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Renault 5 EV Gets A $2,700 Group B Body Kit That Peels Right Off

  • Milltek debuts a Group-B inspired widebody kit at Goodwood.
  • The modular kit fits both the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 EVs.
  • In the UK, the basic package is priced at £2,000 ($2,700).

The Alpine A290 is a beefed-up take on the R5 E-Tech, with styling and performance upgrades over the standard car, but some owners will want something sharper still. UK tuner Milltek has now revealed a wide bodykit for the electric hatchback, drawing on the 1985 R5 Maxi Turbo Group B monster for its cues.

Interestingly, the styling upgrades are compatible with both the Renault and the Alpine versions. Still, the additional rally-style DRLs are exclusive to the Alpine due to the different design of the front bumper.

Review: The Fun 2026 Renault 5 EV America Will Never Get To Buy

 Renault 5 EV Gets A $2,700 Group B Body Kit That Peels Right Off

The centerpiece is the pair of wide front and rear fenders with integrated vents and a dedicated opening for the charging port. These tie into aerodynamic extensions for the front bumper and matching add-ons for the rear doors with faux side intakes. Milltek has also fitted aluminum trim along the side skirts and a larger roof spoiler at the back.

The package leaves performance and the chassis alone, though the car in the photos sits on aftermarket alloy wheels that sell the rally car stance. It’s worth noting that the more potent R5 E-Tech produces 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), while the Alpine A290 climbs to 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).

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Milltek

According to the company, the styling upgrades are designed to be fully reversible as the fitment doesn’t require any cutting, with the extra ABS parts employing “localized removable bonding”.

More: Alpine And Lacoste Built A Crocodile-Tailed Rally Car

Milltek showed a prototype of the kit at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and promised the production version would follow shortly. Deliveries of the first limited-edition runs are set to begin this autumn.

As for pricing, the basic kit starts at £2,000 ($2,700) before taxes. Finally, those who don’t want the full treatment will be able to purchase each component individually.

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Milltek

Renault Just Helped Us Unwrap The Facelifted Scenic’s Disguise

  • Scenic facelift appears ready with styling borrowed from updated Megane.
  • Google Gemini and new software features are likely to enhance the interior.
  • Range may remain unchanged thanks to already impressive battery capacity.

The facelifted Renault Scenic E-Tech has been spotted in disguised form again, but thanks to a strange timing quirk, Renault has accidentally made our job of decoding the upcoming changes much easier. The spy shots landed on the very same day the company unveiled the new-look Megane E-Tech, giving us a pretty clear preview of what’s next for the bigger Scenic SUV.

The updated Megane arrives with a completely reworked front end featuring a new grille treatment like the one on the Captur and Symbioz, fresh lighting elements, and a more assertive – and less obviously electric – look. The camouflaged Scenic prototype appears to be wearing much of the same visual makeover, which makes sense given the two EVs already share plenty of hardware beneath the skin.

Related: BMW Killed The Range-Extender EV. Ford And Renault Want To Bring It Back

The Scenic is already one of the stronger offerings in its segment, so it’s not like it requires any major help. It looks good, drives well, and has a great electric range, so unlike the Megane, which gains a larger battery as part of its update, the Scenic may not need major changes in that department.

With its existing 87 kWh battery already delivering more than 380 miles (612 km) of WLTP range, Renault could decide that a fresh face and upgraded technology are enough to keep the Scenic competitive for the next phase of its life. And since the new Megane stuck with the old one’s 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW) electric output, the Scenic probably will, too.

Google Gemini Onboard

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The software enhancements introduced on the Megane seem almost certain to carry across. That means Google Gemini integration should be on the cards, allowing drivers to interact with the vehicle using more natural voice commands. There’s also a decent chance Renault will bring over some of the smaller improvements that debuted on the Megane, including new charging and connectivity features, expanded app support, new driver recognition functions, and upgraded connected services.

