Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud: an ideal combination

Some cars are bought with the head, others appeal directly to the emotions. The Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud belongs to the second group. The French brand has achieved something rare in an electric vehicle: rediscovering the pleasure of driving a convertible without giving up the practicality offered by the R4 E-Tech.

The recipe is simple on paper, but very effective in practice. For 1,800 euros more than the closed-roof version, the Renault 4 features a large sliding fabric roof that completely transforms the driving experience. It is not a simple opening panoramic roof, but a fabric roof that opens, with an opening measuring 80 centimetres wide and 92 long that floods the cabin with light and allows rear passengers to enjoy the open air as well.

Driving pleasure

If you want to enjoy it, just press a button and in barely ten seconds the roof opens completely, and it can even be done while driving, as long as speed does not exceed 90 km/h. If it starts to rain, the roof can be closed at any speed, also within those ten seconds, a speed that encourages frequent rather than occasional use.

The feeling at the wheel changes completely. The absence of the mechanical noise typical of a combustion engine makes the experience of driving open-top even more pleasant. Renault has worked on insulation and aerodynamics, fitting an automatic wind deflector at the front so that, even with the fabric roof closed, the acoustic difference compared with the conventional version is minimal.

Good capacity

What is interesting is that this version does not force you to give up space. The boot keeps its 420-litre capacity, still offers five usable seats and even retains the 750-kilo towing capacity. The weight increase is limited to 19 kilograms, and the impact on range amounts to just a few kilometres compared with the hard-top version.

While driving, it continues to convey the balance between comfort and agility that characterises the electric Renault 4. The multi-link rear suspension and the specific structural rigidity mean the behaviour remains consistent despite the fabric roof. There are no vibrations or sensation of lost solidity, something especially important in a convertible. As with the metal-roof variant, the suspensions are particularly effective, very comfortable on poorly maintained road surfaces.

Off-road capabilities

Those who want to leave the tarmac also have an interesting ally. The optional Extended Grip system includes specific tuning of the traction electronics together with All Season tyres to improve traction on low-grip surfaces. It is available on both the Techno and Iconic trims, adding two specific modes—Snow and All-Terrain— that make better use of the instant torque of the electric motor on snow, dirt or roads with little grip.

No mechanical changes

The mechanics also do not change compared with the rest of the longer-range range. It uses the 110 kW (150 CV) electric motor paired with the 52 kWh battery, with up to 392 kilometres of WLTP range, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.2 seconds and DC fast charging of up to 100 kW, capable of going from 15 to 80% in half an hour.

The Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud does not aim to be a sports convertible, but a car for travelling slowly when you feel like it or turning an everyday journey into a more pleasant experience. And perhaps that is its greatest success. In an era when cars are increasingly rational, for 1,800 euros extra over the closed version, the Plein Sud adds an ingredient that lets you enjoy the journey even more.

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