Renault 4 Plein Sud Review: Does the Folding Roof Add Extra Charm?
Renault has never been afraid to court nostalgia, and the new Renault 4 is perhaps the clearest expression of that philosophy in the modern era. Reviving one of the most iconic names in French automotive history, the retro-styled B-segment electric SUV has already proven itself a strong seller in a highly competitive market. But Renault isn't content to let the standard model do all the talking. Enter the Renault 4 Plein Sud — a special convertible variant that promises open-air motoring in an electric crossover package. The question is: does it actually deliver on that promise, or is this more marketing magic than meaningful innovation?
What Is the Renault 4 Plein Sud?
The name "Plein Sud" translates roughly to "due south" in French — evoking sunshine, warmth, and the kind of Mediterranean road trips that make life worth living. Renault is marketing the Plein Sud as a convertible version of the Renault 4, making it a genuinely unusual proposition in today's EV landscape where convertibles of any kind are increasingly rare, let alone electric ones.
However, prospective buyers should manage their expectations before imagining a full drop-top experience. The Plein Sud does not feature a fully retractable hardtop or even a traditional soft-top that folds completely behind the rear seats. Instead, it uses a fabric roll-back sunroof — a large, canvas-style panel that slides rearward to open up the cabin to the sky. Think Renault Twingo from a previous generation, rather than a Mini Convertible or a Fiat 500 Cabrio.
That distinction is important, and it's arguably where Renault's marketing team has overreached slightly. Calling this a "convertible" sets expectations that the car doesn't entirely meet in the traditional sense. That said, once you recalibrate your expectations and appreciate the Plein Sud for what it actually is, the picture becomes considerably more appealing.
Driving the Renault 4 Plein Sud in Catalonia
The first drive of the Plein Sud took place in the dramatic Catalonian mountains — a setting that could make almost any car feel special, but which genuinely suits the open-air, relaxed character of the Renault 4. Twisting mountain roads, warm sunlight filtering through the open fabric panel, and the near-silent electric powertrain humming along beneath you: it's a combination that works surprisingly well.
The roll-back roof mechanism itself is impressively practical. Unlike a traditional convertible roof, it doesn't compromise the structural rigidity of the car, doesn't reduce boot space, and doesn't require an elaborate folding sequence every time you want to let in some air. You simply slide it back, and the cabin opens up. On a warm day, the effect is genuinely pleasant — it creates a sense of airiness and connection with the surroundings that the standard Renault 4 simply cannot replicate.
Wind noise at motorway speeds is managed reasonably well, though naturally it's more present than in the fully enclosed standard car. At urban and country road speeds — which is where you'll realistically be using this feature most of the time — it's a non-issue, and the experience is thoroughly enjoyable.
How Does It Compare to Other Open-Top Cars?
If you stack the Plein Sud against rivals like the Mini Convertible, you'll find a fundamentally different product. The Mini drops its entire roof, transforming the car's character and silhouette. The Renault 4 Plein Sud, by contrast, retains its crossover body structure completely — you're getting an enhanced sunroof experience, not a true convertible.
But this also means the Plein Sud avoids some of the traditional compromises associated with convertibles:
- There is no reduction in boot capacity, which is a common casualty in soft-top convertibles where the folded roof eats into luggage space.
- Structural rigidity is maintained, meaning the car doesn't suffer from the scuttle shake or body flex that plagues some traditional drop-tops.
- The roof mechanism is simple, reliable, and operable at low speeds without any complicated procedure.
- The overall safety architecture of the standard Renault 4 remains intact, including its full roll protection.
In this sense, the Plein Sud is actually a more pragmatic interpretation of open-air motoring — one that prioritises everyday usability while still offering a genuine sense of freedom when the weather cooperates.
The Renault 4 Platform: A Strong Foundation
It helps enormously that the Renault 4 itself is already a well-regarded car. As one of the best B-segment electric SUVs currently on the market, it brings a likeable driving character, a practical interior, and a charming retro-modern aesthetic that has resonated strongly with buyers across Europe. The Plein Sud inherits all of that goodwill and adds its signature party piece on top.
The electric powertrain carries over unchanged, offering smooth, responsive performance that suits the relaxed character of the car. Range figures are consistent with the standard model, so open-roof cruising won't leave you anxiously hunting for a charger. The interior is well-appointed, with the same thoughtfully designed dashboard and quality materials found across the Renault 4 range.
Pricing and Who Should Consider It
The Renault 4 Plein Sud is available from around £27,000, placing it at a premium over the standard Renault 4 but still within reach of the broader B-segment audience. For buyers who value individuality and want something genuinely different in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market, that premium feels justifiable.
It's worth being clear about the target customer, though. If you're dreaming of wind-in-the-hair, fully open convertible thrills, the Plein Sud may leave you wanting. But if you're after a stylish, practical, retro-inspired electric crossover that brings a smile-inducing open-air element to everyday driving, it delivers admirably.
Final Verdict
The Renault 4 Plein Sud is a car that rewards tempered expectations and open-minded appreciation. Renault's marketing may have slightly oversold the "convertible" narrative — this is a sophisticated fabric sunroof, not a drop-top in the classical sense — but the end product is more than the sum of its marketing claims.
Driven in beautiful surroundings, the Plein Sud feels like a genuinely joyful machine. It combines the solid, practical virtues of the Renault 4 with a distinctive open-air twist that sets it apart from every other electric SUV on sale today. In a segment where differentiation is hard to come by, that counts for a great deal. The folding roof may not transform the Renault 4 into a true convertible, but it absolutely adds extra charm — and sometimes, that's exactly enough.