For now, Renault isn’t saying when the refreshed Scenic will make its official debut. But with prototypes already out testing and the Megane’s makeover now public, we’d be surprised if the wait stretched much longer than a few weeks. The official shots of the freshly-revealed Megane E-Tech in the gallery below give you an idea of what to expect from the Scenic.

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SH Proshots, Renault

Renault Gave The Updated Megane EV A Meaner Face And A Slower 0-62

  • Renault refreshes Megane EV with Captur nose design and extra equipment.
  • New LFP battery boosts range to 310 miles and increases charge speeds.
  • Google Gemini joins expanded tech spec together with upgraded ADAS.

Last year at the Munich Motor Show, Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive said the Megane E-Tech Electric was due for a hot hatch-inspired makeover. Nine months on, that update is here, and while it doesn’t deliver a real Megane hot hatch, and it’s actually slower, it does make the E-Tech even more appealing in just about every other way.

The design changes are impossible to miss because Renault has completely reworked the front end with a new bumper, grille and lights. The Megane E-Tech now has the same family face as other Renault models like the Captur and Symbioz, and looks much less cuddly. Other visual updates include fresh wheel designs and a new Satin Blue paint finish.

Related: Renault’s Rafale Looks Like A Coupe SUV Until It Starts Launching Drones

Under the skin, Renault has replaced the old 60 kWh battery with a new 67 kWh usable LFP pack. It pushes maximum WLTP range from a poor 285 miles (459 km) to a more reasonable 310 miles (499 km) and helps bring charging performance up a notch. Peak DC charging climbs to 165 kW, allowing a 15 to 80 percent recharge in around 24 minutes.

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The front-wheel-drive powertrain remains familiar, with a 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW) electric motor producing 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, just as before. The bigger battery appears to have put a tiny dent in performance though, increasing the zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time from 7.5 to 7.6 seconds.

But engineers have also retuned the steering and revised the suspension setup to compensate for the larger battery, so there’s a chance you’ll not notice the difference out on the road.

Same Screens, New Software

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Inside the Megane, it might also take a while to notice any differences. On the surface, nothing much has changed, but the software that runs the twin-screen dashboard gets a substantial update. Google Gemini joins the OpenR Link system, there are now more than 100 downloadable apps, and a new driver-recognition feature can automatically load personal settings when it recognizes who’s behind the wheel. 

The range has also been simplified to Techno and Esprit Alpine trims, both carrying more standard equipment than before. That word ‘more’ kind of sums up everything about this Megane makeover. It was already a solid electric family hatch, but these updates give it a sharper look, and boost both range and equipment. Now all we need is the true Megane RS hot hatch CEO Cambolive got us all hopeful for.

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Renault

BMW Killed The Range-Extender EV. Ford And Renault Want To Bring It Back

  • Ford argues Europe should do more to explain the benefits of hybrids.
  • Research suggests many plug-in hybrid owners rarely charge their cars.
  • Future Ford and Renault EREVs could end up sharing core technology.

The powertrain the industry left for dead is back, and two of Europe’s biggest names want to lead the revival. Both Ford and Renault see range-extender EVs as important powertrain options for the European market, and as legacy automakers throw their weight behind the technology, expect rivals to follow.

The technology isn’t new. The first mass-market EREV was the Chevrolet Bolt, launched back in 2011, followed a few years later by the BMW i3. However, after BMW dropped the EREV i3 in favor of an all-electric version, extended-range EVs largely disappeared as car manufacturers shifted focus to hybrids and battery-electric models. That was until Chinese brands brought EREVs back into the mainstream during the pandemic, and now legacy brands are starting to see their appeal.

 BMW Killed The Range-Extender EV. Ford And Renault Want To Bring It Back

According to Ford’s European head Jim Baumbick, “these vehicles can bring about a fundamental change” in the local market. Ford is already working to bring a dedicated version of the Bronco to Europe and planing several EREV, plug-in hybrid, and traditional hybrid models.

Read: Ford’s European Bronco Won’t Be Fake-Tough, But It Won’t Be A Real Bronco Either

“Electric vehicles are of course part of our portfolio, but the broader spectrum of electrification – from full hybrids to plug-in hybrids and next-generation EREVs – will play a very significant role,” Baumbick told German publication Automobilwoche.

