- Renault sent 100 Twingo E-Tech models to UK dealers for static display.
- The showroom units are painted in Absolute Green with black steelies.
- Budget-friendly EV packs 80 hp and offers 163 miles of WLTP range.
While America still waits on electric cars that manage to be stylish and affordable at the same time, Renault is busy treating Europe to a cute frog-eyed hatchback. The resurrected Renault Twingo E-Tech has just made the trip across the English Channel, though British buyers won’t be taking one for a spin quite yet.
Renault has shipped a convoy of more than 100 Twingos from France to the UK for one specific reason. The EVs will act as display models in showrooms nationwide ahead of the official market launch in late 2026. So why are they staying put?
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The answer comes down to their configuration. This batch is left-hand drive and hasn’t been approved for UK roads, so the cars will stay locked to the showroom floor rather than heading out for test drives.
Renault
The 100 Renaults arrived on dedicated single-make car haulers, all wearing the Absolute Green presentation color. They also sit on 16-inch steelies in black, though those will probably be hidden under hubcaps once they reach their destinations. For reference, the flagship Twingo trim gets diamond-cut Reverso alloys measuring 18 inches.
Standard equipment includes full-LED lights, independent sliding rear seats, a 10-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, manual A/C and rear parking sensors.
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Renault
Beneath its stylish body, the Twingo E-Tech rides on the AmpR Small platform, shared with the R5 E-Tech and the Nissan Micra. A single electric motor produces 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque, fed by a 27.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery good for a WLTP range of 163 miles (262 km). The little city car handles 50 kW DC fast charging, enough to go from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Renault
Renault has yet to confirm UK pricing but promises a starting figure under £20,000 ($26,900). In France, the Twingo opens at €19,490 ($22,400) in base Evolution trim. Local incentives can knock that down to €15,870 ($18,200), making it one of the cheapest new cars on the French market.
Rivals of the Renault Twingo E-Tech include the Dacia Spring, the Leapmotor T03, and the upcoming production version of the VW ID.Every1 concept. Production of the entry-level Renault is handled in Slovenia.