The Twingo Returns!

In 1993, I attended my first global auto show — Geneva — and fell in love with the Renault Twingo (and returned home with a cool Twingo watch and laptop bag). Over three decades later, the Twingo is back as an affordable EV for Europe, following up on the concept shown in late 2023.

WHAT’S A TWINGO?

Sharing the same basic architecture as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Twingo evokes the original with its semi-circular lamps, one-box profile, and playful touches — all for a starting price of € 20,000. It will compete against the upcoming VW “ID.1” (which will get a new name when it launches in 2027) as well as incoming Chinese competitors like the BYD Dolphin Mini. A key part of the program was speed to market, enabled by ACDC, the Renault Group R&D center based in Shanghai. The 150-employee tech center “accelerated the project by working with the local ecosystem and new industrial partners.”

STRENGTHS

✔️ Clear visual ties to the original, with long wheelbase, short overhangs, and up to 18" wheels

✔️ Very efficient interior package, with individual sliding and reclining rear seats (and a fold-flat front passenger seat)

✔️ One pedal driving and V2L/V2G capability

✔️ Small 27.5kWh LFP battery charges relatively quickly — under 5hrs at home, 30min at a DC fast charger

✔️ Development time cut by ~50%, which will likely impact future Renault programs

✔️ Cell-to-pack technology optimizes energy density and helps reduce battery costs by 20%

✔️ Built in Slovenia and leveraging local supply chain — no worries about Chinese tariffs

✔️ 60% reduction in carbon footprint vs conventional ICE city car

✔️ Like the original, a strong focus on simplification — only four body colors

✔️ Standard 10" touchscreen, even on the base model, with welcoming animated graphics and a “jingle”

✔️ Portfolio of 3D printed accessories and YouClip attachment points

✔️ Over 100 apps available for the Google-based infotainment system

✔️ Broad array of ADAS technologies available

WEAKNESSES

❌ 163-mile range (WLTP) may be too short for some

❌ Almost unrelentingly dark interior (despite some pops of color) with an awkward, stuck-on central touchscreen

THE BOTTOM LINE: Renault’s 5 has received acclaim from both the media and the buying public, and they seem to have successfully applied the same formula to bring the Twingo back to life.