Ford And Renault To Partner On EREVs?

 BMW Killed The Range-Extender EV. Ford And Renault Want To Bring It Back
Ford’s Chinese Bronco Basecamp

Ford introduced an EREV version of its Chinese Bronco last year, fitted with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a sizeable 44 kWh battery pack. It’s unclear whether the company will import this powertrain to Europe or develop a new one for the local market. One possibility would be to deepen its partnership with Renault, which is also investing heavily in EREVs.

Renault’s chief executive François Provost says the company’s EREVs could offer all-electric driving ranges of up to 124 miles (200 km) and will be especially well-suited to larger vehicles.

“For large vehicles, it makes sense to use plug-in hybrids or range extenders, because it’s completely insane to have 2.5 or 2.7-ton cars driving through city centers every day,” he said.

Work still needs to be done to win over buyers and to ensure those who own EREVs actually use them properly. Baumbick argues that[Europe needs to do a better job promoting charging for PHEVs and EREVs, with studies showing that many owners don’t plug in and rely mainly on the combustion engine.

The Fun 2026 Renault 5 EV America Will Never Get To Buy | Review

PROS ›› Design, exceptional ride, handling, equipment CONS ›› Rear legroom, limited range on the highway

Plenty of carmakers reach into their own past and come back with clumsy pastiche. Renault is one of the few that gets it right. The R5 E-Tech is among the more desirable electric subcompacts in Europe right now, so we took the keys for a week to find out whether it holds up as something you actually live with.

The production version landed in 2024, three years after the concept, carrying retro-futuristic styling that reaches back to the original R5 of 1972. The French subcompact serves as a zero-emission alternative to the closely sized Clio and a successor to the aging Zoe, while sitting just above the Twingo E-Tech that has only recently joined the range.

None of this is coming to America. Renault left the US decades ago, and the R5 was built around European prices, European streets, and European tastes, with no plan to cross the Atlantic. So consider this a look at the charming little electric hatch America would probably love but can’t have.

More: Renault Finally Has A Proper Premium SUV, But Europe Doesn’t Get It

Our press car is the flagship Iconic trim painted in the striking but optional Pop Yellow shade with a sparkle effect, arguably the best fit for the new R5. The vivid color comes paired with a Diamond Black roof, a red accent strip along the flank, and 18-inch Chrono alloys, though I would take the Techno wheels given the choice. Iconic trim is also the only way to get the stronger 148 hp electric motor and the larger 52 kWh battery pack.

QUICK FACTS
› Model2026 Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic
› PowertrainSingle Electric Motor (FWD)
› Output148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS)
› Torque245 Nm (180 lb-ft)
› 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)8.0 seconds*
› Top Speed150 km/h (93 mph)*
› Battery52 kWh Lithium-ion
› Range (WLTP)410 km (255 miles)
› Dimensions154.4 in L x 69.8 in W x 59 in H (3,922 x 1,774 x 1,498 mm)
› Wheelbase100 in (2,540 mm)
› Boot Capacity326 lt (11.5 cubic feet)
› Curb Weight1,524 kg (3,360 lbs)*
› Price (Greece)from €33,200 ($39,100)
SWIPE

*Manufacturer

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

Looks are subjective, but everyone I interacted with had good things to say about the design of the R5, which turned more heads than most press cars I have reviewed. Besides the exotic color, my favorite details are the vertical LED taillights with a three-dimensional finish, the sculpted fenders, and the rally-style DRLs on the front bumper.

More: Renault’s New Electric Van Probably Looks Better Than Your Car

The result is a car with a sporty, playful character that is genuinely hard to ignore in a market drowning in interchangeable SUVs.

I am also taken with the small bump on the hood, a clear callback to the cooling vents of the classic 5 that earns its keep functionally too. Walk up to the car and the 5 emblem lights up in segments, reading out the battery charge level before you have even opened the door.

