Back when we got to drive the Renault 4 E-Tech for the first time in spring last year, as expected, there were many positives. The 4 looked great for starters, with its retro-modern styling inside and out, along with extra space and practicality.

Plus, it was even more comfortable to drive than the multi-award-winning 5. In fact, the only disappointment for me us was that the ‘Plein Sud’ full-length electric fabric roof, fitted to one of the display cars at the launch, would not be available on the first UK cars.

Well, over a year on, Renault is finally offering what it is calling a four-door ‘Convertible’ option on Techno + and range-topping Iconic + Renault 4 E-Tech models, priced at £1,500.

Just a powered fabric roof?

‘Convertible’ could be stretching the definition of what this Renault 4 is. After all, it is just a powered fabric roof, that does not even extend all the way to the rear of the car. However, this latest option gives this Renault a unique selling point, which we think helps bring the 4 out of the shadow of its smaller electric supermini sibling.

Despite the fact that the roof is not fully open, in our opinion it felt like we were looking at our range-topping Iconic + 4’s interior with fresh eyes. The extra light showed off the interior features better, including the twin 10in screens, the attractive mixture of blue denim and grey faux leather on the seats, door cards and dashboard. Also, if you regularly carry taller rear passengers, the fixed-roof option might be the better, if more boring, solution due to the compromised rear headroom. Thankfully, the 4’s practical 339-litre boot is unchanged.

Few compromises on the drive

On the move, the only compromises to the 4’s driving experience are extra wind noise at motorway speeds and a three-mile drop in range to 242 miles – although our French-registered test car seemed even less efficient, with a predicted range closer to 200 miles. Also, the 100kW charging capability equates to a 10-80% charge in a more leisurely 30 minutes. Still, close the roof and it is only slightly noisier in the cabin than the fixed-roof version.

Powered exclusively by the 52kWh battery and producing 148hp, with 0-62mph acceleration in the same 8.2 seconds, there is more than enough performance for everyday driving in the 'Plein Sud' version of the 4. Our car differed from UK specification, as it was fitted with an ‘Extended Grip’ drive setting that will not be offered in the UK, along with non-standard gravel tyres.

Even with the tyre changes and extra weight, the 'Plein Sud’s' driving experience feels largely unchanged. Renault’s AmpR chassis architecture delivers a comfortable and composed ride, while the pleasingly precise steering remains one of the highlights. There is plenty of grip, but some body roll in corners.

For fleets, we think the real value of the 'Plein Sud' option comes when it is fitted to the cheaper £27,445 Techno + version, which is eligible for the government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant.

Positive: Attractive design inside and out, practical interior, composed ride, fantastic value for money, 'Plein Sud' roof adds to the fun driving experience.

Negative: Fiddly handbrake control, some interior finishes not as good as they look, compromised rear headroom.

Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, dual 10.1in screens for driver information and R-Link navigation, 100% recycled quilted 'jeans' textile with copper stitching / dark blue refined textile, advanced ADAS systems.