4 Minutes
Renault is quietly preparing a fresh, budget-friendly electric city car that revives an iconic name: the Twingo. Spy shots from tests in Spain reveal a camouflaged prototype that keeps the Twingo’s compact spirit while adopting modern EV proportions and packaging. Positioned beneath the Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Twingo E-Tech aims to be the brand’s entry-level battery-electric vehicle with a competitive sub-€20,000 starting price.
Design and Exterior
Styling updates
The prototype shows a flatter nose and a more raked windshield compared with the third-generation Twingo (2014–2024). Overall proportions look slightly more muscular, with subtly larger rear windows and conventional rear door handles now visible rather than hidden. At the back, the taillights appear to be an evolution of the outgoing model’s lighting signature and the Twingo script may once again sit on the tailgate beneath Renault’s diamond badge.
Practical details
The tailgate looks bigger and promises a more practical load area; the rear bumper adopts a clean, uncluttered design and the wheels are fitted with aero covers to improve aerodynamic efficiency — a priority for city-oriented EV range optimization.
Platform and Technical Architecture
The new Twingo E-Tech is expected to ride on the AmpR Small (CMF-B EV) platform, the same architecture underpinning the Renault 4 E-Tech, Renault 5 E-Tech, Alpine A290, and the Nissan Micra EV. Sharing this modular EV platform allows Renault to optimize costs, offer competitive electric range and accelerate development across the affordable EV lineup.
Specifications and Performance
Battery, motor and range
Sources suggest the entry-level Twingo will use the same hardware as the basic Renault 5 E-Tech: a single electric motor producing around 95 ps (94 hp / 70 kW) paired with a 40 kWh battery pack. That combination should deliver a WLTP-ish driving range north of 320 km (around 200 miles) under efficient urban and mixed driving conditions. Higher-grade trims could introduce more powerful motors in the 120–150 hp range for customers who want a livelier driving experience.
Driving dynamics
As a compact EV likely tuned for urban agility, the rear- or front-biased layout of the CMF-B EV derivatives aims to balance maneuverability, low-speed responsiveness and predictable handling for city driving and tight parking situations.
Market Positioning and Price
Renault intends the Twingo E-Tech to sit below the Renault 5 E-Tech in the range and take on ultra-affordable electric rivals such as the Dacia Spring. Rumors point to a base price under €20,000 (roughly $23,500), making it one of the most accessible new battery-electric city cars in Europe when it debuts, potentially in 2026. This pricing strategy targets urban buyers and first-time EV buyers seeking low running costs and a compact footprint.
Comparisons and Competitors
The all-new Twingo will be pitched against small EVs like the Dacia Spring, and indirectly against upcoming low-cost models from other mainstream manufacturers. Compared with the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Twingo should be smaller, more affordable and focused on practicality and efficiency rather than outright performance.
Conclusion
Renault’s revived Twingo E-Tech appears to be a sensible, modern take on the city car: compact exterior dimensions, improved practicality, an efficient 40 kWh battery option and a target price under €20,000. If Renault can deliver solid range, usable interior space and attractive pricing, the Twingo could be a compelling choice for urban drivers looking to switch to an affordable electric vehicle.
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