combustion, the E-Tech version delivers whisper-quiet electric propulsion. This modern iteration boasts an impressive 2025 Renault 4 range of up to 247 miles on a full charge, based on WLTP testing. This figure positions it as a highly practical choice for daily commuting and even longer weekend excursions, significantly redefining expectations for a compact electric vehicle.
The design language of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a masterclass in modern retro. While it’s scaled up slightly to accommodate contemporary safety standards, battery technology, and passenger comfort, the familiar silhouette and charming proportions are instantly recognizable. It might not possess the overtly audacious styling of the Renault 5, but the 4 E-Tech exudes a subtle, understated cuteness that is undeniably appealing. For those seeking an electric city car that evokes a smile every time they approach it, Renault has delivered. Thoughtful graphic design elements, clever detailing, and that ineffable “Frenchness” combine to create a vehicle that feels both familiar and desirable. In a world often saturated with homogenous designs, the new electric Renault 4 offers a refreshing dose of personality and a welcome connection to automotive history.
Under the hood, or rather, beneath the floor, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. In the United Kingdom, the sole powertrain option features a 52-kilowatt-hour battery feeding a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-62 mph sprint in approximately 8.2 seconds, with a top speed capped at a respectable 93 mph. While these figures might not set acceleration records, they are more than adequate for the intended urban and suburban driving environments. The emphasis here is on smooth, confident acceleration and efficient cruising, rather than outright speed.
Renault has also introduced an innovative “how far will I really go” tool on its website. This feature allows prospective buyers to input their typical driving routes, environmental conditions, and driving modes to receive a more personalized and realistic range estimate. This transparency is a welcome departure from abstract WLTP figures and empowers consumers with a clearer understanding of their vehicle’s capabilities in real-world scenarios. This forward-thinking approach to managing driver expectations is a crucial element in building trust and satisfaction within the electric car market.
For quick top-ups, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW. Renault claims a 15% to 80% charge can be achieved in about 30 minutes. This speed is perfectly suited for charging stops during a weekly supermarket run, allowing drivers to replenish a significant portion of the battery while attending to other errands. This capability reinforces the 4 E-Tech’s suitability as a practical daily driver, minimizing downtime and maximizing convenience.
Practicality and Interior Comfort
Beyond its charming exterior and efficient powertrain, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric excels in practicality. The cargo space is intelligently designed, offering 14.8 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats in their upright position, expanding to a generous 49.6 cubic feet when folded down. This versatility makes it suitable for everything from grocery runs to weekend DIY projects. Furthermore, the cabin is replete with thoughtfully placed storage solutions, including numerous cubby holes and a pair of conveniently located cup holders in the center console, ensuring that daily essentials are always within easy reach.
The Driving Experience: Effortless Urban Agility and Surprising Versatility
Stepping behind the wheel of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is an invitation to embrace a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. The immediate impression is one of lightness and ease. There are no aggressive sporting pretenses here, although a “Sport” mode is available for those moments when a bit more responsiveness is desired. The controls are feather-light, and the overall sensation is one of effortless gliding.
Engaging the “D” for Drive and applying gentle pressure to the accelerator pedal propels the new Renault 4 forward with a smooth, refined motion. In Comfort mode, the throttle response is perfectly calibrated for urban environments, providing ample get-up-and-go without feeling jumpy. For drivers prioritizing maximum range, Eco mode is available, though it does slightly dampen the throttle response. For most urban jaunts, Comfort mode strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency. A customizable “Perso” mode further allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s responses to their individual preferences.
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech makes it effortless to maintain legal speed limits and navigate city streets. The car provides auditory cues – gentle chimes – if speeds exceed desired thresholds, a subtle yet effective reminder to stay within limits. Like most modern vehicles, it is equipped with a comprehensive suite of mandatory active safety features. While these systems can be a boon for safety, their audible alerts can sometimes become intrusive. Fortunately, Renault has made these features relatively easy to disable, allowing drivers to customize their auditory experience.
The tall, somewhat slab-sided profile of the 4 E-Tech proves advantageous when maneuvering through tight urban spaces. While the glasshouse is relatively compact, the provision of a standard reversing camera significantly aids visibility when parking. However, the camera’s resolution, while functional, is not exceptionally sharp, a minor point of irksomeness for an otherwise well-executed package. Despite this small critique, the overall ease of navigating confined areas is a significant plus for city dwellers.
On the open road, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric performs admirably. It cruises comfortably at highway speeds, and the available power is sufficient for confident overtaking of slower vehicles. While some wind noise is perceptible within the cabin at higher speeds, it remains quiet enough to enjoy podcasts or conversations without significant intrusion. The overarching impression is that this car is engineered to make the daily commute and routine travel as stress-free and pleasant as possible.
