Renault talks at length about the success of its Renault 5 E-Tech – arguably the first electric vehicle in Europe to truly turn the tide for the technology and appeal to even those that had previously dismissed battery packs and electric motors.

It looks great, drives fantastically well and doesn’t cost a fortune, which is arguably why it has outsold Tesla in a number of markets and continues to prove a success for the French brand.

Smaller than the Renault 5 and 4, the third, retro-inspired car in the E-Tech line-up is built on a similar platform but shortened overall, and the multi-link rear suspension has been swapped for a simpler, flexible unit borrowed from the Captur.

For those who don’t immediately recognise the name, a quick history lesson: the original Twingo of the 90s sold 4.1 million units across 25 countries, cementing itself as a European icon. It eventually got the sack amid dwindling city car sales and a insatiable demand for SUVs of all sizes.

However, the modern Twingo E-Tech aims to revive some of the spirit of its spiritual predecessor by keeping weight in check with a 27.5kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, tipping the scales at just 1,200kg. That delivers a respectable 163-mile range—plenty for city life—and ensures the car feels lively without any extra heft.

“Just look at that face. It’s like a grinning frog”

At 3.79m long, the Twingo packs character into a very small space, alongside today’s technology and oodles of practicality. Renault promises a price well under £20,000 when it gets on sale in the UK next year, putting it firmly in the realm of the most affordable EVs alongside the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03—without some of the compromises associated with those cars.

Quality doesn’t come at a cost

The Twingo doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. Its 82hp motor offers a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 81mph, perfectly echoing the performance of its 1.2-litre petrol predecessor. In an era where city cars are increasingly overpowered and accelerate with nauseating results, it feels refreshingly old school.

Similarly, rival budget EVs often skimp on ride comfort, refinement, or cabin quietness, whereas the Twingo keeps all three largely intact. The cabin features rear pop-out windows, plastics that aren’t premium but thoughtfully finished, and headrests that feel like they have bene filled with air—but every element is executed with a clear focus on aesthetics.

Subtle design touches reinforce its character: Twingo ‘alphabet’ lettering on the roof, LED headlamps and taillights mirroring the concept car, and a dash peppered with nostalgic nods, including an oversized candy-coloured hazard button. Renault could have cut these extras, but chose to keep them, balancing cost efficiency with charm. It has worked a treat.

Just look at that face. It’s like a grinning frog.

Inside, the Android Automotive-based infotainment system delivers a hefty tech punch for a car of this size, including a 7-inch driver display and a 10-inch touchscreen, lifted from the Renault 5 and 4. It offers up a digital experience rare in this class, alongside safety assistance packages and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, previously unseen at this price point.

Clever packaging

Design alone won’t win buyers today—functionality matters just as much. The Twingo addresses this with thoughtful space solutions. Seats slide and fold individually, allowing stowage to be configured exactly where needed.

The boot features a false floor with a dual-opening design, offering an extra 50 litres of hidden storage for cables or small items, while maintaining accessibility when larger items are loaded.

Inside, the YouClip accessory system, borrowed from Dacia, provides mounting points throughout the cabin for hooks, LED lamps, smartphone holders, and cable organisers. Renault also offers a suite of accessories, including storage boxes and a cushioned armrest that doubles as a zippered water bottle holder.

“Despite the cheeky charm and retro design touches, it’s a grown-up car on the inside”

Surprisingly, the rear cabin doesn’t feel that cramped cramped. In fact, it’s slightly airer than the claustrophobic rear quarters found in the R5. Sliding the rear seats all the way back gives decent legroom, making this more usable than the Renault 5, too. And unlike the original Twingo, the modern version is a five-door, which could sway those worried about kids having to clamber in.

This mature approach carries over to driving. Suspension feels firm, particularly over potholes and with 18-inch wheels, but the Twingo remains comfortable over longer journeys and can handle motorway speeds without excessive wind or road noise.

The clever dash and windscreen design has also allowed Renault to include a six-speaker Arkamys auditorium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality for a car of this size and price.

Despite the cheeky charm and retro design touches, it’s a grown-up car on the inside – a far cry from the barebones offering of a Dacia Spring, for example.

Low speed thrills

Renault has deliberately kept weight to a minimum, allowing the small battery and modest 82hp motor to feel balanced. The Twingo is not fast, but it’s entertaining. On twisty roads, the front wheels occasionally scramble for grip, and the little car scampers through corners with the sort of low-power joy that’s only found in holiday rentals.

“This is what modern budget electric motoring should be”

Charging is capped at 50kW, taking roughly 30 minutes from 15-80%, and efficiency is impressive: Renault claims 12.2 kWh/100 km, equating to 5.1 miles per kWh on the WLTP cycle. During testing across mountain roads and slower highways, consumption averaged 4.5 miles per kWh— solid performance for an affordable EV.

The Twingo’s chassis and suspension provide a playful yet controlled driving experience, proving that low-powered city EVs don’t have to be boring. Driving everywhere with the right foot planted feels refreshingly simple in this day and age.

Ultimately, the Twingo E-Tech hits the sweet spot between sensible EV performance and character. Its battery and motor are well-sized for city life, while aerodynamic and drivetrain efficiencies make longer trips feasible. The ride is firm but comfortable, the cabin practical and well-designed and the infotainment and safety features competitive for the class.

It’s charming, clever, and fun—a true little sibling to the Renault 5 E-Tech.

This is what modern budget electric motoring should be: fuss-free, low-cost, practical and joyful, without feeling like corners have been cut.

Renault has created a city car that’s both a nod to its past and a practical solution for today’s EV generation.