Write a Review about the
Renault Twizy
Renault’s stunning new electric
two-seater, Twizy, is sending
shockwaves through the UK today
after its arrival at the brand’s
22-strong network of Z.E.
Expert dealerships.
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Lower powered (5hp) and cheaper Twizy 45 could come to the UK in January
2013, for drivers aged 16 and over, without the need for full driving
licence, based on new **European AM category for mopeds and light
quadricycles |
With a tempting on-the-road price from
just £6,690, it is the third of the French manufacturer’s groundbreaking
electric vehicle range to hit the UK market and undoubtedly the most
striking.
The futuristic Twizy is designed for a
driver and one passenger to sit in tandem. The stylish, zero emission in
road use, two-seater compact is charged using a standard three-pin plug.
Full charge takes three and a half hours, costing around £1 (depending
on energy supplier and tariff), giving a range of around 60 miles,
making electric motoring practical, economic and environmentally
friendly.
Renault’s eye-catching Twizy is powered
by a 13kW (17hp) motor with a limited top speed of around 50 mph. The
bodywork is extremely visible in traffic to other road users and both
occupants are protected by a deformable structure, while the outboard
position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located either side of
the chassis provide protection on either side.
Its safety retention systems include a
driver’s airbag, a three-point seatbelt and with additional strap for
the driver, and a three-point safety belt at the rear. Also, since
Renault Twizy's occupants are protected and held in place, they are
under no requirement to wear any sort of protective gear or helmet.
With such unique looks, unsurprisingly,
there are several more uncommon options and accessories than on your
average four-wheeled mode of transport. Among them are scissor doors
(£545), driver and passenger blanket £110 and a 50-litre leisure bag £95
which sits on the rear seat and clips into the chassis so that objects
stay firmly in place. Rounding off the more traditional enhancements are
metallic paint for £195, a child booster seat at £55, and alloy wheels
for £340. All prices include VAT.
Thanks to its four-wheeled chassis and
extremely low centre of gravity, Renault’s unique Twizy delivers a
grin-inducing driving experience, while disc brakes all-round ensure
precise, efficient stopping power.
Twizy is available from £6,690
on-the-road for the Urban model with a monthly battery lease cost of £45
including VAT for a 36 month/4,500 miles per year agreement.
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