Some automakers enjoy reintroducing classic names to make their new vehicles appealing. Renault is doing just that with its compact SUV, introducing the Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud. This unique variant features a large fabric roof that rolls back, offering drivers an open-air experience that is surprisingly rare among modern vehicles.
The canvas top measures 92 cm long and 80 cm wide, providing an opening of nearly one square meter. Renault claims this is the largest opening in its vehicle class, and it is easy to see why, as no other car in the segment offers a similar roof. Drivers can open or close the fabric roof in about 10 seconds.
The roof's mechanism can be activated via a physical button on the overhead console or through voice commands using the onboard AI assistant, Reno. Notably, drivers do not need to pull over to use it, as the roof operates safely at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. An automatic deflector helps minimize wind noise when driving with the top down at highway speeds.
Typically, adding a folding roof adds significant weight due to the need for robust structural reinforcements. However, Renault managed to avoid excessive weight gain by using polymer components instead of metal for the roof structure. Additionally, the opening mechanism employs three folds, unlike the four usually found in similar systems. With these innovations, the Plein Sud weighs only 42 lb more than the standard hardtop version.
There is a slight impact on aerodynamics, with the drag area (CdA) increasing from 0.762 to 0.778. Consequently, the vehicle's driving range decreases slightly by only 4.3 miles, or about 1.8 percent, compared to the fixed-roof model. When choosing the Techno trim, the vehicle achieves a WLTP-certified driving range of 244 miles.
The exterior dimensions of the Plein Sud remain the same as the standard model, measuring 13.58 ft in length and a wheelbase of 8.6 ft. It rides on 18-inch wheels and features the recognizable illuminated front grille. However, discerning buyers may notice a few aesthetic changes, including the removal of roof rails to accommodate the folding canvas mechanism and the integration of the traditional antenna into the rear window glass.
While cosmetic changes limit some customization options, buyers still have choices. The Techno finish offers 11 body colors, while the higher Iconic finish offers seven. Customers can select either a body-colored or black hood, along with different decorative accents for the fenders and bumpers. However, roof or hood decals cannot be ordered for this version, as the graphics do not match the canvas top layout.
Adjustments to the roof structure have resulted in slight alterations to interior dimensions, providing a trade-off for passengers. Front row headroom has increased to 35.7 inches, compared to 34.9 inches in the hardtop. Unfortunately, rear headroom has decreased to 32 inches from the original 33.6 inches. To mitigate this loss while ensuring passenger comfort, Renault engineers designed the rear's structural reinforcements in a cap shape.
Unlike many open-top vehicles that sacrifice cargo space, this electric SUV maintains its practical design. The trunk offers 14.8 ft³ of storage, including a 1.55 ft³ compartment hidden beneath the floor. This lower storage area features two openings for easier access, and the trunk opening has a low loading sill of just 61 cm off the ground, approximately 10 cm lower than competing models, facilitating the loading of heavier items.
The interior also remains flexible for transporting larger items. The cabin provides a total of 0.82 ft³ of smaller storage spaces, including map pockets on the backs of each front seat. The second row alone offers 0.32 ft³ of storage. For those needing to transport long cargo, the rear bench folds down, while the front passenger seat can lay completely flat, yielding a total load length of 7.22 ft, sufficient for adult skis or small furniture. Additionally, even when the fabric roof is down, the Renault 4 E-Tech retains a towing capacity of up to 1,653 lb, suitable for light trailers or caravans.
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