The final production version of the innovative Renault Twizy concept has been revealed at the Paris motor show.
Renault says the compact (2320mm long, 1191mm wide, 1461mm high) all-electric Twizy offers scooter-like performance around town but with increased safety and protection.
The fundamental design of last year’s Frankfurt show concept has carried over into production, including that car’s gullwing doors.
See the official pics of the new Renault Twizy - now including even more Paris show pics
The Twizy has space for two occupants sitting in tandem and has an enveloping body to help keep the elements out. Additional lower body panels can be fitted to offer increased protection from the weather.
A lithium-ion battery powers a 20bhp electric motor. Peak torque of 42lb ft is available from 0rpm to provide “crisp and brisk” performance for the 450kg Twizy in traffic; its top speed is 47mph, while some markets will also get a 28mph version.
Its range is claimed to be 60 miles and a full charge takes three and a half hours. It is charged using an on-board retractable cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle.
Customers will be able to customise the Twizy’s design, something showcased in the three Paris show cars, which have been fitted out in special Renault Design liveries.
Read Autocar's first drive of the Renault Twizy
Safety equipment on the Twizy includes a driver’s airbag, a four-point harness in the front and a three-point safety belt in the rear. The outboard position of the four wheels and lateral beams either side of the chassis help protect the occupants in impacts, including those from the side. Disc brakes feature all round.
Despite being registered as a scooter-like ‘quadracycle’, there will be no legal reuiqmrent for the occupants to wear sfartey clothing or crash helmets. And as it won’t be registered as car, it won’t qualify for the government’s £5000 electric car grant.
The Twizy will reach UK showrooms in the first quarter of 2012, costing from around £6000.
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Re: Innovative Renault Twizy launched
For that reason it's doomed to fail. It needs to be more capable. Not many people will buy it.
Re: Innovative Renault Twizy launched
And yet that's exactly what it is. In no way is it pretending to be any more than that.
20bhp and 60Km of range are just fine for city driving, and it's a damn good idea.
Re: Innovative Renault Twizy launched
I like the idea, but at 450kgs its stupidly heavy or underpowered with 20bhp.
It needn't just be a city vehicle it could be ideal as cheap rural transport. Great for narrow winding lanes.
But it needs 3 times the power for that weight to be used outside a city.
Bigger motor please Renault. and a gas turbine borrowed from jaguar.