FIVE TRIALS
We enjoy the Renault 4 TL and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
There are few cars better suited to being used as a retro runabout than the Renault 4, thanks to its ease of use, practicality, compact size and fuel economy. Sub 1.0-litre cars, such as the 845cc TL pictured opposite, may be at their best when limited to city driving or rural roads, but the 1108cc variants offer noticeably greater flexibility. Of course, the car is devoid of any safety features beyond seat belts, which may make some think twice about using one every day, especially if you’re transporting children, but in the low-speed environments to which the car is best suited, this is less of a concern.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
While it’s true that the 4 doesn’t possess the 2CV’s outright simplicity, it’s hardly a complicated machine, either. The engine bay is spacious, allowing good access, while the high ride height allows easy work on the underside of the car even without jacking. Parts are still largely cheap and easy to get hold of – only bits for the very earliest cars require a bit of hunting. All of the engines fitted to the 4 are strong and should clock good mileages with an oil change every 5000 miles, but replacements are cheap and easy to fit even when they do throw in the towel – it is an old-fashioned OHV engine that gets revved hard, after all.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
With fewer than 200 Renault 4s on UK roads, they are a surprisingly rare sight at classic shows. All variants are old enough to be accepted at pretty much any general classic car show, though, and the cars are increasingly being appreciated, finally stepping out of the shadow of older post-war rivals like the 2CV, Minor and Beetle. The Renault Owners’ Club is the primary club for 4 owners and does organise some events (in more normal times), but you’ll have to be content attending multimarque shows most of the time because solus Renault events are otherwise surprisingly rare here in the UK. Over in France, though…
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
How far you are willing to go in your Renault 4 really depends on how tough your ear drums are. Soundproofing is pretty minimal so motorway drone can soon get tiring. Being so spacious inside, however, and offering such a supple ride, they aren’t otherwise uncomfortable, so a long trip isn’t a ridiculous idea and you’ll certainly have room for all of your luggage thanks to the large boot. The rear is only really suitable for children over long distances, however – adults will feel their legs getting squashed before long. Rear headroom is actually very good, though.
5 THE B-ROAD BLAST
A Renault 4 is never going to break any pointto-point speed records, but if you’re driving purely to have fun, the 4 is a genuine laugh on a quiet back road. The soft, long travel suspension means that there is absolute heaps of body roll in the corners, but the car will hold a surprising amount of speed with proper commitment and have you giggling like a naughty child in the process. The steering has quite a bit of feel and the car is incredibly light, both of which are key to its driving appeal, though the slightly slow gearchange can be a frustration when you’re in the mood for a bit of spirited driving.