While not a performance-oriented machine, the 4 E-Tech offers surprising agility on winding roads. The immediate torque delivery from the electric motor allows for maintaining momentum through corners, and the suspension, while tuned for comfort, provides a balanced feel with moderate body lean. The steering is light and precise, contributing to the car’s overall user-friendly nature. The Sport mode adds a touch of liveliness, but it’s the Comfort mode that truly defines the car’s character – enjoyable without being overly aggressive. This balance between playful engagement and relaxed cruising is a rare and commendable achievement in today’s automotive market.
The Renault 4 E-Tech also features adjustable regenerative braking levels, controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Drivers can opt for minimal regeneration or engage a one-pedal driving mode, which allows for significant deceleration simply by lifting off the accelerator. While the one-pedal mode is highly efficient and convenient for daily driving, the ability to fine-tune regeneration adds an engaging layer for those who enjoy experimenting with different driving styles.
Inside, the digital instrument cluster presents information clearly, with large, legible text displaying speed, drive mode, and remaining range. The central infotainment screen, measuring 10.3 inches, is responsive to touch inputs, even with a light touch. Renault’s proprietary infotainment software is intuitive and easy to navigate, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay further enhances connectivity options. While some climate control functions are managed through physical buttons – a welcome tactile element – the heated seats are controlled via the touchscreen, a minor trade-off for overall screen integration.
What Shines Brightest?
The most striking attribute of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric is its sheer sense of joy. Unlike some brands that tout “driving pleasure” with an overly serious demeanor, Renault’s latest EVs, including the 4 E-Tech, exude a genuine, lighthearted spirit that translates directly to the driving experience. It successfully delivers on the promise of a happy car, one that encourages a relaxed and positive outlook on the road. Its refusal to promote aggressive driving is a significant advantage, fostering a more harmonious and less stressful commuting experience.
This deliberate focus on being “not sporty” translates into exceptional ride comfort. The suspension is pliant, absorbing road imperfections with ease, and the seats are ergonomically designed to prevent fatigue on longer journeys. Gliding through city traffic becomes a pleasant affair, a far cry from the jarring and uncomfortable experience offered by some smaller vehicles. This comfort is paramount for a car destined for frequent urban use.
In colder climates, where electric vehicle range can often take a significant hit, the Renault 4 E-Tech demonstrated impressive resilience. During mixed driving conditions, it consistently achieved around 3.6 miles per kWh, translating to a real-world range of approximately 187 miles. This is a remarkably small reduction compared to its WLTP rating, indicating excellent thermal management and efficient energy usage, even when temperatures drop.
Areas for Refinement
The gear selector, a stalk-mounted unit reminiscent of traditional automatic transmissions, is a point of contention. While aesthetically pleasing, its operation can be finicky. It requires precise brake pedal pressure to switch between drive and reverse; insufficient pressure, even when stationary, can result in the selector refusing to engage. This sensitivity, coupled with the potential for distracted operation, could lead to inadvertent acceleration in the wrong direction, a potentially alarming situation for less attentive drivers.
While active safety systems are legally mandated and undoubtedly contribute to road safety, the constant barrage of auditory alerts can become tiresome. Although Renault provides a programmable hotkey on the steering wheel to quickly disable these features, the onus is on the owner to remember and utilize this function. For the sake of driver sanity and a more peaceful cabin experience, a more intuitive or automatic disabling feature for non-critical alerts would be beneficial.
As mentioned earlier, the reversing camera, while fulfilling its primary function of detecting obstacles, suffers from a rather low resolution. While it’s sufficient for its intended purpose, the image quality falls short of modern standards, leaving room for improvement in future iterations or software updates.
Pricing and Final Verdict
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric is positioned competitively within the burgeoning electric city car segment. In the UK, pricing begins at £27,195 for the entry-level model, rising to £31,195 for higher trim levels equipped with additional features and amenities. While the higher-end configurations might seem substantial, they offer a compelling package of technology, style, and practicality that justifies the investment for the right buyer. The pricing strategy reflects Renault’s commitment to offering a premium yet accessible electric vehicle.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Its compact dimensions, moderate range, and 100 kW fast-charging capability are well-suited for urban dwellers and those with predictable driving patterns. However, for individuals seeking a cheerful, easy-to-live-with, and visually distinctive electric city car, the 4 E-Tech is an outstanding choice. It injects a much-needed dose of personality into a market often dominated by bland, utilitarian designs. For those who connect with its unique blend of nostalgia and modern electric engineering, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is poised to become an indispensable and cherished part of their daily lives, brightening every journey with its inimitable charm.
If you’re ready to experience a truly distinctive electric vehicle that blends the joy of the past with the efficiency of the future, we invite you to explore the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech at your local Renault dealership. Schedule a test drive today and discover the retro-charmer that might just be the perfect fit for your modern driving needs.
