Renault is setting the bar high these days with electric vehicles that actually possess personality. The Renault 5 E-Tech grabbed the headlines across Europe in 2025 with its head and heart appeal, and its clever design nods back to its original namesake from the 70s and 80s.
Only a couple of months ago the new R5 was named Irish Car of the Year for 2026. It got my number one vote. And having won the previous year’s award with its Scenic E-Tech, I believe Renault has a real shot at claiming three-in-a-row later this year with the new Renault 4 E-Tech.
Those of you of a certain vintage will remember the original Renault 4, which was launched in the early sixties as a practical and affordable family car for the masses. Just like the R5, the electric iteration of the R4 takes both design and practicality cues from its boxy original – with a unique single piece illuminated grille, a modern reinvention of the three-part rear lights, and countless other touches.
Keenly priced from €27,995 (including SEAI grant ), the new Renault 4 E-Tech is offered with the choice of a 52kWh battery with 150hp motor and a claimed range of up to 409km, or a 40kWh battery and 120hp motor with a claimed range of 308km with heat pump on both. The 11kW AC bi-directional charger is combined with DC charging of 100kW for the 52kWh car and 80kW for the 40kWh car.
I spent the Christmas period with the top-spec ‘Iconic’ version, priced from €34,995. I had no problem achieving the 300km range mark from a full charge, so in warmer summer weather the Renault 4 should get you closer to the 400km mark from the larger 52kWh battery. This is more than enough for most drivers who are honest about the car they really need.
All versions of the new Renault 4 come with 18-inch wheels and a comprehensive suite of safety tech. Each of the three trim levels is a €2,000 increase on the equivalent Renault 5 with the 52kWh battery.
The key difference is rear legroom and boot space. An extended 2.62-metre wheelbase returns a generous level of cabin space and a 420-litre boot including a 35-litre underfloor area for a charging cable. The rear seats do not fold flush with the boot, creating a lip which could be seen by some as a flaw. Rear passengers do enjoy a noticeable increase in legroom over the R5, although it would still be snug with all three seats occupied.
The new Renault 4 E-Tech shares the same platform as the R5, meaning you get superb ride quality. Up front for the driver sits a central 10-inch multimedia screen as standard with Google built-in. A bank of physical piano-like keys sits under the screen for climate controls.
While the Renault 5’s cute proportions give it the edge on the Charm-O-Metre, the funky new Renault 4 would be better suited to most people’s lifestyles. If you have access to home charging, then the new R4 is all the car you will ever need.
