Renault Twingo Review | A small EV. One big personality.
Rather than installing an enormous battery and chasing headline figures, the Twingo keeps things simple. Less battery. Less weight. Less cost. For drivers looking for an electric car predominantly for urban and suburban use, that could make it one of the most appealing options on the market.
Renault is on a bit of a roll at the moment. First came the 5, then the larger 4. And now, Renault’s turned its attention to something smaller, cheaper and arguably even more charging.
The Twingo is back and, unlike the original version from the ‘90s, this time British drivers have been officially invited to the party. It’s small, affordable and packed with character. All in all, it might just be one of the most convincing electric city cars yet.
While it borrows plenty of tech from Renault’s current EV range, it feels far more than a cut-price 5. It’s been designed around things small cars should be good at. Here’s our first-drive review.
What exactly is it?
It’s 3.8 metres long, so this is definitely a city car rather than a compact hatch. That means it’s taking aim at models like the Hyundai Inster, Fiat Grande Panda Electric and BYD Dolphin Surf.
But this isn’t a retro pastiche; if the original car had never existed, the new model would still make perfect sense.
For those unfamiliar with the original, it was a huge success across Europe in the ‘90s, but Renault never saw fit to bring it to the UK. Visually, the new car is unmistakably inspired by the original – round lights, little bonnet vents and upright proportions give it bags of personality.
But this isn’t a retro pastiche; if the original car had never existed, the new model would still make perfect sense – next to increasingly serious-looking new cars, the Twingo feels refreshingly cheerful.
There’s only one battery and motor combo from launch – a compact 27.5kWh battery that powers an electric 80hp motor over the front wheels. Claimed range is 163 miles.
That sounds a bit modest, doesn’t it? But that’s rather missing the point – the Twingo is primarily designed as an urban car. Keeping that battery small has helped save cost, energy consumption and – most significantly – weight.
At around 1,200kg, it’s remarkably light by modern EV standards and feels all the better for it.
At around 1,200kg, it’s remarkably light by modern EV standards and feels all the better for it.
Rapid charging peaks at 50kW, allowing a 80% recharge from 10% in about half an hour. So, again, those aren’t numbers that are going to worry larger EVs. But for something designed predominantly for short journeys, it’s perfectly adequate.
What about the interior and tech?
This is where the Twingo starts to make a strong case for itself. Despite those tiny proportions, the fact the wheels have been pushed right out to the corners mean there’s more room than you might expect.
So it’s very adaptable – which is exactly what you want out of a small city car.
There’s clever touches too – you can increase boot space to 360 litres by sliding the rear seats forwards and, when they’re pushed all the way back, there’s a surprising amount of rear leg room. So it’s very adaptable – which is exactly what you want out of a small city car.
The cabin is a cheery place to be as well – there’s colourful bits of trim, clever storage solutions and various accessories will be offered that’ll allow you to add a personal touch to the inside.
Compared with a 5, some plastics feel a little more basic, but tech isn’t an afterthought either. All models get a clear digital driver display and a 10in touchscreen. The higher spec version use Renault’s excellent Google-based OpenR Link system too.
This means Google Maps, Google Assistant and various other well-known apps are directly integrated into the car, rather than forcing you to rely entirely on your phone.
It’s effectively a stripped back version of what you’d find in a 5 – and that’s exactly what the Twingo needs to be.
What about the driving experience?
The Twingo isn’t fast; with just 80hp, 0-62mph takes around 12 seconds. But around town, that doesn’t really matter. The electric motor responds instantly at lower speeds, while the combo of its compact dimensions, light steering and lack of heavy batteries make it a pleasure to zip along in.
That lightness also allows the Twingo to drive in a way many other EVs simply can’t.
That lightness also allows the Twingo to drive in a way many other EVs simply can’t. Suspension-wise, the front end has been carried over from the larger 5, while the rear has been given a torsion-beam set-up you find in models like the Captur. The latter sounds a little unsophisticated, but it gives the Twingo a perfectly comfortable ride.
There’s just enough refinement for motorway journeys too, although it isn’t where the car’s happiest. With that 163-mile range and a top charging rate of 50kW, regular long-distance drivers will be better served elsewhere in the Renault range.
But use the Twingo as intended – commuting, school runs and shorter trips – and the package is one of the best on offer. The one-pedal set-up in town works really well, and it’s great to see a small electric car that’s not trying to be a hot hatch.
It’s simply a small car that’s enjoyable to drive, and there’s something really straightforward about that.
So should you lease one?
The Twingo proves that making an affordable electric car doesn't have to mean stripping away everything that makes a car desirable. Yes, there are compromises.
The 163-mile range means it won't suit everyone, while its relatively modest rapid-charging capability limits its appeal for regular motorway users. But those criticisms matter much less when you consider what the Twingo is actually designed to do.
Rather than installing an enormous battery and chasing headline figures, the Twingo keeps things simple.
It's small, efficient, spacious and packed with character. The interior is clever, the technology is excellent for the class and it's genuinely enjoyable to drive around town. Most importantly, it feels like Renault understands what an affordable EV needs to be.
Rather than installing an enormous battery and chasing headline figures, the Twingo keeps things simple. Less battery. Less weight. Less cost. For drivers looking for an electric car predominantly for urban and suburban use, that could make it one of the most appealing options on the market.
The Renault 5 might be the car that grabbed everyone's attention, but the little Twingo could turn out to be the cleverest member of Renault's electric family. We’ll bring you lease deals as soon as they hit the market.
