Renault Twingo Electric: Fun, Affordable EV Arrives

Renault Twingo Electric: Fun, Affordable EV Arrives

The iconic Renault Twingo is back, this time as a fully electric vehicle. It aims to make electric cars fun and affordable for everyone, especially for city driving. This charming little car brings back the spirit of the original Twingo, which was known for its unique design and practicality, even when facing financial challenges.

A Modern Take on a Classic

Just like the original Twingo launched in 1992, this new electric version is a gamble that Renault hopes will pay off. The original Twingo was designed with distinctive style and a focus on being a creature or a pet that people would love, rather than just a machine. This approach led to 2.5 million units sold globally.

The new Twingo Electric also had to be built with cost in mind, taking only 100 weeks to develop, which is half the usual time for a Renault car. It also boasts a 60% lower carbon footprint than its gasoline-powered counterparts. Many parts are sourced locally, with 75% coming from within a 620-mile radius of the factory in Slovenia. This focus on sustainability and smart design makes it a compelling option in today’s market.

Performance and Range

Renault focused on two main goals for the Twingo Electric: fun and economy. It features a 27.5 kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 163 miles. This is perfect for city dwellers, as the average daily drive is around 22 miles, meaning you’d only need to charge it once or twice a week.

The 60 kW electric motor is modest but works well with the car’s lightweight design, weighing in at just 1,200 kilograms. While its 0-30 mph time is 3.85 seconds, it feels lively and responsive. The car’s suspension is a clever mix: the front uses parts from the Renault 4 and 5, while the rear suspension comes from the Captur. This combination offers a great balance of fun and comfort without adding unnecessary cost.

A standout feature is the one-pedal driving mode, which makes city driving incredibly easy. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car slows down noticeably, allowing for smooth control and less need to use the brake pedal. This is a great addition for navigating busy streets.

Safety and Technology

Renault has taken safety seriously, equipping the Twingo Electric with 24 advanced driver assistance systems. It includes features to help prevent accidents caused by speeding and drowsiness, with a camera monitoring driver attention.

The car also offers a safety score and an eco score, helping drivers understand their habits. While the reviewer scored 57/100 for safety, they achieved an impressive 85/100 for eco-driving. The infotainment system is integrated with Google Gemini, offering a modern and connected experience.

Design and Practicality

The Twingo Electric captures the spirit of the original with its iconic ‘froggy’ headlights and a charming front end. While some aesthetic elements are purely for looks, they add to the car’s unique character. The charging port is conveniently located at the front.

However, the maximum charging speed of 50 kW means a 10-80% charge takes about half an hour, which might feel slow compared to newer standards. The car’s side profile is sleek and reminiscent of its predecessors. The rear features distinctive styling and bumpers designed to protect against minor bumps and scrapes.

Despite its small size, the boot offers a generous 360 liters of space, comparable to a Ford Focus. This is enough for everyday needs, including groceries and luggage. The rear seats can also slide forward or backward, allowing you to adjust the balance between passenger legroom and boot space.

Interior Comforts

Inside, the Twingo Electric features physical buttons for climate control, which are large and satisfying to use. Heated seats are also available, a welcome feature often not found in this segment. These thoughtful touches enhance the driving experience.

While the car is small, Renault has maximized interior space. Even with the driver’s seat adjusted for a taller person, there’s still ample room for passengers in the back, with space for bags at their feet. The seats can also slide, further customizing the interior layout.

Urban Agility and Value

The Twingo Electric truly shines in urban environments. Its compact dimensions and agile handling make it easy to maneuver through narrow streets and tight parking spots. The reviewer even tested its ability to navigate challenging, off-road-like conditions, proving its surprising capability.

The car is expected to launch with a starting price under £20,000. There will be two trim levels: Evolution and Techno. While exact pricing for the Techno version, which includes more features, won’t be revealed until later in the year, Renault aims to keep it competitive and avoid competing directly with the larger Renault 5.

Verdict

The Renault Twingo Electric is a significant step towards making electric cars accessible and fun. It successfully combines rational design with emotional appeal, creating a car with a big soul despite its small size.

Minor drawbacks include a slightly limited forward visibility due to the dash height and windscreen size, and the lack of a dedicated park button. The key design is also noted as a quirky detail that could be improved. However, these are small points in an otherwise impressive package.

For those seeking an affordable, stylish, and enjoyable electric car for city life, the Twingo Electric is a strong contender. It revives the spirit of the original Twingo while embracing modern electric technology, making it a compelling choice for a new generation of drivers.

Source: Finally! An Affordable Electric Car We Actually Want (YouTube)