Premium Tech In A Small Package

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

The interior is filled with tech, especially in the flagship Iconic trim. The rather bulky digital cockpit sits high, comprising a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster that changes colors depending on the driving mode and a crisp 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s slightly angled towards the driver.

Review: The 2026 Renault Austral Facelift Is Polished, But It Has A BMW-Sized Problem

Renault’s Google-powered OpenR infotainment has intuitive menus and connects seamlessly to a smartphone. More importantly, it is joined by a row of physical climate controls on the center console. The only ergonomic foul is the volume buttons which are awkwardly positioned on top of the screen, although there is a dedicated stalk behind the steering wheel for easier operation.

Another slightly irritating thing is that the ChatGPT-powered “Reno” AI assistant kept popping up at irrelevant times during my conversation with the front passenger, reminding me of the animated paperclip from the old Windows Office.

The buttons on the steering wheel control most functions, including a Multi Sense button for switching drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Perso). The gear stalk only has drive and reverse, leaving park out of the equation. Equipment is quite generous with heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, and a full suite of ADAS including an auto parking function that works great.

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

In terms of materials, Renault’s color a trim department did a great job in creating a youthful environment. The yellow recycled textile on the seats and front doors is a nice touch, paired with synthetic leather and yellow stitch, also found on the passenger side of the dashboard.

More: Radical Espace Reboot Leads Renault’s 36-Car Plan To Fight China’s Threat

As for practicality, the rear seats of the 3,922 mm (154.4 inches) long hatchback might feel cramped for tall passengers if they sit behind a tall driver. Legroom and headroom are tighter than a Fiat Grande Panda, although adequate for an urban-focused offering. The boot has a capacity of 326 lt (11.5 cubic feet) which is slightly above average for the segment. Don’t look for a frunk as the electric motor takes up all of the space under the hood.

Sharp Reflexes and Highway Manners

On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech clearly punches above its weight. The real surprise is the balanced chassis setup with the sophisticated multi-link rear axle giving it the ride refinement of a much larger vehicle.

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

The suspension soaks up potholes in the city and make it a comfortable cruiser on the highway where you’ll appreciate the exceptional noise insulation. At the same time, it is firm enough to stay flat and composed on a twisty road. The planted stance and low center of gravity are combined with a direct and communicative steering which is a rarity among modern EVs.

More: Ford Turns To French Carmaker To Revive Fiesta

The front mounted electric motor produces up to 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) which feels like the right number for the size and positioning of the EV, making me wonder if the Alpine A290 is really necessary. While the R5 is far from Tesla-fast with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in a modest 8 seconds, the power delivery is more usable and natural, especially to those coming from a combustion vehicle.

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

In the city, it is helpful to use the B function with regenerative braking every time you lift off the throttle. I was going to complain about the lack of a one-pedal drive function although this was recently added to the Techno and Iconic trims with the more potent engine. Still, this won’t be offered as an update to existing owners.

Range And Charging

The 52 kWh battery pack offers a claimed WLTP range of up to 410 km (255 miles), which sounds far better than the 300 km (186 miles) of the smaller 40 kWh unit. In real life, you can easily match and surpass the 400 km (249-mile) barrier within an urban environment, where the EV is surprisingly efficient.

On the highway you’re probably looking at something closer to 250 km (155 miles) depending on the conditions and the speed.

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

During my time with the EV, I completed a 240 km (150-mile) highway trip without a charging stop. I had the A/C on and kept a stable 120 km/h (75 miles) speed for the most part, arriving to my destination with 10% battery charge and 40 km (25 miles) of remaining range.

More: The World’s Favorite Renault Got Longer, Wider And Weirder

However, the returning trip was different. While I traveled at similar speeds and even used the Eco mode that limits power and drops the top speed to 115 km/h (72 mph), I was forced to stop on the way as the range estimate was not enough to complete the trip. Thankfully, I found a fast charger so I only needed to stop for about 15 minutes to get back to a safe range estimate.

The R5 is capable of 100 kW fast charging, taking the battery from 15-80% in 30 minutes. Using a standard 11 kW wall box, a full charge takes around 4.5 hours. Furthermore, the model has V2L capability with a special adapter.

