The Renault 4 Plein Sud is a canvas-topped version of the Renault 4, and it’s the first convertible SUV since the demise of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet. With the first examples now making their way to UK customers, the Plein Sud is technically a high-riding, hair-flapping proposition that offers an open-air driving experience.
Aside from a smidge of extra headroom and a small control panel in the roof, the Plein Sud is identical to the standard R4. The main difference is the 92cm-long panel that can be rolled back and bunched up above the boot, which can be opened at speeds of up to 56mph and takes about 10 seconds to complete its manoeuvre.
Design and Features
A small mesh wind deflector pops out above the windscreen, which does its job well but can catch flies. The effect of opening the top isn’t especially transformative, but it extends much further back than a traditional sunroof.
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Buffeting is impressively minimised up to a point, and it only gets a bit blustery and noisy above 50mph. The deflector helps to channel wind up and over the car, which stops your hair from quivering and means you can maintain a conversation with your passenger. They also offer an unexpected bonus – extra load capacity, which can accommodate tall pieces of furniture that wouldn’t fit in the standard R4.
Driving Experience
However, the jollity takes a knock when you thread between two buses at a junction and the interior starts to fill with the heady aroma of spent diesel.
With prices starting from just £27,445, the Plein Sud is one of just two sub-£30k soft-top EVs on sale, the other being the vastly less capacious and shorter-range Fiat 500e Convertible. It also commands a relatively small £1500 premium over the standard R4. The decision of whether it is worth the extra cash depends on individual priorities.
The Plein Sud’s value lies in its unique design and features, which offer an open-air driving experience that’s hard to find in other EVs. One driver noted that it’s a bit like having a swimming pool in the UK – you’ll really enjoy it for a few days of the year, but it’s unlikely to see much action when the weather reverts to type.
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In the middle of the Plein Sud’s appeal is the fact that it’s a rare breed of car – a convertible SUV that’s both affordable and electric. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to own a unique vehicle.
If you value the open-air driving experience and are willing to pay a premium for it, then the Plein Sud may be the car for you. However, if you’re looking for a more practical car that’s better suited to everyday driving, you may want to consider other options.
Renault’s creation is a car that offers a unique experience.
