Renault 4

Family cars are popular. There is therefore much to be gained, but the competition is fierce. To set itself apart from the existing range, Renault started with the basic concept: no SUV, as there are already far too many of those. Renault then went one step further by opting for a retro design based on the classic Renault 4 (1961–1992). The result is a beautiful fusion of old and new, giving this car a charm and sense of optimism that is hard to find in SUVs.

When Renault decided to develop an exclusive version of the 4, choices had to be made. During its long production run, the original Renault 4 was available with a simple open roof, but also as a completely ‘open-top’ version without doors or roof rails. However, the more modifications, the higher the price. A balance therefore had to be struck between functionality, space, comfort and price. A full metal roof, such as the one fitted to the Renault Mégane CC at the time, would have offered the greatest comfort. However, it is expensive and takes up a lot of space when folded up.

The “Plein Sud” (loosely translated: “fully south”) therefore has a canvas roof over the front and rear seats. The rear window and B-pillars remain in place, meaning this is not a full-fledged convertible. This keeps the additional cost down (around 1,800 euros) and ensures the roof fits perfectly with the car’s retro look. Furthermore, functionality remains virtually unchanged. To ensure safety, the edge around the roof has been reinforced, which means that headroom in the rear is 4 cm less than in the Renault 4 with a fixed roof. Headroom in the front, on the other hand, has increased by 2 cm.

Specification

The canvas roof is only available with the higher trim levels (“Iconic” and “Techno”), which is why the test car features a comprehensive, modern range of equipment. The most eye-catching feature is the display that stretches from behind the steering wheel to the centre console.

It runs an audio, communication and navigation system based on Android Automotive. It can therefore be operated like an Android smartphone and has the same functionality (insofar as this is relevant in a car), including the ability to install apps from the Play Store. This also includes Google’s smart assistant, which, in the car, also has access to the battery status and can therefore help with planning long journeys. All data linked to a Google account is immediately available in the car.  Anyone who does not wish to use Google products for privacy reasons can choose not to agree to part of the terms and conditions. Renault promises that basic functionality will still be available.

The mandatory safety features are easy to deactivate, so they are not perceived as a nuisance. A real bonus: the air conditioning is so powerful that one can drive with the roof open even in high temperatures. The roof was designed in collaboration with the German specialist Webasto and consists of two layers. With the roof closed, the "Plein Sud" is therefore almost as quiet as the standard Renault 4. Please note: this test report is based on a test drive carried out in the summer. We did drive at high speeds, but not in snow, wind or rain.

Electric car

For Renault, it was clear that the new 4 had to be an electric car. The platform was designed with this in mind, which is why the car offers plenty of space for passengers and batteries. The "Plein Sud" is paired with the most powerful motors and the highest-capacity batteries available on the Renault 4. For the test car, this means a 150 pk / 245 Nm electric motor and a 52 kW battery. This delivers excellent performance, and because an electric car’s power is available even at low revs, this retro model is much faster than other road users expect. Something the reviewer just can’t get used to, even after many test drives in modern Renaults: to the right of the steering wheel are four (!) levers. They are positioned close together, and the gear lever and the windscreen wiper lever are the same shape, which means they are often confused. On more than one occasion, the windscreen wipers have been switched on when the intention was to reverse.

Any change to the exterior, however small, affects the aerodynamics. The open roof therefore results in a slightly shorter range, even when closed. Renault promises a range of 392 km for the version with a 52 kW battery. However, during testing in very hot weather, a range of 399 km was achieved on a full charge (test consumption: 13.9 kWh / 100 km). That’s with a brisk driving style, because as well as its charming looks, the Renault 4 entices with its excellent handling characteristics.

Handling

And therein lies the second part of the Renault 4’s ‘secret’: this family car not only looks very appealing, but also has much livelier handling than most of its competitors. This is thanks to the excellent chassis, borrowed from the Renault 5. In addition, the steering is unusually direct, which makes the car dynamic. This combination ensures that, from the very first moment, the Renault 4 not only inspires confidence but even encourages a brisk driving style.

The open roof adds to the fun. It not only enhances the connection between the driver and the car’s mechanics, but also between the occupants and their surroundings. This extra-intense experience can be enjoyed at any time, as the roof is electrically operated and can be opened and closed whilst driving.

Alongside the “open top”, Renault is introducing another new feature for the 4: “Extended Grip” (not available in the UK). Thanks to a combination of all-season tyres and an adapted traction control system, the car can cope with light off-road terrain. One drawback of the Goodyear tyres on the test car: they squeal during fast cornering, heavy braking and rapid acceleration. The advantage: with “Extended Grip”, the Renault 4 is even more versatile.

Conclusion

Renault had a clear mission: it wanted to make a functional family car desirable. It achieved this by opting not for yet another SUV, but for a hatchback with retro styling. This went down so well with buyers that Renault is now taking it a step further with the “Plein Sud”. This isn’t a convertible, but it does feature a canvas roof over the front and rear seats. When fully open, it draws the occupants more into the driving experience and their surroundings. That makes the “Plein Sud” definitely more fun than the average Renault 4. When closed, the sound insulation is so good that there is little difference compared to the Renault 4 with a fixed roof. Thanks to modifications to its structural rigidity, its safety is just as good as that of the standard Renault 4.

Just like any other Renault 4, the “Plein Sud” also impresses with its handling. Precisely because it is not an SUV, the Renault 4 is inherently stable. By adding an advanced chassis and direct steering to this, the Renault 4 offers more driving pleasure than virtually all its competitors in this segment. At the same time, the space and functionality are just as good. It is the sum of its parts that makes the Renault 4 irresistible: retro styling, excellent handling and now an open top to make what’s fun even more fun.