Renault’s stylish two-seater compact electric vehicle made its long awaited debut in Ireland and is now available to order. Over 10,000 of these urban wonders have already been sold in Europe.
Twizy will certainly turn heads on our streets and roads with its eye-catching looks and combined with economical running costs, it’s the ideal urban run-around or promotional vehicle for businesses.
The Twizy goes on sale here starting at €9,995 (incl. tax and VRT exempt) and a further €800 for Irish weather essential doors and windows. There are lease finance offers from Renault for about €179 per month for the Twizy and Lithium Ion battery. And Renault claims that the average owner should get away with about €10 per month for electrical charging.
It is the third of Renault’s stable of zero-emission vehicles to be launched so far. The ZOE will follow in early 2014. However, unlike its sister ZE models, Twizy is a form of quadricycle, with a rear-mounted electric motor, automatic one-speed transmission and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. In developing the concept and bringing it to market in less than two years.
Renault was able to call on the skills of its Renault Sport Technologies team to ensure the chassis, driving dynamics and operation of the electric powertrain – including a regenerative braking system – were honed for optimum performance. And after a short drive last week, it certainly does what it claims to do.
The powertrain is a 17hp electric motor, one speed transmission and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which gives an official urban driving NEDC range of 100KM and a top limited speed of 80kph.
Although its powertrain is relatively modest in output, Twizy is no slouch. Its maximum 57Nm of torque is delivered straight from start-up means Twizy has a nimble, quick-off-the mark driving character that’s perfect for town and suburban driving.
Renault says that the cost-efficient battery hire scheme (from €50 per month, incl. tax for 7,500 km/yr.) is tailored to customer mileage and preferred contract term, offering value for money and peace of mind. Road tax is €120 per annum.
Comfortable, safe, easy to drive and ideal for town and city driving, the two-seater is simply charged by using a 3m extending cable with a three-pin plug which can be simply plugged into a standard domestic or workplace supply for a full top-up in just three-and-a-half hours.
Twizy will be available in Ireland in the Technic trim which offers a wide range of options and accessories, including scissor doors, removable windows, and vehicle wraps.
The all-electric system, which includes clever regenerative braking for energy recovery, gives zero emissions in use and near-silent operation. The combination of power and Twizy’s light weight allow acceleration to a limited top speed of 80 kph. Maximum torque delivery from zero rpm makes the two-seater quick to pull away in city traffic. In fact, its 0-50mph sprint is an impressive six seconds.
The curvy, semi-open design, with wheels placed outboard from the body, is distinctive and highly practical. The large, curving windscreen, with narrow pillars, gives the driver an excellent view and Twizy’s low centre of gravity and disc brakes all-round give secure stopping performance and driving stability.
The aforementioned doors are of the scissor design and windows are also optional. The latter can be fitted or removed in minutes, will also be available, to give necessary added protection from the elements in this country.
As with the Z.E. models Renault has already introduced – Kangoo Van and Fluence – customers enjoy peace of mind and value for money with a battery hire programme that offers combinations of contract term and annual mileage to suit personal needs.
Servicing and maintenance specific to the EV is delivered through a national network of specialist Renault Z.E. sales and service centres at launch.
