Since the discontinuation of the Twingo 3 in 2024, we thought the A segment was definitively condemned on the altar of European standards, the growing demand for modernity and the galloping price increase. However, Renault, an expert in small cars, particularly electric ones, considers that there is still a place for a compact city car in Europe, dedicated to the city or as a second vehicle for the home. We will therefore see if the diamond brand has succeeded in meeting this challenge with this new version.
The genesis of the project
Let’s start our test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric recalling the birth of this ambitious project. It is in Chineby browsing the Shanghai Motor Show 2023that the leader of the time, Luca De Meoto decide to democratize the electric car for all according to three principles.
First, propose a starting price less than €20,000 (without aid). To do this, Renault chose a chinese electric traction chain with a batterie LFP CATL and a permanent magnet motor Shanghai e‒Drive.
All while reusing common parts from the Dacia experiencewith the aim of achieving 40% of cost gains for the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric.
Then develop this city type electric car in less than two yearswhich pushed Renault à s’installer en Chine to lead the fastest development in its history.
Finally, produce in Europe in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics chain by placing the future customers within 1,000 kmeven if the advantages linked to European aid are not officially claimed.
As often, Luca De Meo chose to relaunch an icon: the Renault Twingo E-Tech electricafter having already successfully completed this exercise at Fiat with the 500then at Renault with the R5without forgetting to mention the R4.
Dimensions: a growing Twingo
The news Renault Twingo E-Tech electric displays dimensions of 3,79 m de long, 1,72 m de large et 1.50 m high pour 1 200 kg. This 4th generation took 36 cm in length, 9 cm in width et more than 300 kg compared to the original version, a sign of its adaptation to its time.
Design: néo‒rétro assumes
We immediately find theTwingo spirit with his round shapesses Full LED headlights with frog lookin smiling grilleson wheelbase increased to 2.49 m and his wheels up to 18 inches rejected in the four corners.
on silhouette monovolume modernisée optimizes aerodynamics to gain even the slightest kilometer. The rear side has been reworked right down to the details of the bezel and lightswho also participate in theimprovement of autonomy.
The color palette retains the original spirit: “Absolute Red”, “Absolute Green”, “Yellow Mango ” , “Black Étoilé”, “Blanc Glacier” et “Gray Schist”.
Interior: small outside, large inside
Before theroad test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electriclet’s open its doors. The interior reflects theesprit jovial of the model, with a colored border iron (white on the basic version, body color on the « Techno ») and the iconical red button hazard lights.
Several winks recall the Twingo DNAlike the slogan “It’s up to you to invent the life that goes with it” on the rear seat straps or the message “Open-minded” inside the tailgate.
L’access to the rear seats is made easier through the two additional doors. THE two independent seats sliding 17 cm offer a remarkable spacehigher than that of the R5.
The volume of the trunkand the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric varies from 205 à 305 ljusqu’à 966 l with seats foldedwhile the front passenger seat tilts to accommodate 2 m objects. And 50 l storage under the floor allows you to store the charging cable. Several accessoires colorés are offered, even if the hard plastics remain omnipresent.
Driving position: modern and complete
The driving position of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric takes up the modernity of R4 et R5 with a double écran 7 + 10″, Android Automotive et Android Auto/Apple CarPlay sans fil here’s the version “Evolution”.
The version « Techno » add the recoil chamberthe « Park Assist »l’blind spot warningthe automatic air conditioningthe conduct “One Pedal”THE dark tinted rear windows or even the automatic windshield wipers.
L’road test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric : queen of the city
With his 82 hp engineses 175 Nm of torqueand 0 Ã 100 km/h en 12,1 s and one speed maximum 130 km/hthe Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is not designed to provide thrills.
On the other hand, it excels in comfort and agility. The system “One Pedal” and the four levels of regeneration make the smooth and efficient drivingwhile his reduced turning diameter makes maneuvering easier.
A few air noises appear past 80 km/hand the fixed engine coverfor a question of coût, limit accesswhich can frustrate some users, for fill the reservoir with windshield washer fluid. Renault just offer one small hatch access and a small tool pour y accèder.Â
Consumption and autonomy of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric
on battery LFP of 27.5 kWh traffic 263 km of WLTP range for an announced consumption between 13 et 13.7 kWh/100 km. During our essay of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electricwe noted 10.6 kWh/100 km under ideal conditions, i.e. real range of 254.71 km.
The charge AC 6,6 kW request 4 h to move from 10 à 100 %while the charge rapide 50 kW (option à 500 €) allows you to move from 10 à 80 % in 30 mina option indispensable to get out of the city.
Prices of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric : bet held under €20,000
Renault propose la Twingo E-Tech electric “ Evolution » à €19,490 (€15,870 with mini bonus, €13,750 for low-income households) and the « Techno » à €21,090 (€17,470 with mini bonus).
In LLD over 37 months et 30 000 km with a contribution of €300the Twingo « Evolution » is à €231/month and the « Techno » à €255/month (maintenance +€9/month).
Competition: it’s getting ready
THE Citroen A’C3, Fiat Grande Panda, Leap engine T03, BYD Dolphin Surf or Dacia Spring come close to the Twingo, but without matching its price/performance ratio.
Fiat prepare a new electric Panda for 2027, Volkswagen also working on a electric city caret BYD will soon produce Hungary. For now, the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric stays a year ahead of its challengers. Let us recall that the M1E category wanted by the EU could fold the cards, in a few months, of electric car automotive market.
Our opinion following our test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric
The +
• Comfort and ease of driving
• Price/equipment ratio
• Modularity and pleasure
• Qualité d’assemblage
The –
• Optional fast charging
• Usage limité à la ville
• Soundproofing from 80 km/h
• Hard plastics
• Fixed engine cover
• Fenêtres arrière non coulissantes
Assessment of our test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric: fidèle à l’originale
After two half-hearted versions, Renault is about to give us the R5 again by playing on our feelings. I can already hear the first comments: “Ah, if she was thermal…”. However, following our test of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electricthe latter a everything to succeed: it is beautiful, practical, comfortable for four adults, easy to drive, well equipped, all for a reasonable price. It remains to be seen whether, beforearrival of aggressive competitionshe won’t come take market share from the R5, but especially from the already struggling R4.
The arrival of the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric finally promises electric at the price of thermaleven if this still remains conditional on the state subsidiesin a context where theEurope does not know how to stem the Chinese invasion. In this situation, Renaultrelying on theexpertise of its Shanghai subsidiarieshas all the assets to reconnect with the spirit of your grandmotherstill so present on our roads today. Uno question that remains Finally, we can rightly ask ourselves whether the ideal electric vehicle would not, quite simply, be a city car ? In this period of energy crisiswith exploding fuel pricesyou have the answer.
Text and essay: Alexis Tissier
Photos: LesVoitures.com and Renault
