TL;DR: Renault has launched a convertible-style version of the electric Renault 4, called the ‘Plein Sud’. It features a folding canvas roof, costs from £27,445 in the UK, and is available to order now for R Pass customers.
A summer-ready twist on the electric Renault 4
Just in time for warmer weather, Renault has unveiled a more open-air take on its all-electric Renault 4. Dubbed the ‘Plein Sud’, this new version swaps the standard roof for a retractable canvas setup, bringing a convertible feel without going fully drop-top.
Already on sale in France, UK buyers won’t have long to wait. Prices start from £27,445 (including the £3,750 government EV grant), making it £1,500 more than the standard hard-top model.
Trim levels and tech: What you get
The Renault 4 Plein Sud launches with two well-equipped trims:
- techno+: Twin 10-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera come as standard
- iconic+: Adds premium touches like heated houndstooth seats, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon sound system, powered bootlid, blind-spot monitoring, and an illuminated R4 dashboard logo
Every Plein Sud model also gets its own 18-inch alloy wheel design, helping it stand out from the standard car.
What does ‘Plein Sud’ actually mean?
Translated from French, ‘Plein Sud’ means “Directly South” - a nod to chasing maximum sunshine. Fittingly, the canvas roof opens up an 80x92cm section, letting plenty of light and fresh air into the cabin.
Operation is simple, too. You can open or close the roof via a toggle switch above the windscreen or even by using Renault’s ‘Reno’ voice assistant.
To make space for the folding mechanism, Renault has removed the roof bars and antenna found on the regular R4.
Practicality and range: Any compromises?
There are a few small trade-offs to accommodate the folding roof:
- Rear headroom is slightly reduced, although Renault says the impact is minimal
- Range drops slightly from 247 miles to 242 miles (WLTP)
- The same 52kWh battery is retained across both versions
On the plus side, boot space remains unchanged at a practical 420 litres, so it’s still a usable everyday EV.
Ordering and availability
The Renault 4 Plein Sud is available to order now for customers signed up to Renault’s R Pass scheme, which costs £150 and gives early access.
For everyone else, order books open on 14 May, with first UK deliveries expected in Q3 2026.