The Renault Twizy is an all-electric two-seater designed to tackle city life head-on. Known for its ultra-compact dimensions and unique tandem seating, it makes inner-city journeys simple, clean and fun.
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Overall rating 4.5/5
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
Released in 2012 and running through to 2021, the Renault Twizy is a one-of-a-kind city vehicle aimed squarely at urban drivers. With a footprint smaller than most superminis and the ability to park almost anywhere, it's famously easy to manoeuvre and cheap to run. It’s technically classed as a quadricycle rather than a car, but for many, that adds to its charm. Over its production life, the Twizy stuck to its simple design, only changing in trim and colour. Compared to rivals like the Smart EQ Fortwo or Volkswagen e-Up, the Twizy is less practical for longer trips or family duties. Key features include a lightweight electric motor, a single-speed automatic gearbox and a surprisingly robust construction for such a small car. Even the scissor doors are optional.
Minimal running costsExceptionally easy to parkUnique, head-turning looks
Door-windowless, so exposed to the weatherLimited range between chargesSparse interior and equipmentThe Twizy is basic by modern car standards, though all models have a driver's airbag, tubular steel frame, a four-point harness for the driver and disc brakes all round. Keep in mind this is a city vehicle intended for short, low-speed trips, not high-speed motorway runs.
A single electric motor paired to a 6.1kWh battery powers all Twizys. It puts out roughly 17bhp, with a top speed of 50mph. There are no petrol or hybrid versions, just plug-in electric simplicity across all years.
Every Twizy has a digital instrument display showing speed, battery level and range, keeping the command centre simple and functional. Some versions offered an optional Bluetooth audio kit, but there’s no built-in infotainment as standard. Lockable gloveboxes and a heated windscreen are fitted to some trims, but kit is otherwise minimal.
As a pure electric, the Twizy is very economical – official range is up to 62 miles on a full charge, though 30-50 miles is more typical, especially in winter. A full charge from a standard three-pin socket takes about three and a half hours.
Check battery ownership status – many earlier Twizys had a separate battery lease. Make sure the battery still holds a healthy charge, and look out for damage to the wheels and body panels. Inspect for water ingress damage, as the open design can let in the weather. For peace of mind, consider The AA Vehicle Inspection service.
Twizy models are generally very reliable, thanks to their simple mechanical layout and minimal electronics. Owners report few issues aside from normal wear on the battery pack (which Renault commonly replaced if degraded below 75%). There are no complex engine parts to go wrong, and repairs are relatively inexpensive compared to bigger EVs.
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