The Renault 4 E-Tech electric has gone on sale in time for the "261” registration period, with Irish pricing starting at €27,995. On PCP, that works out as low as €199 per month thanks to an APR of 3.9 per cent. The price, which is €2,000 more than the smaller Renault 4 E-Tech electric, includes all State incentives available.
What do I get for my money?
That starting price is for the Renault 4 E-Tech Evolution fitted with a 40kWh battery pack and 120hp electric motor. As it's the lightest version it is the quickest off the mark, with a 0-100km/h time of eight seconds exactly, while its official range is 300 kilometres.
The Evolution specification includes auto lights and wipers, one-touch electric windows all-round, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera and more.
For €3,000 extra (i.e. €30,995), buyers can upgrade the Evolution model with a bigger battery and more powerful motor. The 52kWh energy capacity allows for an official range of 409km, while the electric motor produces up to 150hp and 245Nm of torque.
That powertrain is standard on the Techno and Iconic versions, priced from €32,995 and €34,995, respectively.
Equipment in the Techno includes built-in Google software, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, front and side parking sensors as well as those on the rear, selectable driving modes, hands-free parking, ambient lighting, upgraded upholstery, electric-folding door mirrors, roof rails, rear privacy glass and much more.
To that, the Iconic adds a unique design of alloy wheel, an electric tailgate, heated front seats with height adjustment, heated steering wheel, yellow stitching on the dashboard and additional driver-assistance technology.
Any all-wheel-drive Renault 4?
Well, Renault has previewed such a thing in concept forms (as the vision4rescue vehicle and the cool 4 Savane 4x4) already and the rumour mill suggests that a dual-motor version will go into production. Whether it comes to Ireland or not is another question entirely.
Neither is it clear if there'll be a commercial van version of the new Renault 4. The original Renault 4 was extensively used by Post & Telegraph (readers of a certain vintage might remember the orange and white livery) and even An Garda Síochána.
We do know, however, that an open-air version of the Renault 4 will be offered, with an electrically retracting canvas roof. It'll be called the 'Plein Sud', meaning 'Facing South' in French, and aptly will launch on the Irish market in time for summer 2026.
