The retro aesthetic is back in vogue, and Renault is leaning into the trend with its new Twingo E-Tech. Heavily inspired by the original 1992 model, this adorable and affordable electric micro car aims to recapture the spirit of accessible city transport. While set to launch in Europe in early 2026, its arrival in Australia remains uncertain.
A Nod to the Past, Built for the Future
The latest Twingo’s design draws clear parallels to the original. Like its predecessor, it follows a one-box template and features an expressive front fascia with arched, eye-like headlights and asymmetrical bonnet detailing – a deliberate homage to the 1992 classic. This new model is notably larger than the original, measuring 3789mm long, 1720mm wide, and 1491mm tall – a substantial 300mm longer and almost 100mm wider. The rear offers 305 litres of boot space, expanding to over 1000L with the rear seats folded.
Affordable and Efficient Electric Power
The Twingo E-Tech is powered by a single 60kW electric motor producing 175Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h time of 12.1 seconds. It’s equipped with a 27.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from Chinese battery giant CATL, providing a WLTP range of up to 263km. It supports AC charging up to 6.6kW, with optional 11kW AC and 50kW DC charging capabilities. A key feature is the Advanced Charge pack, offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, allowing you to power external appliances or even feed power back into the grid.
Clever Design and Cutting-Edge Technology
Inside, the Twingo E-Tech boasts a surprisingly practical cabin with clever touches, including a folding front passenger seat and independently sliding rear seats – mirroring the original’s versatility. The cabin features splashes of colour reminiscent of 1990s city cars. A 10-inch touchscreen integrates Renault’s OpenR infotainment system with Google built-in, granting access to apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps.
Safety and Features
The base Twingo E-Tech Evolution comes standard with:
- 6 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear parking sensors
- 16-inch wheels
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Manual climate control
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Individually sliding rear seats
The top-spec Techno adds:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- One-pedal drive mode
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automatic high-beam
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Folding front passenger seat
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Automatic climate control
A Counter-Trend in a Shrinking Market
Interestingly, Renault believes there’s still demand for compact, affordable city cars. “Contrary to popular belief, the current size of the A segment is not a reflection of low demand”, Renault states, highlighting the need for such vehicles in European urban environments. Other manufacturers, like Peugeot and Citroen, have largely abandoned this market segment.
Global Collaboration and Sustainable Design
Renault developed the Twingo E-Tech through cross-functional collaboration between its European and Shanghai-based R&D centres, shaving a year off the design time. The company also estimates the Twingo E-Tech’s carbon footprint is 60% smaller than a comparable combustion-powered city car. Launch colors will be limited to just four – Absolute Red, Absolute Green, Mango Yellow, and Starry Black – a significant reduction from the ten offered on its predecessor.
Will it Come to Australia?
While the Twingo E-Tech offers a compelling combination of retro style, affordability, and electric efficiency, its arrival in Australia remains unclear. Renault Australia has been contacted for comment. Its potential success hinges on consumer appetite for compact EVs and Renault’s strategic priorities for the Australian market. The Renault Clio, a slightly larger rival to the Toyota Yaris, starts at €19,900 (A$35,468) in Europe – providing a baseline for the Twingo’s likely positioning.
The new Twingo E-Tech offers a blend of nostalgia and modern technology, but its future in Australia is still up in the air. Renault’s decision will depend on whether they see a viable market for this charming little EV Down Under.
