Renault R4 E-Tech Electric: Small SUV at fair conditions

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For a few years, Renault enjoyed above-average success with its electric cars. In the meantime, many more suppliers in Europe are jostling for a clientele that is currently not quite as numerous as predicted years ago. Attractive models are intended to provide a remedy, and Renault is focusing on one of its core competencies: interesting, affordable cars. With these ingredients, the new R4 has what it takes to become a bestseller. It can be ordered and configured from today.

The R4 may attract special attention thanks to its retro design, but it is by no means alone in its segment. The Opel Mokka, Mini Aceman and Fiat 600e are among the direct competitors that are already there. With Skoda Epiq and Ford Puma Gen E, further competitors of a similar size will be joining them this year. So there are many manufacturers vying for customers in this environment. Renault clearly has no ambition to buy market share with dumping prices. Nevertheless, the brand is clearly undercutting some of its rivals.

Plenty of competition

The R4 is offered with two drive systems, two batteries and three equipment lines. The engine and battery are permanently linked. The 90 kW electric motor is only sold with the 40 kWh battery, the 110 kW motor only with the large storage unit, which offers 52 kWh. The days of the 22 kW AC charger are over at Renault; both can only charge with 11 kW on alternating current. There are minor differences in the DC charging, which is 80 or 100 kW. The battery is based on the cell chemistry of nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) and can be specifically preconditioned.

Unfortunately, the small battery can currently only be ordered with the basic version. Only those who take the step up to the larger machine can choose between all three equipment lines. The R4 base model costs 29,400 euros and is therefore more expensive than the significantly larger Opel Frontera Electric and Citroën ë-C3 Aircross e-SUVs. A Mini Aceman is slightly more expensive with a base price of 30,650 euros. The entry-level prices of the Opel Mokka Electric, Fiat 600e and Ford Puma are significantly higher.

Base model: Well equipped, but ...

As is so often the case, the base model of the R4 also lacks certain features that are not available at extra cost. These include little things such as height adjustment of the front passenger seat, an inductive charging cradle for smartphones, a front parking aid or electric adjustment of the exterior mirrors. On the other hand, automatic air conditioning, reversing camera, heat pump, infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are always included. The additional costs for the drive and equipment also seem fairly calculated. Even the top-of-the-range R4 model, at 36,400 euros, costs slightly less than an Opel Mokka Electric with basic equipment.

An equipment variant with an electric folding roof will follow in the course of the year. We can only hope that Renault will not link this charming extra to a particularly expensive version. So far, the only thing that is certain is that the folding roof will only be available together with the large battery. The company has not yet announced prices for this version.