14 DAY TRIAL // The production version of Renault’s electric two-seater was unveiled to the general public at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, with the French automaker announcing it will be marketed in the UK starting next spring.
British customers will get to get their hands on the new Renault Twizy from March 2012, priced from just £6,690 (about $10,350/€7,750) and monthly battery hire from £40.
The company also recently confirmed the existence of a third trim level, Colour, which comes with white bodywork and a choice of Urban Blue, Ivy Green or Flame Orange panels for the roof and sides. Renault says that black bodywork is also available with orange panels.
The same hues are continued through to its upholstery and glovebox and can even be specified on colour-coordinated, diamond-effect alloy wheels which cost £350. Colour-coordinated half-scissor doors will be available for £455, mirroring its affordable price positioning.
The new Colour version will sit between the previously announced trim levels, Urban and Technic, priced at £6,950 (about $10,750/€8,050) on-the-road. This makes it £260 more expensive than the entry-level Urban and £450 cheaper than the top-of-the-range Technic.
In addition, monthly battery hire for Twizy costs from £40 including VAT, based on three years and 4,500 miles (7,242 km) per year.
Standard equipment on Twizy includes 13-inch wheels, two gloveboxes, one of which is lockable, 3 metre long charging cable, heated tinted windscreen, Z.E. onboard computer and dashboard with econometer and battery consumption display.
Safety and security have also been paramount throughout the project, as is evident from the three-point seatbelt in the front with additional lateral restraint, three-point seatbelt in the rear, front airbag and immobiliser and steering lock.
The Twizy tips the scales at just 450 kilos (992 pounds) and offers 57 Nm (42 lb.ft.) of instant torque. The small EV is capable to run at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and full charge takes three and a half hours, providing a range of up to 60 miles (97km) on the urban cycle.