Is the Renault 4 another retro winner for the French brand following the success of the smaller R5? Our man Al Suttie gives it a thorough grilling for a week.

Renault 4 Iconic+

List price (BiK): £30,930 (3%)  Economy: 247 miles  Test efficiency:187 miles

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Monday

One of the most eagerly anticipated cars of recent times for me is the Renault 4. Following on from the impressive 5 (see test here), which lends its running gear to the 4, this different and mildly SUV-like take on the small French EV theme holds plenty of appeal. It helps that I’m old (and nerdy) enough to remember the original R4 and can appreciate the retro cues of this new model that nod to Renault’s back catalogue.

Tuesday

Nothing old-fashioned about the way the new Renault 4 drives. Where the original was a rival to the Citroën 2CV with its loping suspension and exaggerated cornering lean, this EV update of the idea is nimble, taut and a joy to drive. If anything, this morning’s 30-mile route on country A-roads makes me think the 4 is even more fun to drive than the 5. Anyone that doubts EVs can be enjoyable to punt should try the R4 thanks to its nippy acceleration and poise.

Wednesday

The Renault 4 delivered to me is finished in Diamond Black that adds £650 to the price of the car. Not sure I’d spend that extra as the colour doesn’t suit the Renault to my eyes – too much of the retro detailing is lost. When choosing this sort of car, much of the fun is in the styling, although any car would struggle to shine in the current filthy salt-covered road conditions.

Thursday

In the toppermost Iconic+ trim of the car I have to try, the interior is decked out in a very attractive Houndstooth check with yellow ribbon. It could have been gaudy but looks just right in the R4, helped by the shape of the seats that hark back to Renaults of the 1970s yet are remarkably comfortable. I also like the style of the dash, helped by some physical buttons for the ventilation.

Friday

As a small car, the Renault 4 is probably not one that many drivers will cover large distances with in a single journey. That’s just as well as the only real Achilles’ Heel of this car is its battery range, which is compounded by a Scottish winter. Fully charged, the car reads 187 miles of range, versus a claimed 247 miles. Driving between 80% and 20%, that gives a realistic driving distance of just more than 100 miles. Fine for local pottering, but it made a 90-mile round trip to Edinburgh more nervy than it should be.

Saturday

If the Renault 4’s range is something to monitor and manage more than in most EVs, it compensates with quick charging. Even at my local 7kW charge point, the Renault says it will be up to 80% from 20% in around four hours. Hooking up to a 125kW charger earlier in the week meant I barely had time to grab a coffee before the car was topped up and ready for the off.

Sunday

One minor complaint surfaces this morning with the R4 – rear seat space is only just okay for teenagers to fit in there. This is due to limited room for feet in the footwells and headroom. Upfront, the Renault is surprisingly generous and the boot borders on being huge for a car of this class. I’d trade some luggage space for a bit more passenger room, but it’s a small quibble in an otherwise brilliant compact car.