The Renault Twingo is back, and it’s embracing a modern, electric makeover. This super-cute city car promises a playful design, a flexible interior, and a price point potentially as low as £17,000, positioning it as a potential game-changer in the affordable EV market. Set to arrive in the UK in late 2026, the new Twingo aims to recapture the spirit of the original beloved model while appealing to a new generation of urban drivers.
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A Nod to the Past, a Leap to the Future
Inspired by the iconic, “frog-eyed” Twingo from the 1990s, the new model’s design carefully balances nostalgia with contemporary style. Renault’s head of design, Laurens van den Acker, emphasized the goal of capturing the essence of what people associate with the Twingo, resulting in a car that “puts a smile on people’s faces.” The design team aimed to create a recognizable update, avoiding a mere replication of the original while retaining its charm.
Distinctive Design Cues
The new Twingo boasts several eye-catching design elements. Most notably, the large, horseshoe-shaped LED front lights act as the car’s “eyes,” while a slim plastic grille creates a cheeky smile. The rounded shape, stubby front end, and short overhangs echo the original Twingo’s design cues. Instead of traditional air intakes, three horizontal slats on the bonnet cleverly house the windscreen washer fluid reservoir, accessible via a special tool. While the original Twingo was a three-door model, this new iteration features five doors for enhanced rear-passenger access.
Renault has paid meticulous attention to detail, hiding window seals for a more premium look and incorporating overriders on the bumpers to protect against minor bumps. The rear end showcases distinctive LED lights and a vertically-oriented screen with a thick plastic surround, inspired by 1990s TV sets. The badge itself draws inspiration from Playstation controller buttons. A choice of fun paint colors, including Mango Yellow, Absolute Green, and Absolute Red, adds to the car’s playful character, complemented by optional 18-inch rims.
Inside: Tech and Practicality Combined
The interior features a seven-inch digital instrument panel with user-friendly graphics and a 10-inch central touchscreen running Renault’s intuitive OpenR Link infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Higher-spec models will offer integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play store. Renault’s virtual assistant, Reno (powered by ChatGPT), provides assistance with tasks like finding charging points.
The Twingo includes 24 driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and occupant safe exit alert. Drivers can deactivate some of these features with the “My Safety Perso” button. While the interior features hard plastics, Renault has addressed this with textured surfaces, body-color panels, and the Twingo logo stamped into the dashboard.
Space and Versatility
Despite its compact size (3.79 meters long), the Twingo surprisingly offers ample space. Six-foot-tall adults can sit in the back, although with limited headroom. The individual sliding rear seats, which can be pushed forward by 17cm using tabs in the boot or rear cabin, offer flexibility. Pushing the seats forward expands the boot capacity from 250 liters to a generous 360 liters – nearly as much as a VW Golf! An underfloor storage area and a two-piece floor enable easy access to charging cables. The rear seats also fold down completely flat, providing over 1,000 liters of cargo space. Further storage options include 19 liters of space around the cabin, as well as Dacia’s versatile YouClip system.
Electric Powertrain and Performance
The new Twingo shares the AmpR Small platform with the Renault 5 and 4, but utilizes a bespoke powertrain focused on efficiency and affordability. Instead of the NMC battery found in the R5, the Twingo features Renault’s first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This choice prioritizes an optimal price-to-range ratio for a city car.
The 27.5kWh battery provides a range of 163 miles, which is ample for most daily commutes. The compact, lightweight e-motor produces 80bhp – comparable to the original Mk1 Twingo – delivering 175Nm of torque. Higher-spec models offer adjustable regenerative braking with a one-pedal driving mode and paddle shifters. DC fast charging (50kW) allows for a 10-80% charge in roughly 30 minutes, while a standard 7kW home wallbox provides a full charge in under five hours.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the Twingo won’t be taken until late next year, with UK deliveries expected in 2027. A “Twingo R Pass” costs £100 and guarantees priority ordering. Renault estimates a starting price of around £18,000 to £19,000 in Europe, potentially translating to around £17,000 to £18,000 in the UK with government incentives. If the Electric Car Grant (ECG) remains available, the price could fall closer to £17,000, making it one of the most affordable new cars on the market.
The Renault Twingo electric promises to be a charming, practical, and affordable addition to the EV landscape, catering to urban drivers seeking a fun and efficient mode of transportation.
