I think the electric Renault 4 just got a whole lot better – here’s why
It was already a success story, but the reimagined Renault 4 now packs even more appeal for fans of the open air
I really liked the reimagined Renault 4 when I first got to drive it early last year. The compact electric car had oodles of appeal thanks to an engaging design and lots of practicality. It drove well too. One thing that was discussed during that launch, though, was the prospect of Renault building the 4 with an open top roof that emulated a funky core design feature of the original.
Well, it’s just over a year later and I’ve been lucky enough to spend time behind the wheel of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud, which comes complete with a retractable full-length sunroof. It’s not quite a convertible, but the sizable expanse of that folding roof does open up the interior to create a very similar effect to driving a car with the top down, complete with hair-teasing breeziness.
The roof itself measures a sizable 80cm by 92cm, which means it’s expansive enough to let passengers in the rear seats enjoy it too. Anyone with kids is going to find it a grand way to keep them amused and opening it is done using an electric mechanism and the touch of a button. There’s also the option of opening and closing it using voice control.
Another bonus aspect of having the folding canvas roof design is that none of the interior or load space is compromised by having it open. The roof simply slides back to the rear edge of the space, which leaves the rear seats and boot space able to function as normal. The Renault 4 offers up to 1,350 litres of space with the rear seats down too, so the practicality level remains high with this compact car.
I had a decent drive of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud on a mix of different roads, and it was great fun. Pootling around city streets, the open roof and general airiness was refreshing. Meanwhile, out in the sticks and on country roads, the 4 felt even more fun than the hardtop edition. Granted, there was a little bit of buffeting at highway speeds, but it was never enough to feel annoying.
Better still, and speaking from experience, the long length means that folks in the back seats get full benefit of the cleverly engineered opening too. I tried it and the effect was great fun. And, in fact, I thought the open space might also help anyone who travels with kids who get nauseous in the back seats thanks to the fresh and open feel generated by that chunky hole in the roof. No more need for those sick bags, eh? Maybe.
All this outside inside fun can be had from £27,445 too, which means it’s only £1,500 more than a regular hard-topped Renault 4 (Renault remains forbidden fruit for US drivers). Doubtless somewhere like the UK market will lap this thing up, considering just how much the Brits love a convertible and duelling with the elements. The roof opens and closes swiftly too, meaning that buyers shouldn’t ever be caught out in the event of sudden showers.
Aside from that, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud packs the same retro design appeal as the standard version, comes armed with Google built-in to the infotainment system, and has lots of drive appeal – including a one-pedal setup that makes being behind the wheel about as relaxing as it comes. Even more so, now, with the canvas roof rolled back and the audio system cranked up.
- Related: Google just made your car screen as smart as your phone – and it’s about to get a lot more fun
Rob Clymo
