On the road, the R4 and R5 feel very similar – not surprising given that both cars are based on Renault’s AmpR Small platform. The 4 gets some subtle changes beyond that extended wheelbase; slightly softer springs are also taller, allowing for both a subtly raised ride height and a little more suspension travel, but the end result isn’t hugely different. Much like the cabin similarities, that’s no bad thing.
The mix of extra ride height and softer setup introduces a little pitch and dive into the springs, though through that slight softness there are still some smaller bumps that are transmitted into the cabin. We’d still like a little more softness – it would feel appropriate given the way the original 4 wafted over bumps – but it’s much more compliant than, for example, the needlessly stiff MINI Aceman. Thanks to its fairly modest 1,462kg kerbweight (by EV standards), the 4 feels fairly agile through turns, helped by fairly darty steering and a modest amount of body roll.
While the 5 comes with two motor options, the 4 just takes the more powerful of the pair. The lone offering sends its 148bhp and 245Nm to the front wheels, and delivers decent performance; 0-62mph takes 8.2 seconds, which is plenty for a car in this class. We’d steer away from Eco mode – it makes the throttle response very soft and lethargic – but otherwise the acceleration feels lively and responsive. The 4 is the first Renault to feature one-pedal driving, which is the strongest of four motor regen levels that can be easily selected on the move through paddles on the steering wheel. It’s not as strong as some systems of its type, but it brings the car to a very smooth stop.
