China is coming, that is a certainty. Brands such as BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda and Chery look set to take over the electric car scene in the next half a decade which will leave traditional Western brands fighting to stay relevant. Renault may well become Europe’s flag bearer in the fight against China with their Renault 4 and Renault 5 models among the flagship products of the last 12 months.
It’s not every day you get a chance to get behind the wheel of a car of the year winner, let alone a model that has scooped more prizes than most. The Renault 4 E-Tech is Parker's 2026 Best Family Car, with AutoExpress naming it the small SUV of the year. Even Top Gear got in on the act, hailing the model as the best EV and top compact car of 2025.
All eyes have been on the French manufacturer after delivering a pair of world-beating cars in the Renault 4 and Renault 5.
The 4 E-Tech is the more practical option of the two, offering a bulkier frame and more spacious interior than its sportier sister.
The 4 is nicely positioned in the crossover SUV space, with a 247-mile and 420-litre boot competitive with its segment rivals.
However, the 4 is now one of the more affordable models on the road, with petrolheads able to pick one up for just over £20,000 as a result of the Government’s grant.
To be honest, I much prefer the plucky hot hatch exterior offered by the Renault 5. It’s sportier, more appealing, and makes me want to open the doors, jump in and turn on the ignition.
That’s not to say the Renault 4 isn’t stylish, but the boxier look isn’t as likely to catch eyeballs when cruising around your housing estate.
The Renault 4 is around 22cm longer and 8cm taller than the 5, with a larger 2.62-metre wheelbase.
As we will see, the practical B-segment crossover design has its benefits where interior space is concerned and the extra room makes it better for those with families.
One thing Renault has done is retained what made the 4 immense, retro styling. The new 4 E-Tech is a clear successor to the 1960s classic which is a notable design nod to the French manufacturer.
The Renault 4 is now positioned as one of the more affordable options for EV ownership in the UK, with the model qualifying for the Government's Electric Car grant.
The car secures the maximum £3.750 reduction, meaning brand new models can be picked up for just £23,445.
Some second-hand models with limited mileage are filtering onto online marketplaces, but these are still valued at above £20,000.
However, finance deals could be the easiest way motorists can get their hands on a model without a hefty initial investment. Two-year 0% APR PCP deals are available for around £210 per month which will be within touching distance for many budgets.
China is the biggest threat with models such as the BYD Dolphin Surf available for around £18,000. But Chiense crossovers aren't as cheap, with the Omoda 5 similarly priced to the Renault at just under £23,000.
Pulling away, it’s quick to see why the Renault 4 has endeared itself as one of the standout EVs of the period. Immediately, I’m impressed by the model's precise, smooth steering, with the model picking up grip in high-speed cornering with ease.
As a crossover SUV, the Renault 4 is not built for out-and-out performance. But, this doesn't mean the back end doesn't pick up when you put your foot down. The 4 is still fitted with a 148bhp electric motor and a 52kWh battery, reaching 0-62mph in just over eight seconds and a top speed of 93mph.
Electrics are all about range, and the Renail 4 does not disappoint, offering around 247 miles on a single charge. This puts it in the same region as the slightly more expensive Ford Puma Gen-E and Vauxhall Mokka Electric, another tick or Renault.
The car is also capable of 100kW DC fast charging that can top-up the battery from 15-80% in just 30 minutes. Another standout feature of the 4 is its regenerative braking system, while motorists are also able to control the car by adjusting their foot movements on just one pedal.
Inside, the Renault 4 is spacious, stylish and packed full of technology, with the impressive boot a standout feature when compared to the Renault 5. The 4 E-Tech has around 420 litres of boot space, around 90 to 100 litres more than offered in the smaller 5.
The car is also fitted with an impressive 55-litre underfloor compartment in the boot to neatly pack away any charging cables. The car is equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto available as standard, although the digital screen was a tad laggy.
The Renault 4 also benefits from Vehicle to load (V2L), allowing owners to plug in and use any three-pin appliance or even charge other electric cars nearby. I also found the car’s mandatory speed assistance tool less distracting than many vehicles on the market.
Instead of a loud alert that leaves motorists stunned into confusion as they desperately search around the cockpit for clues on how to cancel, the 4’s is a quieter and unobtrusive beep.
In conclusion, the Renault 4 is an impressive crossover that is sure to be at the top of many shopping lists in 2026. The model is a more versatile all-rounder when compared to its sister Renault 5, even if the hatchback is the sexier of the pair.
The Renault 4 benefits from much of what makes the Renault 5 great, while offering 420 litres of boot space for extra practicality for families. The Renault 4’s impressive range at a lower upfront cost than its segment rivals also stands out and is sure to make the model attract attention at forecourts.
Smooth steering and comfortable handling complete a model that has fully justified its place among 2026's most sought-after cars and offers serious competition to budget brands from China.