Renault 4 Plein Sud review: The feel good hit of not just the summer

June 15, 2026 George East

Pairing buckets of charm with open-top smiles, the Renault 4 Plein Sud is yet another brilliant offering from one of Europe’s most in-form EV makers.

I’d like to start this review with a confession. For my sins, until now, I hadn’t driven an electric Renault. I knew they were good. After all, the many awards the Renaults (Renaux?) 4 and 5 have scooped since their arrival in 2025 speak for themselves. But just how good are they?

Well, the answer is ‘very, very’ and every piece of silverware and accolade Renault wins is richly deserved.

My introduction to the Renaultution was with the R4 Plein Sud, an open-top version of the charming and rugged Renault 4. The ‘Plein Sud’ – or ‘Due South’ en Anglais – nameplate is taken from the original R4 ‘Plein Air’ of 1968; a doorless, fully-convertible version of the world’s first mass-produced hatchback, and Renault’s answer to the likes of the Citroën Méhari and the Mini Moke.

According to Renault, the brief for the electric-only R4 Plein Sud was to invoke feelings of venturing south to the Côte d’Azur during the warmer, summer months. It’s all about wind in your hair, Lait de Coco on the radio, and for want of a better term, “the vibes”.

Design, interior and technology

In design terms, the Renault 4 Plein Sud isn’t hugely dissimilar to the standard car, as both share the same boxy visuals, flat bonnet, and squared-off wheel arches. In fact, there’s very little to tell the two apart on first impressions. That is, of course, until you get inside and look up to see the massive gaping hole in the roof.

Now, Renault has been somewhat generous with the term ‘convertible’ to describe the Plein Sud. It’s more of a regular R4 with an 80cm x 97cm canvas sunroof. Instead of folding all the way back as per a trad drop-top, it folds backwards into three sections and can be done fully within 10 seconds at speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour.

While naysayers may scoff that the Renault 4 Plein Sud isn’t a “proper” drop-top, it does mean that this “rag-top” retains the standard car’s impressive 420 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,350 litres when you fold the rear seats. By not lopping off the Plein Sud’s B and C pillars, the chassis’ stiffness remains uncompromised, and there’s no nasty scuttle shake or feelings of flaccidity from behind the wheel.

The interior of the R4 Plein Sud is unchanged over the regular car. The stepped dashboard remains, and all of the materials, bar a few scratchy plastics lower down, feel well screwed together and pleasant to touch.

When it comes to screens, the driver benefits from a 10.3-inch instrument binnacle adjacent to another 10.3-inch infotainment screen running the rather excellent Google built-in. Given this is 2026, the R4 Plein Sud comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Renault was also keen to stress that the system comes with Amazon Prime Video and HBO app integration.

If I’m honest, I really don’t understand this. Never have I ever felt the urge to go and sit in my car to watch an episode of whatever I’m binging currently. I most likely never will. Alas, this is the way things are headed, as is the use of artificial intelligence via Renault’s ‘Reno’ avatar.

By saying “hey, Reno” you can open the sunroof and carry out myriad other functions such as adjusting the cabin temperature, and pre-scheduling a charge session. Impressively, ‘Reno’ worked, and it’s yet another demonstration of how the brand strives to make life easier for the car’s owner, rather than adding superfluous gimmicks such as in-built karaoke systems or simulated whoopee cushions.

In the back, there are seatbelts for three, but realistically the Renault 4 is strictly a four-seater. At 3.9 metres long, leg room is tight in the rear, and the bench also sits quite high, providing those in the back with an elevated seating position. It’s not uncomfortable, but it does feel a bit… odd initially.

However, this does translate into some properly pleasant ‘wind in your hair’ moments, which add another layer of joy to what’s already a happy little car.

Battery, motor, and performance

Thankfully, Renault has kept things simple with the 4 Plein Sud’s powertrain. Like its closed-top sibling, just one configuration is available: a front-mounted, 148bhp motor paired with a 52kWh battery.

As a result of the extra 19kg added from the roof, the R4 Plein Sud’s overall range is reduced slightly from 247 to 242 miles. Charging speeds are bang average with a 100kW peak, and a 15-80% top-up time will take 30 minutes.

However, the Plein Sud is the first Renault 4 to benefit from Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. To keep things simple, this means the car can be used as a battery storage device to power anything from an electric BBQ to an entire house in the event of a power outage. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) also allows owners to sell the electricity stored in the battery back to the grid, and reduce their home charging costs.

When it comes to performance, the R4 Plein Sud will do the 0-62mph run in 8.2 seconds and power through on to a top end of 93mph. At a time when EVs are easily generating four-figure power outputs and neck-snapping levels of acceleration, these numbers seem mid at best.

But honestly? The R4 – Plein Sud or otherwise – doesn’t need silly performance. The power was more than enough for some Marcus Grönholm-style heroics on the rather splendid and somewhat challenging blacktop that once served as the stages on Rally Catalunya.

While reasonably soft-riding, the R4 felt chuckable with very little lean and plenty of composure. The steering is nicely weighted with a good level of connection between the steering wheel and the road. Paired with a reasonably low driving position, the sensation of licking along is somewhat amplified. In town, the little Plein Sud’s throttle response and one-pedal driving make it perky enough to ensure driving is a stress-free affair.

Out on the open road, though, is where the Renault 4 Plein Sud really shines. It’s just easy. With the roof closed, road noise is barely audible and Renault claims that the absence of a full-time roof means it’s just 10dB louder than the standard car. Paired with those comfy seats and a much-needed armrest, motorway journeys are an absolute doddle.

Overall, then, the R4 very much has a “big car feel”. It’s easy to drive, easy to live with, and best of all, you can turn the ADAS off with a double press of a button beneath the right-hand side air-vent.

Price and specification

There’s no such thing as a cheap new car in 2026, so don’t expect the Renault 4 Plein Sud to be challenging the likes of the Dacia Spring and the Leapmotor T01 when it comes to pricing. That said, it’s far from daft money and the addition of the canvas roof calls for a relatively modest £1,500 premium over the standard car.

Both trim levels, entry-level techno+ and range-topping iconic+, are also eligible for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant. As a result, techno+ cars are priced from £27,445, while the iconic+ kicks off at £29,445.

When it comes to specs, the Techno+ cars come with a massively quirky denim upholstery, rear tinted windows, a two-tone paint job with a non-body coloured roof, heated and electrically adjustable mirrors, and automatic daytime running lights.

Iconic+ trim drops the Techno+’s 18-inch ‘Sixties’ alloy pattern in favour of 19-inch ‘Parisienne’ wheels, and the additional kit includes a light-up grille, an electric boot, plus heated seats and steering wheel. EV Powered editor, Matt, was also taken with the 80s-inspired black, grey, and yellow seats exclusive to range-topping models.

Wireless mobile charging is standard on all versions of the R4 Plein Sud, along with optional extras from a wicker baguette holder and different driver selector caps, to 3D-printed centre console covers and even its own dedicated clothing line. Très chic.

Verdict

The R4 Plein Sud is another endearing electric Renault. Renault has taken an already cheerful car and made it even happier by adding that folding canvas roof. Ultimately, I think we underestimate the wonders that a cabin filled with sunlight and a rag-top can do for the soul.

The R4 Plein Sud invoked fond memories of family summer holidays to mainland Europe as a kid. But here’s the thing – given how easily the Plein Sud slots into your life, it’s not just a feel-good hit of the summer: it’s another of Renault’s year-round success stories.

Bravo.