Renault 4 vs 5: Which retro Renault suits you best? | We drive both back to back!
After nailing the art of reinvention, the EV grant now means the Renault 4 and 5 offer fantastic value on the leasing market. But which is best for you?
Two reborn icons. Two very different cars. The Renault 4 and Renault 5 have both been lauded by the motoring press. The pair have picked up a multitude of awards, and made Renault one of the hottest badges in the EV market.
Thanks to the government grant, the list prices have both been reduced by £1,500 – which has had a knock-on effect for the leasing market.
In fact, both are attractively priced, with lease rates from under £200 per month in the 5’s case. But if you fancy a bit of retro Renault action, which of these EVs are for you? We recently had the opportunity to drive the pair back to back. Here’s what you need to know.
Renault 4 vs 5: The looks
This pair really give other manufacturers a lesson in how to successfully dip into heritage. The 4 – now a boxy, family-friendly package – apes the original car of 1961 in several clever ways.
Check out that front end: the illuminated grille and badge give it a distinctive appearance, just like the original. At the rear, it’s a similar story. Whether it’s the badging, the tail lights or the trapezoidal rear windows, Renault has done an excellent job in giving its rugged new EV a distinctive style.
What’s really clever here is that the 5 manages to pull of exactly the same thing – but in a very different way. You see, Renault’s designers have ensured that these are very distinct cars with a different kinds of philosophies.
The 4 was a rugged, go-anywhere four seater. The original 5, on the other hand, was a child of the 70s, and had an even more distinctive silhouette than its older sibling, all while offering a more compact, chic package.
This difference remains today; despite utilising the same platform, the 5 is more compact and suited to city work than the roomier, family-focused 4. Just as it was 50 years ago, the one for you will primarily depend on your needs, but both offer a really impressive package.
Renault 4 vs 5: The tech
Step inside either car and you’re reminded that, despite their retro looks, these are thoroughly modern EVs. Both get Renault’s latest infotainment system, built around a Google-based operating system. That means slick graphics, snappy responses and handy built-in apps like Google Maps and Assistant, with over-the-air updates keeping things fresh. Smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard too.
The differences come in execution. The Renault 5’s interior feels more driver-focused, with a wide twin-screen setup that stretches across the dash, giving it a futuristic, high-tech vibe that matches its chic city persona. You get plenty of customisation options, playful retro-inspired graphics, and a strong emphasis on style – it’s clearly aimed at younger, tech-savvy buyers.
The Renault 4 takes a slightly more practical approach. You still get a high-resolution central touchscreen and digital driver display, but the layout is less flamboyant and more straightforward. Physical shortcut buttons are easier to reach, while the raised driving position makes the digital cockpit feel more SUV-like. It’s designed to be simple, clear and family-friendly, which suits its role as a more versatile crossover.
Public EV Charging: Made Simple with Be.EV
If you’re thinking of leasing an electric Renault, you’ll be pleased to hear we’ve got an exclusive offer from our partner Be.EV. They make public EV charging simple, affordable and easy to understand.
Their growing network of rapid chargers combined with subscription plans can help reduce charging costs. And thanks to our offer, you’ll get a further 50% off your first two charges of your new electric lease vehicle.
Renault 4 vs 5: The practical stuff
This is where the differences between the pair really come into focus. The 4 is the clear winner for outright space. Its boxy proportions translate into a roomy cabin, while a large square boot makes it perfect for family duty. Rear passengers get decent headroom too, and with a flat floor, it feels airy for what is still a compact EV.
The 5 is more compact, and while it’ll cope fine with a weekly shop or the odd weekend away, space is tighter in the rear if you regularly carry adults in the back. It’s really best suited for couples, or those who’ll spend most of their time darting through city streets.
The upside? Its smaller footprint makes it easier to park and thread through tight urban environments. So, while both offer plenty of modern practicality compared to their retro forebears, it’s fair to say the 4 leans more towards the family crossover end of the scale, while the 5 is pitched squarely as a style-led supermini.
Renault 4 vs 5: The drive
On the road, both cars share the same refined electric AmpR underpinnings, so performance is smooth, quiet, in both. But again, Renault has made sure they feel distinct. The 5 is slightly quicker off the mark and feels more agile, despite them both sharing similar power and identical battery packs.
It’s light on its feet, with direct steering and a tighter turning circle. It feels properly at home in the city, where its zippy nature makes commuting genuinely fun. It’s not a hot hatch (for that, you’ll want the Alpine A290) – but there’s enough punch for brisk acceleration around town.
The 4 feels more grown-up. The raised driving position, softer suspension and chunkier tyres mean it’s the more comfortable of the two over longer distances.
It soaks up rougher roads with ease, and while it can’t quite match the 5’s nimbleness, it compensates by feeling planted and secure – exactly what you want from a family-friendly EV.
Range-wise, the 52kWh battery pack means that both offer a range in the region of 250 miles, with 200 miles + easily achievable in the real world. Unlike the 5, however, you can’t specify the 4 with the smaller 40kWh battery option. Opt for this in the 5, and you can still expect a range of 193 miles.
Renault 4 vs 5: Which one’s best?
As with their predecessors, it all comes down to what you need from your car. The Renault 5 is a stylish, fun-to-drive EV that doubles down on its chic retro appeal while offering all the modern tech you could want in a compact package. If your driving is mostly urban, it’s hard not to be charmed.
The Renault 4, meanwhile, is the more practical, versatile option. It trades some of the 5’s style and agility for space, comfort, and a family-friendly layout. For longer journeys or those needing extra room, it’s the better all-rounder.
The good news? There isn’t a wrong choice here. Both cars show that Renault has nailed the art of reinvention, and whichever one you go for, you’ll be getting an EV that’s as appealing as it is affordable.
