Test Drive Report: Renault Twingo Z.E.: Found Its True Self Electrically

Why not like this from the start - this question arises after the first test drive in the new Renault Twingo Z.E., which will soon be called Twingo Electric. Instead of the noisy, jerky, and thermally problematic combustion engine, a 60 kW three-phase synchronous motor now works in the rear - and in a completely different manner: totally silent. Unfortunately, the compact electric unit, which directly drives the rear wheels and supplies a lively 160 Nm of torque from a standstill, did not make the trunk any larger. Where other small cars still offer a second level, the Twingo remains with a relatively flat, more or less storage space for two or three suitcases or crates of drinks. Officially, it should be 219 liters, which increases to 980 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

This is acceptable for a city car that is only 3.61 meters long. A Fiat 500e of the same length or a Mini Cooper SE, which is 20 centimeters longer, doesn't hold any more either. Those who hoped that there might be a "frunk" in the front for additional storage space will also be disappointed: The "hood" only opens to a narrow maintenance compartment for washer fluid and operating fluids after a fiddly unlocking process with the still central analog key.

Contrast: Modern Drive, Retro Key Turn

To close the chapter on space: Like its combustion engine counterpart, the Twingo can, in a pinch, accommodate four adults on short trips, but definitely offers space for two adults and two children. The headroom is more generous than the legroom. Additionally, the front seats are quite comfortable for adults, while the rear seats feel more like a bench. When you sit in the cockpit, dominated by a monochrome display with a semi-circular speedometer, you instinctively look for the start button. Then you find the "ignition lock," which is now devoid of its original function because nothing needs igniting. Instead, the electric motor is started with an anachronistic turn of the key, without making any noise. The driving mode is selected with the somewhat bulky gear lever in the center console. And off you go on the first drive.

Quick to Speed: The Twingo sprints off well

And how! From 0 to 50 km/h, the Twingo shoots off like a little bouncy ball. Above that, the thrust decreases slightly, and it takes 12 seconds to reach 100 km/h. But all that is irrelevant because you can leave any large SUV behind at the traffic lights and then cruise comfortably. If you overdo it in the curve, the very cautious ESP will brake early, as the wheels would otherwise start to search for grip when accelerating out. Only at walking speed does the Twingo emit the usual Z.E. sound, also for external warning.

Otherwise, the newly developed E-engine with the code R80, which does not come from the Zoe, exhibits excellent manners. Even when recuperating, no whining reaches the driver’s ear. A true relief compared to the otherwise roaring combustion engine in the rear. The generator output is modifiable in three stages, and the firmest stage allows for extensive one-pedal operation up to the last tick before coming to a stop, which is very convenient. The same goes for starting off, as the Twingo crawls smoothly even on inclines as soon as you release the brake.

The whole vehicle feels somehow more "solid"

Compared to the combustion engine model, aside from the subjectively higher torsional stiffness and more solid damping, the improved road handling is also noticeable: The Twingo as an electric vehicle feels less susceptible to crosswinds on the highway, and thanks to decent suspension, cruise control, and an acoustic lane assistant, it is quite suitable for long-distance travel. On country roads, it sweeps through curves much more stiffly thanks to the lower center of gravity. The steering conveys sufficient precision. But its greatest trick is the wide turning angle due to the rear-wheel drive: The Twingo almost seems to turn on the spot. Formally, it's only 8.6 meters within which the French rascal turns.

Speaking of agility: The high agility is also contributed to by the low curb weight. For a fully electric vehicle, the Twingo is extremely light with an empty weight of 1,168 kilos and a total weight of 1,518 kilos, almost 300 kilos less than the Mini SE! The basis for this is a light and small battery, which weighs only 165 kilos net and undercuts its rivals in the small car segment with 21.4 kWh – naturally with corresponding implications for the CO2 footprint. Can you do something with such little capacity?