Renault Twingo E-Tech electric Intens test: a mini-city car with limited autonomy

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If it is no longer the cheapest electric car on the market, this title now going to its rival Dacia Spring, the electric Renault Twingo E-Tech remains an interesting option. However, it is limited to a range of 190 km.

Presentation

Launched in 2014, the third generation of Twingo was restyled in 2019. However, it will have been necessary to wait until 2020 for Renault to launch an electric version, the little sister of the Zoé. Announced as a Twingo ZE, it was finally named Twingo Electric in France, before being renamed Twingo E-Tech Electric, its current name.

This electric mini-city car starts at €21,550 (€15,732 bonus deducted) in Life finish in full purchase (battery included) and offers a maximum mixed WLTP range of 190 km. Our trial version in high-end Intens finish is displayed from €25,550 (€19,550 bonus deducted).

The competition mainly consists of the Dacia Spring (from €17,090, up to 230 km of range) and Volkswagen e-up! (from €24,190, up to 258 km of autonomy), or the electric Fiat 500 in its entry-level 23.8 kWh version (from €24,900, up to 190 km autonomy).

Ergonomics and design

The Twingo is a 3.615 m long mini-city car. Since its third generation, developed jointly with the Smart Forfour, it is now a five-door model. But the biggest difference compared to the first Twingo is under the bonnet, or rather under the boot floor, where its engine is now located. Thus, the Twingo 3, in both petrol and electric versions, is rear-engined.

Apart from a few specific badges and strippings on this Intens version, the electric Twingo E-Tech is similar to the other versions.

Renault wanted to give a more opulent side to the Twingo, which was adorned with chrome elements during its mid-career restyling.

It has retained a sympathetic interior style. Our test model is equipped with the optional Red interior decorations, which allow you to opt for matching upholstery.

If this interior is pleasing to the eye, the materials are exclusively hard, as usual in this segment.

The Twingo is a four-seater. Its habitability is correct with regard to its size. However, rear passengers have to deal with a fairly straight bench seat back, obstructed visibility from the front seats with integrated headrests and windows that only tilt.

The position of the engine under the boot induces a fairly high loading threshold. The volume is correct for the category, with 219 l.

By folding the rear seat, which can be split 50/50 from the Zen trim level, we obtain a loading volume of 980 l. Finally, depending on the version, it is even possible to fold down the passenger seat to load long objects.

Unlike the petrol versions, we did not find any particular heating above the engine. No problem loading frozen foods into the trunk.

Comfort and equipment

Depending on the version, the Twingo E-Tech can carry a central 7” touch screen. This is the Easy Link interface, which is rather convincing, but whose fluidity and poor speed we always regret. From this screen, it is possible to search for charging stations or to program the load and the temperature of the passenger compartment.

This interface is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the wired version. Two USB-A sockets are present at the bottom of the dashboard.

Behind the steering wheel, there is a needle speedometer, as well as a small monochrome screen. It shows the main driving information, including the charge level in percentage and the estimated range.

Connectivity and app

Renault offers a companion application compatible with its Twingo, free for three years after purchase. Thus, from the MY Renault app available for Android and iOS, it is possible to locate your car, follow its maintenance, manage its load and start the air conditioning or heating.

A journey planner is also integrated, in order to automatically calculate a route with breaks at the charging stations which can then be sent to the navigation system integrated into the car.

Handling and performance

The Twingo E-Tech's R80 electric motor develops a maximum power of 60 kW (82 hp) and a torque of 160 Nm. Overall performance is sufficient. The 0 to 100 km / h shot in 12.9 s is not very impressive, but the torque of the electric allows the Twingo to provide a certain dynamism. Its top speed reaches 135 km/h.

If we could hope or fear, according to the profiles, a playful side with this Twingo propulsion, it is not so. The ESP takes care of the grain and the car does not tend to oversteer, as one might have imagined. Its mass is between 1111 and 1168 kg depending on the version, i.e. almost 200 kg more than the SCe 65 version. However, this excess weight is mainly caused by the battery which is located under the front seats. As a result, the center of gravity is low and the electric Twingo benefits from very good weight distribution. It is quite dynamic and pleasant to drive. Comfort is okay.

In town, we particularly appreciate the very short turning circle of this Twingo, just 8.6 m between pavements. The relatively high driving position is suitable for urban driving. Below 30 km/h, a warning sound is emitted by the car, in accordance with the legislation, but it is particularly audible from the passenger compartment. Shame. However, it leaves the choice between three different sounds.

An Eco mode restricts engine performance with the aim of limiting consumption. Different modes of energy recovery are proposed. By default, mode D reproduces the engine braking of a combustion engine car, with moderate deceleration when lifting the foot. By moving the “gear” lever to mode B, you can access three other recovery levels (B1, B2, B3). However, even at the highest, the recovery on lifting the foot does not allow you to come to a stop.

As for driving aids, Renault is quite stingy with its Twingo. As standard, there is a speed limiter and a regulator on our version, but you have to go through the options to take advantage of the line crossing warning. It's not a lane-keeping assist, but a passive system, while no emergency automatic emergency braking is offered. However, we take advantage of the ignition of the lights and automatic wipers and the rear view camera on our version.

Autonomy and charging

The electric Renault Twingo announces a combined WLTP range of 190 km and 270 km in the urban cycle, thanks to its small useful 22 kWh battery. This is less than a Dacia Spring or a Volkswagen e-up!, which respectively reach 230 and 258 km in the combined cycle.

We noted an average consumption of 15 kWh/100 km (10.4 kWh/100 km in town, 11.9 kWh/100 km on the road and 22.7 kWh/100 km on the highway) at the wheel of the electric Twingo, i.e. a theoretical mixed autonomy of 164 km. Of course, the actual autonomy varies according to the routes taken.

For recharging, the Twingo E-Tech can only be connected to alternating current. However, it offers up to 22 kW of charging power, allowing to find 80% charge in 1 hour according to Renault. A full charge takes 15 hours on a domestic socket (2.3 kW) and 8 h 30 min on a reinforced socket (3.7 kW).

Strong points

Weak points

Conclusion

The electric suits the Twingo well. It is pleasant on a daily basis and quite versatile, over short distances at least. Indeed, its limited autonomy restricts its use. The Volkswagen e-up! can be an interesting alternative. It shares the main qualities of the Twingo, but offers greater autonomy.

Passionate about cars, he wishes he could buy them all.