Renault 4 review

It hardly takes an automotive Inspector Clouseau to figure out this car is an extremely close relative of today's R5. The whole of Renault's excellent screen and physical control system is here.

The driver's screen is seven inches in the Evolution spec and 10.1 inches in the Techno. Another full-size one sits alongside as the touchscreen. The layout and definition is solidly competitive. In Techno spec it has a Google navigation with an effective EV route planner that calculates the shortest charging time for your trip by figuring out their power and availability. In Evolution spec you're using phone mirroring.

We love the number of physical controls. That includes metallic switches for climate control and stereo volume, and the shortcut switch for ADAS. The driver gets lots of steering-wheel buttons for cruise and display configuration.

The left-hand stalk is lights and indicators. On the right there are three stalks: one is the transmission selector, another the wipers and the third controls the stereo. Yes, it can take your right fingers a few attempts to tickle the correct one. Still quicker than screen-diving though.

As a crossover for the small family, the R4 is nicely sized, thanks to an extra slice of wheelbase versus the R5. Provided the driver raises their seat a little, there's enough room for the extremities (toes, kneecaps, scalps) of an adult behind them.

The boot is a deep 420 litres and the front passenger seat folds forward to take your DIY planks or cello. A section of the bumper lifts with the tailgate, deepening the aperture.