Auto Express has named the Renault 4 as the best small SUV on sale in the UK, ahead of the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Dacia Duster. The £23,400 Renault 4 was praised for its size, practicality, and competitive pricing.
Renault 4 Wins Top Spot
The Renault 4 came in first place, followed by the £22,000 Citroen C3 Aircross in second and the £21,800 Dacia Duster in third. Reviewers highlighted that the Renault 4 is more practical and bigger than its sister car, the Renault 5, and offers more equipment inside. However, it lost marks for slightly small back seats, a slowish 100kW charging speed, and a column shifter that could be confused with the wiper control.
Auto Express concluded: "The Renault 4 might share its platform with the hugely-popular Renault 5 supermini, but thanks to its longer wheelbase it’s more practical and there’s a bit more room for everyone to stretch out."
Deputy Editor's Praise
Deputy editor Richard Ingram added: "On the road, the R4 feels neatly tied down, despite Renault claiming it has a slightly softer set-up than the 5, with a willingness to change direction that’s missing in plenty of its rivals."
Concerns Over Car Size
The popularity of SUVs has sparked debate about cars getting too big. According to data, the average weight of a car has grown from 1,365kg to 1,592kg in the past seven years. The average width of new cars increased from 182cm in 2018 to 187.5cm last year, while the average parking space is about 180cm wide. This makes parking harder and puts more pressure on roads.
There are also concerns about pedestrian safety, as heavier cars carry more momentum in collisions. However, manufacturers have defended larger sizes, citing improved safety features and customer feedback. David Leggett of Just Auto told the BBC: "Manufacturers have had to do things like improve structural crash protection, and fit more airbags. At the same time, they want to improve interior cabin space and put more features into vehicles, so the net result is rising pressure for bigger vehicle dimensions."