Pricing And Rivals

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Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

In Greece, where we tested it, the R5 E-Tech range opens with the Evolution trim at €26,900 ($31,700), or €22,400 ($26,400) once the local EV subsidies are applied. Keep in mind, prices include VAT (sales tax), which in the case of EVs is at the reduced rate of 13% rather than the standard 24%, as well as delivery fees.

Base kit is generous, but the entry car comes only with the smaller 40 kWh battery and the 118 hp (88 kW / 120 PS) motor. Step up to the mid-spec Tecno and you can have the 52 kWh battery paired with the 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) motor, priced at €33,200 ($39,100). The flagship Iconic, with the full features list, lands at €35,200 ($41,500) before subsidies.

More: VW’s New ID. Polo Starts Under $30K And Comes With Massage Seats

Overall, the cheapest R5 E-Tech closely matches the more budget-oriented and family-friendly Fiat Grande Panda Electric, while high-spec trims are priced on par with the base Mini Cooper E. Other contestants in the subcompact segment include the Peugeot e-208, Opel Corsa-e, Lancia Ypsilon Elettrica, and Citroen e-C3.

Still, the biggest rivals of the French EV are the upcoming VW ID.Polo and Hyundai Ioniq 3, both expected to hit European roads in the coming months. The R5 also faces strong internal competition from the new Renault Clio Full Hybrid E-Tech, especially for buyers who don’t have access to a home charger.

Notably absent from that list is the United States. In Greece the R5’s high trims line up on price against the base Mini Cooper E, a car Americans can actually buy. The Renault sitting next to it at the same money, the more characterful of the two, is the one they cannot.

Verdict

 The Fun 2026 Renault 5 EV America Will Never Get To Buy | Review

After spending a week with the Renault 5 E-Tech, I found myself just as excited as the day I first picked up the keys. This small hatchback successfully balances a sporty, playful character with genuine everyday usability.

Besides its stunning looks, the R5 makes a compelling case for the ideal second vehicle, one that excels as a refined urban dweller while remaining equally capable of handling weekend getaways, comfortable highway stints, and spirited runs on twisty B-roads.

While it may not offer segment-leading interior space, and the desirable high-spec flagship trim carries a premium price tag, the R5 is a car that never fails to put a smile on your face, making you feel several years younger.

Photos and Videos: Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

Renault’s R4 Concept Just Became A Beach Buggy That Moonlights As A Pickup

  • The R4 JP4x4 Concept is inspired by beach buggies of the ’70s.
  • It gets a custom body, a lifted stance, and dual electric motors.
  • Renault has confirmed there are no plans for production.

Renault has unveiled a new concept based on the R4 E-Tech, this one built around summer use. The R4 JP4x4 wears an open-air two-door body, a reworked two-seat cabin with an exposed cargo area, and an AWD powertrain for tackling whatever hypothetical sandy beach you have in mind.

The study borrows from two R4 variants of the past, the 1969 Plein Air and the 1981 JP4. Its name is short for Journée à la Plage, French for “a day at the beach.”

More: Renault’s Making A Jimny For 2027, But Even The French Don’t Get It

Visually, the highlight is the pair of half-doors that replace the production car’s five-door layout. They work with a redesigned roof structure built around an X-shaped element for carrying a surfboard. There are no side windows and no canvas top, which leaves the cabin permanently open to the elements.

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The concept wears a custom Emerald Green finish that plays against a vibrant orange interior. Beyond its beach buggy identity, it also serves as a pickup with a drop-down tailgate for easy loading. The roof-mounted surfboard is joined by a pair of skateboards stowed in the cargo area.

More: Renault Is Emptying Its Secret Vault And The Concept Cars Inside Are Unreal

Inside, the highlights include “Egyptian mummy” seats with integrated headrests and mixed-fabric upholstery. The dashboard and digital cockpit carry over from the production EV, though the concept adds a passenger-side grab handle and a floating center console.

