There’s no doubting how much experience Renault has with small city cars. They also have a lot of experience in the production of electric cars, because they have been doing it for a long time, but when we look at profitability, they still needed help. Thus, after independently developing the new generation of Renault 4 and 5, both exclusively electric, they still aspired to make an even smaller Twingo in collaboration with others. Allegedly, the original plan was to collaborate with Volkswagen, whose counterpart would be the ID.1. However, at some point the negotiations regarding joint development broke down and the French manufacturer sought the experience of Chinese partners who have already proven themselves to be good (and fast) in the development of EV models. Allegedly, it is the Geely group, but there is no official confirmation, although they do not hide that the rapid development was helped by partners from the east of the world. Ultimately, the new Twingo was designed in France, developed in China, and produced in our neighborhood, in Slovenia. Reason enough to visit Novi Mesto and the Revoz factory.
In Slovenia, we had the opportunity to partially view the production of the new Twingo, as well as test it on a route that included city driving, local roads and the highway. Let’s mention that the new Twingo is 378.9 cm long, 195.3 cm wide and 149.1 cm high. It was created on the AmpR Small platform, which it shares with models 4 and 5. Although it is a question of modest dimensions, they are significantly larger than the first Twingo, which was 343 cm long, and at the same time it is almost 20 cm longer than the previous, third generation. A good thing is the wheelbase of 249 cm, which, in addition to driving agility, also means an enviable level of space in the passenger cabin. Twingo has five doors and four separate seats.
Cute design
Renault had the vision to offer a cute design, as it was on the original, so from the front it looks like the Twingo is smiling, and a line has been achieved that continues from the engine cover to the equally slanted windshield. Several design solutions known from the first generation are visible. There are three openings on the front cover. They used to be used for cooling, and now one of them has an opening for refilling the windshield washer fluid. At the front, the semicircular headlights, which are now made of LED technology, stand out. The new Twingo has a playful ‘twingo’ inscription on the rear, and the same is also located in the interior, on the command ridge, in front of the passenger.
Compared to the larger models from the ‘retro series’, Twingo brings some new ideas. The desire was to make electric mobility simpler and more accessible to as many people as possible. Accordingly, there is an optimally dimensioned LFP battery. In addition to bringing greater durability and lower mass, a slightly higher charging speed was also obtained. The lithium-iron-phosphate battery has a capacity of 27.5 kWh, so with a declared consumption of 12.2 kWh/100 km, according to the WLTP, it has a range of 263 km. This battery powers the 60 kW/82 HP electric motor, which propels the 1,200-kilogram car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds. We can safely say that it is enough for city driving, because it reaches 50 km/h in 3.85 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 km/h.
One engine, one battery
It is possible that some customers will use this model exclusively in the city, so the standard AC charging option with 6.6 kW power should be sufficient. This means that to charge the battery from 10 to 100% it takes a little more than 4 hours on the AC charger. With a surcharge of 600 euros, you get AC charging of 11 kW, so the previously mentioned action takes place an hour and a half faster. Part of the same surcharge is DC charging (which is not available in the basic version), so it takes 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% capacity. Then the Twingo is also capable of easy long-distance driving. If you charge it at a regular household outlet, it takes a little more than 13 hours to fully charge the battery.
Twingo E-Tech electric is a very good choice for city and suburban driving, and the One Pedal function (standard with the richer equipment package) makes it much easier to move through crowds. The steering wheel is precise and light, and the previously mentioned dimensions allow it to have a turning circle of 9.87 meters, which makes it easier for less experienced drivers to navigate. The softer suspension is tuned to better absorb city bumps.
Simple and clear interior
If we take into account all of the above, as well as the fact that the starting Twingo starts at less than 20 thousand euros, more precisely 19,990 euros, with the incentive of the state, this car can be obtained for 12 thousand euros, so the smallest Renault starts the fight with the Chinese competition. A plus for Twingo is its past reputation through the previous three generations, as well as the fact that it is produced in neighboring Slovenia. There is also a basic trunk of 205 liters, which can be increased to a hundred liters more by moving the two rear seats (17 centimeters of movement), or up to 1010 liters by folding the backrests. All this means that this model in many options can be the first choice for many families, even though it is more intended as a second, urban story.
In front of the driver is a 7-inch digital display of the instrument panel, while on the central ridge is a 10-inch central screen of the multimedia system. Below the central ridge are the familiar physical controls for the air conditioning and ventilation. Their functionality is complemented by playful graphics and animations developed especially for Twingo. The fun begins upon entering the vehicle, with the welcome sound, and the entire experience is accompanied by an original soundscape developed in collaboration with Jean-Michel Jarre, which, according to Renault, introduces the driver and passengers to the world of good energy.
All Twinga E-Tech electric versions are equipped with a connected multimedia system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless). The OpenR Link system with built-in Google services is available in the best-equipped Techno version, and appears for the first time in the A-segment car.
Two levels of equipment with a difference of 1,600 euros
The offer is very simple. Two levels of equipment are prepared, Evolution i Techno. The starting point is already mentioned 19,990 euroswhile the surcharge is for the richer 1600 euros. Among other things, it is richer in adaptive cruise control, a hands-free card (instead of the classic key), a reversing camera and the One Pedal function with controls on the steering wheel. Furthermore, there is automatic air conditioning, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Arkamys Auditorium audio system with navigation and Google services. Let’s also mention the automatic switching on of the high beams, as well as the wipers, and the forward-folding passenger seat for easier transport of longer objects. Both equipment packages come on 16-inch steel rims with decorative covers, and 18-inch alloy wheels are optional.
Considering all the above, I would definitely take the more equipped version, for which I would have to pay more 600 euros for faster AC charging and DC charging of 50 kWas well as 350 euros for heating the front seats. For 120 euros, it is possible to pay extra for two years of additional connectivity with the Techno level (5 years in total). If you don’t want to bother changing summer/winter tires, you can get all-year tires for 300 euros.
Vivid and attractive colors
There is no way that the new Twingo will not bring a certain level of liveliness to many roads. Its colors will also contribute to this. It’s basic yellow and no additional payment is required for it. For 500 euros is obtained whitewhile with others there is an additional charge 600 euros. Next to the pearl black i sivecould still be much more popular red i zelena.
Finally, let’s mention Revoz. It is the place where Renault models have been produced for many years, and they are always at the top in terms of quality within the Renault group. In Revoz, the Twingo was produced in the second generation from 2007. Seven years later, they started producing the third generation, as well as its technical twin, the Smart ForFour model. From 2020, they also started producing the electric Twingo. The current plan is the annual production of about 60,000 copies. Allegedly, sister models with Nissan and Dacia badges should be produced at the same place. Then the factory, which currently employs 1,500 workers, could raise total production to more than 100,000 units per year. In any case, in a situation where many European manufacturers are closing their production facilities, the start of Twingo production in Slovenia also means the survival of the Revoz factory.
When we talk about what the Twingo has meant for Renault, it is enough to point out that it has been sold in 4.1 million units over the generations, of which as many as 2.4 million refer to the first generation. There is no doubt that there are currently some other trends, so this segment today only makes up about 5% of the market, but it should be remembered that with electrification, the fight for every customer is being waged even for these smallest models. I believe that the Twingo will have a notable success because if we look at the price, I think it is much better positioned compared to, say, the Renault 4, not to mention the 5…
