Renault has raised eyebrows with the low price of its new 4 E-Tech, which will be priced from £26,995 when order books open in July. That makes it cheaper than rivals such as the Kia EV3 and MG S5 EV.​

It will be available in three trim levels from launch – evolution, techno, and iconic, with a £2,000 ‘price walk’ up between the levels. The techno and iconic will have the option of an electric “plein sud” canvas roof.

The company is also offering its VIP access R Pass, allowing buyers to skip the queue to order the Renault 4 ahead of the general public. Three years’ free servicing will also be provided to R Pass customers when they buy the company’s finance.

Larger than the Renault 5 at 4.14m in length, the 4 offers more interior space thanks to its 2.62m wheelbase. The boot is large too, at 420 litres. 

Techno and iconic models have Google services built-in, including Google Maps with charging-optimised route planning and a variety of apps from the Google Play store. On these models, the central screen is joined by a 10-inch digital driver information display.

Evoking the original, the “plein sud” electric opening canvas roof will bring the spirit of the outdoors into the cabin. It opens at the touch of a button or by voice control to reveal an 80x92 cm view of the sky that can be enjoyed by all passengers. This option will follow after launch.

The 52 kWh battery powers a 110 kW electric motor that accelerates the Renault 4 E-Tech electric from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, with a driving range of up to 247 miles. 

Six body colours are available from launch, including a new shade – Hauts-de-France Green – that pays tribute to the Île-de-France Blue of the 1960s. It joins Glacier White, Urban Grey, Diamond Black, Carmin Red, and Cumulus Blue, while the option of a contrasting Diamond Black roof – with or without a matching Diamond Black bonnet – is available on techno and iconic models. All models in the range wear 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels as standard.