Renault 4 Named the Best Car to Buy in Europe in 2026
In 2026, the European automotive award AUTOBEST changed its voting format for the first time: ordinary motorists joined the professional jury. The votes of experts and the public were weighted equally, each accounting for 50% of the final score. Six models reached the final of AUTOBEST Conquest 2026:
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- Citroën C3 Aircross
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Ford Puma Gen-E
- MG S5 EV
- Renault 4
The new Renault 4 ultimately emerged as the winner and claimed the title of Best Buy Car of Europe 2026, scoring 39,676 points. The Citroën C3 Aircross finished second with 38,259 points, while the Fiat Grande Panda took third place with 35,405 points. The result is particularly significant for Cyprus. The country participates in AUTOBEST, with Cypriot automotive journalist Petros Soutzis representing the island in the organisation. In 2026, he also became the head of AUTOBEST.
What attracted buyers to the Renault 4
The new Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a modern electric version of the legendary Renault 4, which first appeared in 1961. The manufacturer retained the original model’s recognisable features, including its simple body lines, vertical grille and distinctive silhouette, while fully adapting the car to the requirements of modern electric mobility.
Depending on the version, the driving range reaches up to 400 km. The car supports fast charging, making it more convenient for everyday journeys and short trips.
The interior features a digital instrument panel and a central touchscreen with the OpenR system. It supports Google services, real-time navigation and wireless smartphone connectivity. The car also offers modern driver-assistance systems and various personalisation options.
The main idea behind the Renault 4 is to combine practicality, modern technology and recognisable design. This approach reflects the AUTOBEST philosophy, which is not about choosing simply the most technologically advanced or expensive vehicle, but the one offering the best balance of price, quality and everyday practicality.
About the award
The AUTOBEST competition was founded in 2001 and today brings together automotive journalists from 32 European countries, representing more than 665 million drivers. The winner is selected based on factors including price, technology, running costs, practicality, safety, design and the availability of service support.
The Renault 4 therefore became the first winner under the new AUTOBEST Conquest format, in which the opinions of professional automotive journalists were combined with the votes of the European public for the first time.
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