Renault has officially uncovered its reborn Twingo city car, which will launch in the UK in 2027 with a 163-mile range and sub-£20k pricing. John Challen looks at the main highlights.

What is it? Electric city car  When is it available? 2027  Biggest changes? Reintroduction of a popular model   Fleet appeal? Electric powertrain; distinctive looks

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A big move for a small car

The A-segment might only represent a tiny portion of the automotive market, but there are a growing number of options to whet the appetite of drivers. Taking a step down in size from the popular Renault 5, the Twingo’s compact proportions – 3,789mm-long and 1,720mm-wide – will appeal to urbanites and those looking to get on the EV ladder.

Renault’s rechargeable revolution

With the Twingo, Renault says it hopes to help “make electric cars easier to drive and encourage more people to make the switch”. As well as city-friendly dimensions, the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery is small (27.5kWh useable), but provides up to 163 miles (WLTP), with the motor’s 82hp ample for those surroundings. A one-pedal function helps make light work of traffic, too.

Back to the future

Elements of the original 1992 Twingo have not been forgotten, in what the French manufacturer is calling a “modern reboot”. One quick glance at the car confirms that it largely stays true to its roots, but this time around there are three main objectives: to make e-mobility more affordable by reducing vehicle development time and maintaining a competitive European production base.

Inside lines

A dual horizontal screen setup awaits Twingo drivers, with the 7-inch driver’s digital instrument panel being joined by a 10-inch central display. Around these screens are generous splashes of colour – including new hues, such as Absolute Red, Absolute Green, and Mango Yellow – on the dashboard and the doors. There will also be a range of coloured accessories to make the interior even brighter, adding to the overall sense of fun and positivity!

Verdict

Renault is on a roll at the moment, largely driven by the arrival of the 5 E-Tech, but also the 4. As the latest hit of ‘nostalgia with a modern spin’ the new Twingo looks set to continue the run of impressive and desirable models from the French brand. Priced from under £20,000 – and with an impressive list of standard kit – there could be a big waiting list for the small car.