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The Renault 4 is back, and this time it’s electric. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the Renault 4 has always been known for its simplicity and versatility. Now, as the younger sibling of the Renault 5, the new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric aims to bring that same charm into the modern era. But does it live up to its legacy? While the design is undeniably nostalgic, the lower range battery might be a tough sell in today’s competitive market. Let’s dive into the details and see if the Renault 4 can truly stand out.
A Nostalgic Design, But Will It Last?
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric boasts a striking exterior design that seamlessly blends retro charm with modern aesthetics. At the front, the car features distinctive rounded LED headlights that pay homage to the original Renault 4, giving it a friendly and recognizable face. The bold front grille, illuminated with the Renault logo, adds a touch of modernity while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The sculpted body panels, with angular lines and contours, provide a rugged yet sleek appearance, making the car stand out on the road. The aerodynamic bumpers further improve airflow, contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
Moving to the sides, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric showcases streamlined side mirrors designed to reduce drag and improve energy consumption. The low rolling resistance wheels not only enhance the car’s range but also complement its modern-retro look. The sculptured door sills evoke the side protection of the latest generation of R4 models, adding a touch of nostalgia while ensuring durability. The unique silhouette, with its compact and boxy shape, remains instantly recognizable and appeals to both nostalgic drivers and modern consumers.
At the rear, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric features three-part rear lights with efficient full LED technology, giving the car a contemporary yet classic look. The rear quarter panel window retains the unique shape of its predecessor, adding to the car’s distinctive design. The wide-opening tailgate and low loading sill make loading and unloading effortless, while the spacious boot offers ample room for luggage and packages. The overall build quality of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric reflects Renault’s commitment to combining heritage with innovation, making it a versatile and stylish choice for today’s drivers.
Feeling The Updated Interior & The Practicality
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric’s interior design masterfully combines retro charm with modern functionality. The dashboard features a minimalist layout with a large, centrally-mounted touchscreen that controls the infotainment system. The seats, upholstered in high-quality materials, offer both comfort and support for long drives. The use of recycled materials throughout the cabin highlights Renault’s commitment to sustainability. The steering wheel, with its vintage-inspired design, adds a touch of nostalgia while incorporating modern controls for ease of use. Ambient lighting enhances the cabin’s atmosphere, making it a pleasant space for both driver and passengers.
Practicality takes center stage in the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. The spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom for all occupants, ensuring a comfortable ride. The rear seats can be folded down to create a flat loading floor, expanding the cargo space significantly. This flexibility makes the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric ideal for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. The numerous storage compartments, including door pockets and a large glovebox, offer convenient places to stow personal items. Additionally, the car’s advanced climate control system ensures a pleasant environment regardless of the weather outside.
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric also excels in terms of practicality. The wide-opening doors and low step-in height make it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. The boot space is generous, with a low loading sill that simplifies the process of loading and unloading heavy items. The car’s modular design allows for various seating configurations, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re transporting groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric adapts effortlessly to your lifestyle. The combination of thoughtful design and practical features makes this electric vehicle a versatile and appealing choice for modern drivers.
Engine ehm, I mean Battery power and performance!
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric delivers a balanced performance that caters to both city driving and longer journeys. Equipped with a 40 kWh or 52 kWh battery, the car offers a range of 186 to 249 miles, respectively. The electric motor generates 90 kW (121 hp) of power and 225 Nm of torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 9.3 seconds, making it agile enough for urban traffic while maintaining a comfortable ride on highways. The front-wheel-drive system ensures stability and control, even on slippery surfaces, while the regenerative braking system helps to maximize energy efficiency.
Charging the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is convenient and efficient. The car supports both AC and DC fast charging, with a maximum charge rate of 100 kW. This means you can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a fast charger. For home charging, the 11 kW AC onboard charger allows for a full charge overnight, making it easy to start each day with a full battery. The vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities add an extra layer of practicality, allowing you to use the car as a portable power source or even sell energy back to the grid.
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric’s performance is complemented by its impressive range and efficiency. The car’s aerodynamic design and low rolling resistance tires contribute to its excellent energy consumption, with a WLTP rating of 13.3 kWh/100 km. This efficiency ensures that you can make the most of the car’s range, whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure. The combination of performance, range, and charging convenience makes the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric a versatile and reliable choice for modern drivers looking to embrace electric mobility.
Conclusion: Pricing is steep, so, Is It a Renault 4?
The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric starts at an estimated price range of £28,000 to £35,000. This pricing makes it competitive within the electric vehicle market, offering a blend of nostalgic design and modern technology. The car’s affordability, combined with its impressive features, makes it an attractive option for those looking to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank. In conclusion, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric successfully marries the charm of its iconic predecessor with the demands of contemporary driving.
Its exterior design, reminiscent of the classic Renault 4, appeals to both nostalgic enthusiasts and new-age drivers. The interior offers a blend of comfort, practicality, and modern technology, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. Performance-wise, the car delivers a balanced and efficient ride, suitable for both city commutes and longer journeys. While the range might not be the highest in its class, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric compensates with its unique design, practicality, and competitive pricing, making it a compelling choice in the electric vehicle market.
