Back to the Future: Is the Renault 4 the Smartest Retro Car on the Market?

If today's car market feels like a scattered puzzle where every piece is glossy and high-tech but somehow the same shape and flavor, Renault has decided to dig up a classic, well-worn piece and electrify it. That piece is the Renault 4—or more precisely, the Renault 4 E-Tech. For the French, the original Renault 4 was once the answer to why you should pay more than necessary for a car that simply works. It was like a loaf of bread on wheels: affordable, simple, everyday reliable. Now, in 2025, it returns, not rusty or spluttering fuel, but as a sparkling electric model that feels like a robot dog with a grandmother’s soul.

Let’s be honest, retro models are to carmakers what Botox is to Hollywood. Some do it tastefully, others try to resurrect the dead. Renault, however, plays this game like a master vintner, aiming to recreate the emotion that once won over French farmers, Parisian students, and Saharan adventurers. The new Renault 4 doesn’t just want to be another city car; if the R5 is the new Clio, the R4 aims to be the Captur—slightly larger, a bit raised, adventurous and practical, as reliable and sharp as a Japanese knife.

Renault introduces the R4 at a time when Europe is seeing a flood of small EVs: Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, all lined up like electric eggs in an incubator. The Renault 4 enters like a golden retro lamp in a museum showroom—something you never knew you needed, but now everything else feels incomplete without it.

With a starting price around 30,000 euros for the bigger battery and motor, this "blue jeans" car could once again roll into the hearts of drivers. Renault’s CEO Pierre Dreyfus once called it just that—a car for everyone. It's not just another electric car, but one that sticks in memory. Can you remember the last time a car made you smile just by looking at it? The R4 E-Tech returns like an old friend who’s learned to use a smartphone and is all the cooler for it.

Where most new EVs look like they were designed by an IT department after a long meeting and short lunch, the R4 E-Tech brings a different attitude—neither trying to look space-age nor organic, but standing proud with its boxy lines and robust presence. Think of it as the Johnny Cash of design: sharp, upright, and confident. The front is a restomod with a PhD: LED light bars frame a grille reminiscent of the original, while round DRLs sit like nostalgic French elves. A glowing “4” sits center stage, boldly announcing its return.

The hood adopts modern styling but subtly nods to its ancestry. Side-on, you see honest retro lines: three pressed contours on the doors, the trapezoidal rear window, and a reverse-rake frame as deliberate as designer sneakers with a suit. Wheel arches and bumpers are clad in dark plastic, hinting at readiness for gravel and fields. Ground clearance is 181 mm, promising that this car won’t shy away from country roads or meadows.

From the rear, the R4 is upright like a wine cabinet. The hatch opens high and the loading lip is lower than most new elevators—practicality the old 4L would be proud of. Vertical taillights evoke the era when making a phone call cost more than lunch, but now it’s all modern LEDs.

The overall shape is boxy but chic, like Parisian fashion that doesn’t try to please but ends up pleasing everyone. Its dimensions—4.14 meters long, 1.80 wide, 1.57 high—make it an urban adventurer: small enough to maneuver, big enough to haul. The 2624 mm wheelbase means interior space is not just present but well-considered, and at under 1.5 tons, it’s almost featherweight for an EV.

As a cherry on top, a full-length canvas roof called “Plein Air” is promised—French bohemian vibes guaranteed. Not available yet, but the prospect alone makes you want to add it to your wishlist.

Inside, the R4 doesn’t fall into the retro trap. There’s no old cologne or tractor-like gearstick. The cabin is modern, even aggressively so, but with a playful, practical twist. Two large screens blend into a tablet-like centerpiece, displaying maps, navigation, and responding to Google like well-behaved children at daycare. Android ensures everything works quickly, and Apple CarPlay is available wirelessly.

Thankfully, Renault didn’t make everything touch-based. Climate controls are handled by three sturdy dials—old friends who get the job done. Steering wheel buttons are logically placed, with the gear selector on the column for a uniquely French touch. It may be odd at first, but you’ll adapt.

Materials evoke a Montmartre café: simple but stylish. No overdone luxury or cheap shiny plastic. There’s real textile, patterns, and denim-effect upholstery with contrasting stitches. The Iconic trim offers leather seats and checkered fabric reminiscent of a boutique hotel. A 3D-patterned roof fabric adds a bespoke feel.