As with last year’s R4 Savane 4×4 concept, the JP4x4 runs a dual-motor powertrain for AWD, a setup Renault still hasn’t offered on the production R4.

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The concept rides 15 mm (0.6 inches) higher than the standard R4, with front and rear tracks widened by 10 mm (0.4 inches) per side. The 18-inch wheels carry a futuristic design and wear chunkier Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tires. Renault made no mention of changes to the EV’s 2,624 mm (103.3 inches) wheelbase.

No Plans For Production

Renault has been clear that the JP4x4 will stay a one-off, with no production plans on the table. The show car will be displayed at the Roland-Garros French Open alongside the R4, R5, and Twingo E-Tech production EVs.

More: Radical Espace Reboot Leads Renault’s 36-Car Plan To Fight China’s Threat

For buyers who want an open-air R4 E-Tech, the automaker already sells the Plein Sud variant with an electric-powered canvas roof. That one went on sale earlier this month starting at €37,290 ($43,800).

Renault’s 4 E-Tech Just Borrowed Another Trick From The ’60s Original, And It’s Not Deckchair Seats

  • Renault adds huge folding canvas roof to electric 4 E-Tech crossover for £1,500 premium.
  • 4 Plein Sud, which translates as due south, cost from £27,445 including UK’s £3750 grant.
  • Like all 4 E-Techs it comes with 147 hp, a 52 kWh battery and up to 242 range miles.

Renault’s retro-flavored 4 E-Tech has already borrowed plenty of design ideas from the original Renault 4, but now it’s reviving one of the old car’s coolest features too. Meet the new Plein Sud version, which swaps the standard roof for a giant electrically operated folding canvas setup.

The fabric opening stretches 800 by 920 mm (31.5 x 36.2 inches) and folds back electrically in multiple stages, giving both front and rear passengers a proper open-air feel. Renault says it’s the only fully electric B-segment SUV currently offering this kind of setup.

Related: Radical Espace Reboot Leads Renault’s 36-Car Plan To Fight China’s Threat

The roof itself is a pretty clear nod to the original Renault 4’s simple manually retractable fabric roof from the 1960s. But this one is a whole lot smarter. Not only is it fully electric, but you can open it by asking the Reno voice assistant if you’re feeling too lazy to press a button.

Underneath, nothing about the Renault 5 E-Tech‘s SUV brother changes mechanically. Buyers still get the familiar 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) front-mounted motor and 52 kWh battery pack delivering up to 242 miles (389 km) of WLTP range. That’s only slightly lower than the fixed-roof version, which manages up to 249 miles (400 km), proving the folding roof’s hasn’t hurt efficiency too badly.

Cheaper Than A Beach Holiday

 Renault’s 4 E-Tech Just Borrowed Another Trick From The ’60s Original, And It’s Not Deckchair Seats

The Plein Sud arrives in mid-spec Techno+ and top of the line Iconic+ trims, and costs £1,500 ($2,000) more than equivalent fixed-roof models. Prices start at £27,445 ($37,412) in the UK after applying the government’s £3,750 ($5,111) Electric Car Grant. In France, prices start at €31,110 ($36,684) after incentives.

Early access ordering opens immediately for Renault’s R Pass holders, basically customers who previously paid for priority reservation access to skip ahead in the queue. Everyone else can place orders from May 14.

Aside from the roof, Renault’s also rolled out updated safety tech across the 4 E-Tech range to comply with Europe’s latest regulations. New systems include driver fatigue monitoring and an emergency stop function capable of safely slowing the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.

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Renault

Renault’s 4 E-Tech Just Borrowed Another Feature From The 1960s Original, And It’s Not Deckchair Seats

  • Renault adds huge folding canvas roof to electric 4 E-Tech crossover for £1,500 premium.
  • 4 Plein Sud, which translates as due south, cost from £27,445 including UK’s £3750 grant.
  • Like all 4 E-Techs it comes with 147 hp, a 52 kWh battery and up to 242 range miles.

