NOD TO 4BEAR

Retro inspired Renault 4 E-Tech electric launches from €27,995

- BY JOHN MITCHELL

AFTER causing a stir with the almost offensively cute Renault 5 reboot, the French manufacturers are trying to play the same game twice with the larger Renault 4 E-Tech electric.

Launched in Wicklow this very week, it's a taller and more versatile version of the compact 5, and it really wants to be known as a compact SUV, please and thanks.

In reality it's a tall hatchback, but while it's it’s lost some of the pug-like charm of its little brother, it's not without its attractions either.

Lookswise, it’s not as pretty as the 5 but that’s to be expected in a stretched version - and it makes up for it in improved practicality.

You can even had a canvas roof like the original Renault 4 - though hopefully this one won't be as prone to leaks and mildew as the original back in the mists of time.