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.

My top-spec test car looked resplendent in ‘Cloud Blue’ and attracted much attention during my week or so behind the wheel. Most thought it looked lovely and the oldies said it did indeed remind them of the original car.

Though perhaps most likely to be used as a city car, where the comfortable ride can best be enjoyed, select ‘Sport’ mode and the Renault 4 positively flies. I had fun on some of the empty roads in my neck of the woods but drive in a spirited fashion and you will deplete the range quite quickly. Better to adopt a more laid-back driving style.

This will improve the car’s range, something new EV adopters always worry about. Up to 248 miles is claimed and in the real world, I would suggest 200 miles is nearer the mark, less in colder wintery conditions.

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.

Last year I drove the Renault 4 alongside the 5 and its Alpine variant. The Alpine was super quick and handled well but use the performance and the range drops far too quickly. Most people seem to prefer the look of the 5, but if I were spending my own hard-earned cash, it would be the Renault 4 that took pride of place on my driveway. The better ride quality and increased passenger space sealing the deal.

I suspect many would be buyers will be lured into Renault showrooms by the 5, but if they don’t consider the 4, they may be making a big mistake. And later this year the new Twingo will launch. I get behind the wheel next month and will report back.

Fast Facts (as tested)
Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic
Price £28,695
Cloud Blue paint
0-62mph in 8.2 seconds
52kW battery
110kW motor
Official range up to 244 miles
Up to 150hp and 245Nm torque
15-80% charge – 30 minutes (100kW)
420 litre boot
Optional full canvas sunroof