Table of Contents
Why the new Renault Twingo is a game‑changer for city‑driving
Electric cars that once seemed a luxury have become affordable, but the price gap with petrol rivals still looms. Three years ago the tiny Honda e cost £37,000, and the cheapest Renault Zoe was £30,000. The new Renault Twingo flips that narrative by offering a fully electric option that starts well below £20,000.
Price, grant and battery chemistry
The Twingo’s base price is set at £20,000, regardless of the £1,500 government grant. The grant is likely to apply, and could rise to £3,750 once the battery production moves from China to Hungary. That would bring the net price to under £17,000. The car uses a 27.12‑kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate pack, the first time a Renault has gone LFP. The chemistry eliminates cobalt, reducing mining impact and allowing the battery to be charged to 100 % without harming its lifespan.
Range, charging and practicalities
Official figures put the range at 163 miles on 18‑inch wheels and 156 miles on the smaller 16‑inch set. That is a step up from the Dacia Spring and a touch behind the BYD Dolphin Surf, but still competitive for a city car. Charging is modest: a 50‑kW charger adds 114 miles from 10 % in about half an hour, and a 7‑kW wallbox tops the battery in roughly five hours. The Twingo is aimed at urban and suburban use, with a 3.8‑m length that keeps it manoeuvrable in tight spaces.
Interior space and design
Inside, the Twingo offers 205 L of boot space, expandable to 305 L when the rear seats are folded forward 17 cm. The split‑floor design keeps charging cables out of the way, and a small toggle lets the seats slide for extra cargo room. The cabin is bright and cheerful, with a body‑coloured dashboard on higher trims, but the use of hard plastics keeps the feel affordable. Headroom is generous for the front seat, but rear legroom is tight, comparable to the Renault 5 and the Fiat 500 E.
Driving dynamics and comfort
The Twingo is engineered for city driving. Its 9.9‑m turning circle and light steering make it easy to navigate tight corners. The ride is comfortable on uneven roads, thanks to a softer rear suspension than the Renault 5, though it can feel a bit noisy at higher speeds. Acceleration is modest: 0‑60 mph in 12.1 seconds, which is slower than the Renault 5 but faster than the Dacia Spring. The car offers a one‑pedal mode and regenerative braking paddles for efficient driving, but the overall power output of 80 bhp keeps it modest on open roads.
Retro styling meets modern practicality
The Twingo’s design pays homage to the 1990s original, with a compact silhouette and bold colour options ranging from mango yellow to star black. The retro aesthetic is a key selling point, but the car also incorporates modern safety and infotainment features. A 10‑inch touchscreen is standard, with a Google‑based system on the techno trim that includes maps and voice control. Physical climate controls remain, offering a tactile feel that some drivers prefer over touch‑only interfaces.
How it stacks against rivals
When compared to the Renault 5, the Twingo is cheaper and offers a more modern battery, but the 5 still has a larger boot and slightly better rear legroom. The BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroen EC3 provide more cargo space and a quieter cabin, while the Dacia Spring and Nissan Micro are cheaper but lack the Twingo’s retro charm and battery chemistry. Overall, the Twingo sits in the middle of the market: more expensive than the cheapest EVs but offering a unique blend of style, practicality and battery technology.
Final thoughts
The new Renault Twingo demonstrates that small electric cars can be both affordable and functional. With a price that dips below £17,000 after grants, a cobalt‑free battery, and a range that meets everyday needs, it offers a compelling option for city dwellers. Its retro styling and modern features make it stand out, while its driving dynamics keep it comfortable for urban use. For those looking for a budget‑friendly EV that doesn’t compromise on character, the Twingo is worth a closer look.