Absolute forerunner of that change that today, at Luca de Meo's Renault, has been called Nouvelle Vague, the Twingo has shown since its first generation, the one full of curves and sympathy of 1993, that it cannot be cataloged and that it has practically no direct rivals.
A peculiarity enhanced in the latest generation (with rear engine) and even more so in the very recent variant with 100% electric propulsion.
The new Renault Twingo Electric, in terms of features, equipment and performance, in fact satisfies the needs of a truly transversal and diversified range of users, so much so that it does not deserve the sole definition of city car.
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Renault Twingo Electric
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It does so, it must be said immediately, at extremely interesting economic conditions: Twingo Electric is offered in the Zen set-up with its own battery starting from 22,450 euros without taking into account Ecobonus and other local incentives.
In case of scrapping of a vehicle from Euro 0 to Euro 4 registered before 30 December 2010 and adding the state incentives in force and the benefits Renault Twingo Electric starts from 11,500 euros or 89 euros / month.
This loan, called Renault Easy, requires an advance of 3,000 euros and 36 installments of 89 euros, with final installment after 3 years and 30 thousand km corresponding to the Guaranteed Future Value of 8,721 euros.
Included in this calculation are the Protected Loan (429.80 euros) and the Pack Service (949 euros) including 3 years of Theft and Fire coverage, one year of Driver Insurance, 3-year or 50,000 km warranty extension.
A premise, this, which serves to underline how the kaleidoscopic Renault Twingo Electric is above all a truly accessible 'green' mobility solution, just as the costs of fuel are accessible.
If the recharge is done at home, taking 15 hours with a 10 A socket, the cost varies between 4 and 6 euros (considering a rate of 0.2 / 0.25 euros per kWh) while at the 22 kW Enel X columns and socket 32 A - the fastest, given that it takes about 90 minutes - you get to spend between 10 and 11 euros (reference rate 0.45 euros per kWh).
But also given the performance on the road and above all the autonomy - which can reach 180 km with intelligent driving - what we have verified in this test also emerges on a numerical level, namely that Twingo Electric is not only a perfect town but also a ' handyman 'to drive even to escape (when allowed by the Dpcm) from the metropolis and immerse yourself in nature in absolutely green mode.
Driving this segment A is certainly light years away from the sensations one feels behind the wheel of an Audi e-Tron or a Mercedes EQC, but it still offers a precise and satisfying picture of the advantages of electric propulsion.
With 82 HP of power, the R80 synchronous engine derived from Zoe's, impresses not so much for the value of the maximum torque (160 Nm) as for the speed of delivery, a prerogative enhanced by the rear-wheel drive.
The sprint from 0 to 100 takes 12.9 seconds, but perhaps it is more important to evaluate the 'urban' acceleration from 0 to 50 km / h in just 4.2 seconds.
Energy is provided by a centrally located lithium-ion battery - for optimal weight distribution - which has a capacity of 22 kW.
There are 3 levels of regeneration under braking, which can allow significant increases in autonomy.
The greatest recovery effect is obtained from the more intense one, really 'strong' if you let go of the accelerator.
Then there is the intermediate one, the most 'smooth' for driving in normal conditions.
And finally there is a 'light' mode, which simulates a traditional driving with an engine brake effect comparable to that of a petrol engine.
Surprisingly comfortable for a 3.6-meter-long car, Twingo Electric has everything you need to move safely and relaxed in and out of the city.
In the Vibes variant subject of our test (price from 24,350 euros) it offers an equipment that is truly complete, as it includes automatic climate control, Easy Link multimedia system with 7-inch display and DAB radio (compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play), front grille grille with white inserts, fog lights, white diamond-coated 16-inch alloy wheels, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Camera and connected navigation system.
The latter offers the possibility to check the availability of the columns in real time and to program an itinerary with the EV Route Planner that takes into account the stops for recharging.
