Everyday electric gives the 5 a run for its money

There’s no denying the success of the Renault 5. Encapsulating the retro-infused look and compact dimensions many EV buyers are after, it's now becoming a common sight on our roads. But one area where the 5 struggled was practicality. It's something addressed by this car - the Renault 4.

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Arriving as a more practical option but with a similarly style-conscious approach as its smaller brother, it could be the best of both worlds.

WHAT'S NEW?

Fundamentally, the Renault 4 and 5 are very similar underneath, but whereas the 5 has a more compact take on things, the 4 hopes to be a little more user-friendly for those who need extra space.

There's extra room for those in the back - the 5's rear-seat legroom is almost nonexistent - while the 420-litre boot you get in the 4 trumps the 5's 326-litre boot.

But as with the 5, you can still get the 4 in a fun range of colours and with a heap of personalisation options. Shortly, a clever Plein Sud model will join the ranks, bringing a full-length retractable cloth roof that'll open the car's cabin up to the sunshine.

UNDER THE BONNET?

The Renault 4 uses a front-mounted electric motor, which brings 148bhp and 245Nm of torque. With a 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 93mph, it's not the speediest but it's more than enough.