Customization is encouraged: 3D-printed storage, a baguette holder, and other quirky accessories show that even EVs can have character and humor. The space is practical and clever, with a high roofline and smart solutions for family, pets, and groceries. The upcoming Plein Air roof will only add to its versatility.

Compared to the smaller R5, the new R4’s larger body and longer wheelbase make the rear seat genuinely usable. With 8 cm more wheelbase and 22 cm extra length over the R5, there’s real legroom. Three adults in the back is tight, but par for the segment, and the elevated rear bench gives everyone a good view. The only gripe is the battery under the front seats limiting foot extension—a small price for progress.

The trunk is the R4’s secret weapon: 420 liters, about 100 more than the R5, and a 55-liter underfloor compartment for cables or snacks you don’t want to share. Opt for the Harman Kardon sound system and you’ll lose some space to the subwoofer, so choose wisely.

The tailgate opens high with a low, flat loading lip—great for sitting or loading bikes and pets. Fold the rear seats and you get over 1400 liters of space with a flat floor, perfect for moving or camping. Interior quality is solid, with no rattles or cheapness—even the door handles feel sturdy.

Seats are comfy and supportive, with electric lumbar adjustment in Techno trim. The steering wheel adjusts widely to suit everyone. There’s storage everywhere, and for extra needs, order 3D-printed add-ons like the baguette holder—a uniquely French touch.

Techwise: keyless entry, smartphone key, Google Assistant (“Reno”), plus YouTube or Netflix while charging. The R4 is not just practical, but smartly practical.

Not everything is perfect: the column shifter takes getting used to, the turn signal is a bit loud, and the rear camera could be sharper. But if these are the biggest issues, things are looking good.

Two powertrains are offered. The main one features a 52 kWh battery and 110 kW (148 hp) motor—the same as the upcoming Renault 5 GT. 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds means you’ll outpace competitors at the lights without fuss. Top speed is 150 km/h, which is more than enough.

A 40 kWh, 120 hp version is also available for city use with a WLTP range of about 310 km, but it’s more of a theoretical choice. The larger battery offers up to 400 km WLTP, realistically 250–350 km depending on speed and weather. A heat pump is standard, a key advantage over rivals.

Energy use is around 15 kWh/100 km—very efficient. Play with regen and you’ll stretch your range further. Fast charging takes the battery from 15 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, a full charge in about 55 minutes. At home, the 11 kW AC charger fills the battery in under five hours; a standard socket takes a day—emergency only.

A handy Vehicle to Load (V2L) function means you can power external devices—fridges, laptops, or even a coffee machine—up to 3 kW, turning the R4 into a portable power station. Towing capacity is 750 kg braked, rare for an EV in this class.

Driving feels light and direct. Steering and pedals are intuitive, making city maneuvering a breeze. At speed, the handling firms up, giving the car a mature, confident feel. In corners, the R4 surprises with minimal body roll and neutral handling. If you push too hard, gentle understeer sets in, but the car remains composed.

Suspension is firmer than average, balancing comfort and control. Multi-link rear suspension is a rarity in this segment and keeps the rear stable even on rough roads. Noise is well controlled, with only slight wind or tire noise at highway speeds.

Ground clearance means the R4 isn’t afraid of gravel or light off-roading. Level 2 driver assists, such as adaptive cruise and lane centering, make long journeys easier. The R4 offers big car comfort in a small package, with 26 active safety systems in top trims, including emergency braking, lane keep, sign recognition, and automatic high beams as standard.

Higher trims add blind spot, cross-traffic, and parking assist, plus a contextual cruise control that uses navigation data to adjust speed in bends or zones. Physical switches make adjusting these systems easy without needing a degree in infotainment.

Other features include a 360-degree camera, automatic parking, and alerts for traffic restart. Matrix LED headlights provide excellent night visibility, while all the basics like ABS and stability control are standard.

In summary, the Renault 4 E-Tech stands out for its distinctive design, quirky and practical interior, strong standard equipment, well-tuned driving dynamics, efficient powertrain, reasonable range and charging, advanced safety tech, and solid practicality. The V2L feature and competitive pricing add even more value.

Potential downsides: the suspension is firm over sharp bumps, rear foot space is limited by the battery, seat and steering wheel heaters are only in higher trims, no larger battery offered, and no all-wheel drive (yet), despite rugged looks.

The Renault 4 E-Tech is for those who appreciate good design, clever use of space, and a fun driving experience. For fans of the classic 4L, it brings a smile, while newcomers will learn a car can be more than just transport. It may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly one many will remember.