Renault's new family EV that's just got £1,500 cheaper in UK

The Renault 5's success is undeniable. Its retro-inspired design and compact size appeal to many EV buyers, making it a frequent sight on UK roads. However, its practicality has been a sticking point. Enter the Renault 4, a car designed to address this issue.

Offering more practicality but maintaining the style-conscious approach of its smaller sibling, the Renault 4 could be the perfect blend. But does it live up to expectations?

At their core, the Renault 4 and 5 are quite similar, but the 4 aims to offer more space and user-friendliness than the more compact 5. The 4 provides extra room for rear passengers – a feature lacking in the 5 – and boasts a 420-litre boot, significantly larger than the 5's 326-litre boot.

Like the 5, the 4 comes in a wide range of colours and offers numerous personalisation options. Soon, a Plein Sud model will be added to the line-up, featuring a full-length retractable cloth roof that lets the sunshine into the cabin.

The Renault 4 is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering 148bhp and 245Nm of torque. With a 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 93mph, it may not be the fastest car on the block, especially in the realm of futuristic EVs, but it's more than sufficient for most situations.

Renault boasts a full range of up to 247 miles from a complete charge and. With a maximum charging speed of 100kW, you should be able to achieve a 15 to 80% top-up in roughly half an hour. Approximately seven hours should suffice to fully charge the Renault 4 using a standard 7.4kW home charger.

The Renault 4 provides a relaxed driving experience that's perfect for those navigating city streets or embarking on longer journeys. Its light steering makes weaving through traffic a breeze, and parking is straightforward – although the low-resolution reversing camera does feel a bit outdated.

Like the Renault 5, the 4 can have issues with traction through the front wheels and tends to feel a bit light at the nose when accelerating hard, but if you drive sensibly, this car is a pleasure to potter around in. We do wish that Renault would simplify the stalks on the steering wheel; with three of them, it's all too easy to accidentally activate the wipers when you're actually trying to find reverse on the column-mounted gear selector.

The Renault 4's appearance is beyond reproach. It successfully captures the essence of the classic original while maintaining a modern edge.

The single piece of clear plastic under which the headlights are housed provides a sleek look, and the long, sloping tailgate at the rear effectively mirrors that of its predecessor.

As noted, there's an extensive range of colours to select from. Our test car arrived in a standard black shade, which regrettably concealed some of the 4's stylish design features.

Space is undoubtedly a significant aspect of the Renault 4. The boot is reasonably spacious and easy to access, greatly aided by the large tailgate that opens to expose a square entrance, enabling you to accommodate larger items than anticipated.

The rear seats can be folded down, but they don't lie flat, leaving a substantial 'step' over which objects must be angled.

In other areas, things are satisfactory, and although some plastics may feel slightly cheap, they're durable and align with the car's practical ethos. The seats themselves are comfortable and well-cushioned, offering a good range of manual adjustment.

The Renault 4 recently benefited from the government's electric car grant, reducing its starting price from £26,995 to a more appealing £25,495 after the £1,500 savings. This is excellent news as it makes the 4 even more attractive, especially considering that base models come with a 10.4-inch infotainment system, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and climate control.

Top-of-the-range Techno versions start from £29,495 after the grant, featuring pre-conditioning for more efficient charging and stylish houndstooth upholstery. However, the base model will likely offer ample equipment for most people.

The Renault 4 feels like the type of electric vehicle that could easily replace a traditional petrol or diesel hatchback. It boasts sufficient range for most situations and a spacious boot that makes it more practical for families or larger groups.

Now even more affordable due to the electric car grant, the Renault 4 seems poised to surpass the success of the 5.