The Renault 4 E-Tech electric ‘Plein Sud’ is here at last, featuring a large folding canvas roof for a pseudo-convertible version. Inspired by the original Renault 4’s fabric
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric ‘Plein Sud’ is here at last, featuring a large folding canvas roof for a pseudo-convertible version.
Inspired by the original Renault 4’s fabric roof, the Plein Sud variant comes with a distinctive full-length electric opening canvas roof to deliver a panoramic open-air experience for all passengers. That makes it unique in its segment – no other small EV crossover offers an electric folding roof.
As with the standard R4, the Plein Sud qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. Prices start from £27,445 including the grant; £1,500 extra than the equivalent fixed-roof models.
It’s available in Techno+ and Iconic+ trim levels, which mirror equipment levels of the fixed-roof version; the only differences being the necessary removal of roof bars and the shark-fin antenna on ‘Plein Sud’ models, in order to maximise the opening.
Operated via a one-touch button or voice control using Renault’s Reno digital assistant, the roof opens to create a wide 80x92cm aperture, letting the outside in.
And the canvas roof, which folds into three sections, can be opened in several intermediate positions to suit the occupants’ mood.
Unlike traditional canvas roof systems, there’s no compromise on practicality and the R4 Plein Sud retains its boot space of up to 1,350 litres, along with a low loading sill of 607mm and a wide-opening tailgate that’s also power-operated on Iconic+ models. When closed, there’s still excellent acoustic and sealing qualities, due to a multi-layer construction, according to Renault, along with minimal impact on headroom compared to the fixed-roof version.
All variants continue to use a 52kWh battery and 150hp electric motor, offering a driving range of up to 242 miles (WLTP) depending on specification. Rapid charging capability of up to 100kW DC enables a 15-80% charge in some 30 minutes while one-pedal driving functionality, which is standard on both Techno+ and Iconic+ ‘Plein Sud’ models, brings added ease of use.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric ‘Plein Sud’ is available to order from today (8 May 2026) for R Pass customers, with the wider public able to order from 14 May. First deliveries are expected from Q3 2026.
Alongside the introduction of the ‘Plein Sud’ version, Renault has also upgraded the R4 to align with the EU’s latest GSR2.3 safety standard, adding in extra features to bring the total number of advanced driver-assistance systems available to up to 28.
New additions include an advanced driver monitoring system that uses a camera installed in the windscreen pillar to detect driver fatigue, with alertness included in the Safety Score displayed after each journey.
The Renault 4 also gets a new emergency stop assist function that works in conjunction with active driver assist, slowing the vehicle to a stop where possible if the driver becomes inactive. The eco-driving assistant, meanwhile, is now predictive, using onboard maps to analyse the road ahead so as to warn of upcoming bends, roundabouts, etc., allowing the driver to ease off the accelerator to save energy.
A number of new personalisation options are also now available across the whole Renault 4 E-Tech electric range, from subtle wing-mounted graphics to a striking central stripe, ensuring there is a Renault 4 E-Tech electric for everyone.
Six body colours are available, including Hauts-de-France Green, which pays tribute to the Île-de-France Blue of the 1960s. It joins Glacier White, Urban Grey, Diamond Black, Carmin Red, and Cumulus Blue, along with the option of a contrasting Diamond Black bonnet. All models in the range wear 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard.