Renault’s retro-flavored 4 E-Tech has already borrowed plenty of design ideas from the original Renault 4, but now it’s reviving one of the old car’s coolest features too. Meet the new Plein Sud version, which swaps the standard roof for a giant electrically operated folding canvas setup.

The fabric opening stretches 800 by 920 mm (31.5 x 36.2 inches) and folds back electrically in multiple stages, giving both front and rear passengers a proper open-air feel. Renault says it’s the only fully electric B-segment SUV currently offering this kind of setup.

Related: Radical Espace Reboot Leads Renault’s 36-Car Plan To Fight China’s Threat

The roof itself is a pretty clear nod to the original Renault 4’s simple manually retractable fabric roof from the 1960s. But this one is a whole lot smarter. Not only is it fully electric, but you can open it by asking the Reno voice assistant if you’re feeling too lazy to press a button.

Underneath, nothing about the Renault 5 E-Tech‘s SUV brother changes mechanically. Buyers still get the familiar 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) front-mounted motor and 52 kWh battery pack delivering up to 242 miles (389 km) of WLTP range. That’s only slightly lower than the fixed-roof version, which manages up to 249 miles (400 km), proving the folding roof’s hasn’t hurt efficiency too badly.

Cheaper Than A Beach Holiday

 Renault’s 4 E-Tech Just Borrowed Another Feature From The 1960s Original, And It’s Not Deckchair Seats

The Plein Sud arrives in mid-spec Techno+ and top of the line Iconic+ trims, and costs £1,500 ($2,000) more than equivalent fixed-roof models. Prices start at £27,445 ($37,412) in the UK after applying the government’s £3,750 ($5,111) Electric Car Grant. In France, prices start at €31,110 ($36,684) after incentives.

Early access ordering opens immediately for Renault’s R Pass holders, basically customers who previously paid for priority reservation access to skip ahead in the queue. Everyone else can place orders from May 14.

Aside from the roof, Renault’s also rolled out updated safety tech across the 4 E-Tech range to comply with Europe’s latest regulations. New systems include driver fatigue monitoring and an emergency stop function capable of safely slowing the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.

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Renault

Renault’s Electric Scenic Is Already Getting A Refresh Just Over Two Years In

  • Spy shots reveal upcoming changes to the Scenic E-Tech’s lights front and rear.
  • Tweaks to the electric SUV’s grille and front fascia also appear to be on the list.
  • Buyers currently get a choice of 60 kWh or 87 kWh battery packs in the lineup.

It’s only been a little over two years since Renault pulled the wraps off the all-electric Scenic E-Tech, and already an update is on the way. The model, positioned a rung above the Megane in Renault’s expanding EVs lineup, is in line for some modest visual tweaks ahead of going on sale next year.

This camouflage-clad prototype was recently spotted on the streets of Europe, looking very similar to the refreshed Megane E-Tech we also saw recently. While most of the front fascia is shielded from view, we understand Renault’s designers have tweaked the Scenic E-Tech headlights, although we are rather fond of the current model’s lights.

Read: Renault’s Struggling Electric Crossover Is Getting A Second Chance

It appears that Renault has also adjusted the design of the SUV’s LED daytime running lights, which are stacked vertically below the headlights. The bumper looks slightly different too, though both it and the grille keep much of their current shape and proportion.

No obvious changes have been made to the sides of the SUV, which still sport flush door handles and sharp silver C-pillars. At the rear, there will be new LED taillights, although their final design remains hidden.

What Else Will Change?

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Baldauf

The current Renault Scenic E-Tech is based on the firm’s AmpR Medium architecture, also underpinning the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. Powering the base model is a 168 hp electric motor and a 60 kWh battery, giving it a range of over 260 miles (418 km). A punchier version is also offered, delivering 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, and using a larger 87 kWh battery, boosting range to over 379 miles (610 km).

Given that these figures remain relatively competitive, particularly for the 87 kWh version, we don’t expect to see any significant changes made. With that being said, recent reports suggest the Megane E-Tech will switch from LG-sourced batteries to AESC ones. If this is the case, then it’s possible the Scenic E-Tech could make the same shift.

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