The motoring press has been most impressed with the new Renault 5. Praise has been heaped on it from all quarters and it’s easy to see why. However, lurking quietly in the shadows is another new and equally exciting EV from the French manufacturer, namely the Renault 4.

Some readers may be surprised to know that I am old enough to remember the original, and indeed one of my neighbours had one in the street where I grew up in. They owned it for many years before trading it in for an MGB GT, with the V8 engine no less. What a contrast.

The original Renault 4 was launched back in the early 1960s and was the French answer to the British Mini, though it was a much more practical proposition. Closer to home, Citroen was of course in full swing with 2CV production. Renault built over eight million 4s over a thirty-year period, with plants all over the world servicing local needs. In fact, the original Renault 4 is the fourth best selling car of all time.

The new model boasts the same tall, boxy silhouette but is now dressed up with LED lighting and neat creases in the bodywork. It’s an attractive design, though perhaps less eye-catching than the 5 with which shares much of its architecture.

Inside is suitably smart with the now expected large touchscreen, soft touch materials and there is undoubtedly more space than in the Renault 5, most noticeably in the back. All the controls are easy to operate and there are separate heater controls which is always pleasing. I’m less sure about the column mounted gear lever, operated by this user in error for the windscreen wipers on a couple of occasions. Familiarity would no doubt cure this.

The Renault PR team confirmed my thoughts that the R4 does ride more softly than the R5, suiting this type of vehicle perfectly. It is quite brisk if you are in the mood, but it suits a more laid-back driving style. This will improve the car’s range too, something new EV adopters always worry about. Up to 254 miles is claimed and in the real world, I would suggest 200 miles should be readily achievable even if driven with some Gallic flair.

Expect to wait half an hour for a 15% to 80% charge on a 100kW unit, just enough time for a couple of Gauloises and a café au lait! Or more likely, a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Caramel Macchiato and a chocolate muffin.

I was lucky enough to drive the Renault 4 alongside the 5 and its Alpine version at a recent local drive event. I loved the Alpine, the speed demon in me revelling in the extra power and handling prowess on the country lanes. However, if I were buying one, the Renault 4 would just get my nod. The extra space in the back and more cosseting ride sealing the deal.

I suspect many would be buyers will be lured into Renault showrooms by the 5, but if they regularly carry rear seat passengers will probably plump for the 4, thus trading a little style for extra practicality. Good cars both, and I would happily daily drive either. Faites votre choix!

Fast Facts
Renault 4 E-Tech
Price – from £25,495
3 bespoke trim levels
Official range up to 247 miles
Up to 150hp and 245Nm torque
15-80% charge – 30 minutes (100kW)
420 litre boot
Optional full canvas sunroof