© Renault
The Capital Market Day, the big event at Ampere, Renault's new subsidiary, was an opportunity for Luca de Meo to cause a sensation. After setting out the group's strategic plans, its CEO lifted the veil on a first prototype of its future electric car for less than 20,000 euros. And the lucky winner will be the Twingo.
Electric Twingo: Renault is banking on nostalgia
What could be better for the 30th anniversary of this iconic car as a new version that is both futuristic and retro? Because the future electric Twingo exudes nostalgia, like the electric R5 which will arrive in dealerships in 2024.
A true homage to the very first Twingo, the electric version, nicknamed Twingo Legend, is distinguished by its famous “frog head” marked in particular by the headlights and the three gills on the hood.
The famous rounded headlights of the very first Twingo © Renault
However, there is no question of offering an outdated car. The future electric Twingo also features futuristic lines and a minimalist design. Above all, it will stand out for its performance. Renault promises consumption below 10 kWh per 100 kilometers but has not yet announced theoretical autonomy.
The manufacturer completely embraces this mix between nostalgia and modernity. “It’s the new Twingo, we’re reinventing a new icon of the brand”welcomed Luca de Meo at the microphone of BFM TV. And to add:
We did that with the 5, the 4, now we are redoing the Twingo because the electric and all the connectivity technology gives us the possibility to make the perfect urban vehicle.
From 100 euros per month
© Renault
The other great strength of the future Twingo is its price. Renault announces a price of less than 20,000 euros, excluding state aid, and a leasing offer from 100 euros per month. Since it will be produced in Europe (at the Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia) it should meet the requirements of the new ecological bonus planned for 2024.
By the time the Twingo is released, the rules will have maybe changed. If we stick to the manufacturer's schedule (release 3 years after the presentation of the prototype), this new model should arrive at the same time as the electric 4L, in 2026.
This gives time for the electric R5, which will be released in 2024, to make its merry way. On the other hand, Renault is giving free rein to Citroën and its new electric C3 which will be launched in 2024 from 25,000 euros. More expensive, you might say. You are right. But Citroën also plans to release an electric C3 for less than 20,000 euros… in 2025.