Renault has unveiled its reinvention of the iconic Twingo as a charming and affordable electric city car. With an anticipated price tag starting around £17,000 in the UK, the new Twingo aims to be both fun-to-drive and practical for urban environments. Could this be the game changer in accessible EVs we’ve been waiting for?
The development cycle was remarkably fast – half the usual time – and the final design stays true to the playful concept revealed two years ago. Inspiration comes directly from the original frog-eyed Twingo of the 1990s, aiming to capture that vintage charm while offering a thoroughly modern electric drivetrain.
The new Twingo is designed around a fresh set of key priorities: affordability, practicality, and driving enjoyment in a city setting. Renault’s design chief Laurens van den Acker explained, “What we needed to capture is what people have in their mind when they think about a Twingo.” The goal was to create a car that brings smiles rather than just transportation.
Key Specs:
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Body Style: City Car
- Powertrain: 1x electric motor, 27.5kWh battery, front-wheel drive
- Price: £17,000-£20,000 (estimated)
Under the Hood: Efficient and Playful Performance
The Twingo sits on the same AmpR Small platform as its Renault siblings, the 5 and 4, but boasts a unique powertrain designed for efficiency without sacrificing driving fun. Instead of a pricier nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery like those found in the R5, the Twingo uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. This is the same tech as seen in models like the Citroen e-C3 and aims to deliver an appealing balance between range and affordability.
While the 80bhp electric motor may seem modest compared to some competitors, it produces a punchy 175Nm of instant torque, leading to brisk acceleration from 0-31mph (a crucial figure for city driving) in just 3.8 seconds. The official 0-62mph time is 12.1 seconds, and top speed is 81mph.
Don’t let the focus on efficiency fool you – Renault claims this Twingo will be almost as engaging to drive as the R5, despite using a simpler torsion beam rear suspension setup borrowed from the Captur. The remarkably tight turning circle of just 9.87 meters (compared to 10.3 meters for the Renault 5) further contributes to its urban agility.
Energy Efficiency and Charging:
The 27.5kWh battery gives the Twingo a claimed range suitable for most daily commutes. Renault hasn’t released precise figures yet, but it’s expected to be competitive within its class. The car supports various DC fast-charging options for quicker top-ups when needed.
Practicality and Interior Design:
Surprisingly spacious for its compact size (just 3.79 meters long), the Twingo can accommodate adults in the rear, though only those on the shorter side will be truly comfortable. Legroom is tight, but Renault cleverly uses soft padding for contact points to make it more bearable for occasional passengers. The sliding rear seats offer flexibility, expanding boot space from 250 liters (comparable to conventional petrol city cars) to a generous 360 liters when pushed forward. Fold them flat and you get over 1,000 liters of cargo capacity – a truly impressive figure for such a small vehicle.
The interior is all about fun and character. Bold colors, contrasting textures, and playful touches like the hazard light button in classic red or video game-inspired carpeting add personality. While there’s plenty of hard black plastic, Renault has used clever design tricks to elevate the overall feel. Convenient storage solutions are plentiful, including underfloor compartments for charging cables and an innovative “YouClip” system inspired by Dacia models – allowing owners to attach various accessories using three anchor points inside the cabin.
Tech Features:
A 7-inch digital instrument panel displays clear graphics, while a central 10-inch touchscreen hosts Renault’s user-friendly OpenR Link infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard wirelessly, with higher trims offering integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store for more apps. Renault also includes its virtual assistant, Reno, which can assist with navigation, charging point location, and general queries – powered by ChatGPT technology.
Safety First:
The Twingo comes equipped with up to 24 driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and an occupant safe exit alert to prevent accidental door openings into traffic. Notably, Renault has included a “My Safety Perso” button allowing drivers to quickly deactivate certain safety features if desired.
Price and Availability:
Set to arrive in the UK market in late 2027, the Twingo will be available in two trim levels: Evolution and Techno. While exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, Renault promises an attractive price difference between them. Expect a starting price around £17,000 to £19,000 before any government incentives like the Electric Car Grant (ECG) are applied.
With its potential price point after incentives, the Twingo positions itself directly against petrol-powered city car rivals like the Kia Picanto and MG3, challenging established players in the affordable EV segment alongside the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03. The Renault 5 with its more premium positioning starts from £21,495 after the ECG.
The new Twingo looks set to inject some serious fun and accessibility into the electric car landscape, potentially shaking up the market for city dwellers seeking a stylish, practical, and genuinely enjoyable small EV.
