The Renault Twizy is a small city 2-seater electric car designed for daily commutes and inner-city driving. In Europe, the Twizy is classified as a light/heavy quadricycle which means that it isn’t even large enough to be considered a car. So, is Renault Twizy a good car?
Well, if you need a super small, easy-to-drive, affordable, and easy-to-park city runaround, the Renault Twizy is indeed a really good car as it was designed to do just that. On the other hand, if you need an actual car that can do both short-distance commutes and long-distance driving in relative comfort, safety, and pace, the Renault Twizy is not all that good.
The Twizy is powered by a small 6.1kWh battery that is mated to a few different electric motor sizes, all of which offer less than 20hp. It is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive little vehicle that offers instant throttle response thanks to its EV powertrain, but no one can actually consider it to be quick by any means.
Design-wise, the Twizy manages to impress most people thanks to its insect-like exterior design while the interior is as basic as it gets. All in all, the Twizy is a really quirky little vehicle that sure is going to entertain you on normal daily commutes, but not anything more than that.
The Powertrain
The Renault Twizy, an innovative electric vehicle, boasts a compact yet efficient powertrain. Equipped with a 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery, the Twizy offers a decent 50-kilometer (31 miles) range that should be enough for you to do your daily commute.
The Twizy’s electric motor generates a horsepower output of 17 horsepower (13 kW), providing zippy acceleration and nimble maneuverability through city streets. With a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), the Twizy offers sufficient velocity for urban driving.
When it comes to charging, the Twizy supports standard domestic sockets and has a charging rate of approximately 3.5 hours for the 6.1 kWh battery. This charging time allows for convenient overnight charging or during working hours, ensuring the Twizy is ready for its next adventure.
There is no fast DC charging for the Twizy, but that is to be expected given the Twizy’s age and battery size
Design and Driving
Design-wise, the Renault Twizy features an insect-like exterior design that is perfectly complimented by its scissor doors. The rear end is arguably the coolest looking thanks to a single, large taillight and a nicely-sculpted passenger compartment. The interior is as barebone as it gets but still features an actual wheel and two seats front to back.
The driving experience is really entertaining if you’ve never driven a car this small. The Twizy zips through traffic with ease, but it isn’t quick or dynamic by any means. The Twizy is designed to be a tool and it shows while driving it.
Reliability and Common Issues
The Renault Twizy has proven to be a reliable and durable electric vehicle, offering a hassle-free ownership experience to its users. With its simplified design and robust construction, the Twizy has demonstrated a good track record of reliability. However, like any vehicle, it is not completely immune to occasional issues.
Some common concerns reported by Twizy owners include problems with the doors’ locking mechanism, electrical glitches related to the charging system, and occasional issues with the battery performance.
Pricing and Practicality
The Renault Twizy offers an affordable and practical option for urban mobility, but there are no new Twizy models on sale anymore. With a price that varies depending on the market and specific model configuration, the Twizy generally falls within the lowest price range of electric vehicles. Its compact size and unique design make it an ideal choice for navigating crowded city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces.
The Twizy can comfortably seat two occupants, with a driver in the front and a passenger behind. However, it’s important to note that the Twizy lacks some traditional car features, such as side windows and a traditional HVAC system. While it may not be as versatile as a conventional car, the Twizy excels in its primary purpose of providing efficient and eco-friendly transportation in urban areas.
FAQ Section
How Safe is the Renault Twizy?
The Renault Twizy is designed to prioritize the safety of its occupants to the best extent possible within its unique category as a quadricycle which is never going to be ideal. While the Twizy meets the necessary safety standards for quadricycles, it is important to acknowledge that it has certain limitations compared to conventional cars.
The Twizy features a tubular frame, seatbelts, and disc brakes, providing a basic level of safety for its occupants. However, it does not come equipped with airbags, and its open design means it does not provide the same level of impact protection as a fully enclosed vehicle. It also does not come with any ADAS systems.
Which Cars Rival the Renault Twizy?
While there aren’t many direct competitors that closely match the Twizy’s specific characteristics, there are a few alternative vehicles that share similarities in terms of size, purpose, or electric powertrains. The Smart EQ ForTwo is a compact electric car designed for city driving. It offers seating for two passengers and has a similar focus on urban mobility as in the case of the Twizy.
The ForTwo is available in both coupe and convertible configurations and provides a more encompassing range of electric powertrain options. The Citroën Ami is an electric microcar designed for short-distance urban travel. It features a unique design with a boxy shape and has space for two occupants. The Ami is an affordable and compact option that can be driven without a driver’s license in some countries.
Are Small City Cars Worth It?
In reality, you don’t need anything more than a Renault Twizy or a Smart ForTwo if you are just using your car for daily commutes. These cars are perfect for tight and crowded European cities where parking is scarce and living costs are high.
At the same time, the Twizy isn’t all that good if you need a car that can do any serious mileage in a single day.
