Renault is reviving the Twingo nameplate for 2027 with a new all-electric model that aims to bring proper affordability back to Europe’s shrinking A-segment. The Twingo E-Tech electric will launch at under £20,000, according to Renault, with production set for Novo Mesto in Slovenia.
An A-segment car built for a segment that barely exists
City cars now make up less than 5% of the European market, largely because manufacturers have stepped back rather than because demand has gone away. Renault’s view is that there’s still appetite for small, cheap, practical cars - and Twingo E-Tech is intended as its answer to that gap.
The project was fast-tracked under the brand’s “Leap 100” initiative, which cuts vehicle development to 100 weeks. Renault says the new process halves investment and trims development and industrialisation time by up to 41%.
Battery, motor and range
The Twingo uses a 27.5 kWh LFP battery, Renault’s first LFP pack, paired with a 60 kW (82 hp) front motor. WLTP range is quoted at up to 163 miles, which is pitched around typical usage: Renault says the average customer in this segment drives around 22 miles a day.
AC charging is 6.6 kW as standard, giving a 10–100% charge in roughly 4 hours 15 minutes. An optional package adds 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC, reducing that AC time to around 2h35 and giving a 10–80% DC top-up in around 30 minutes. Bidirectional charging (V2L and V2G) is supported via the 11 kW AC hardware.
Small outside, surprisingly big inside
At 3.79 metres long, Twingo stays true to its city-car brief. The turning circle is 9.87 metres, and the footprint is pure A-segment.
Inside, though, the packaging leans closer to the B-segment. Rear passengers get up to 160 mm of knee room, shoulder width is generous for the class, and the boot ranges from 305 litres to 360 litres with the rear seats slid forward. Fold them down and capacity passes 1,000 litres.
Two individually sliding 17 cm rear seats are standard on all versions - a nod to the original Twingo’s modular trick.
Design: modernised, not reinvented
Renault openly leans on nostalgia. The car keeps the original Twingo’s one-box stance, expressive headlights, playful front “smile”, and simple surfaces. Proportions have been modernised with a longer wheelbase and wheels pushed out to the corners for stance and stability.
The interior keeps the upbeat feel, with a coloured, cylindrical dashboard, a central red hazard button echoing the 1990s original, and bright trim options. All models get a 7-inch driver display and 10-inch central touchscreen, while Techno models add the full OpenR Link with Google built-in.
Tech and trims
The simplified range launches with two trims:
Evolution
- 16-inch wheel covers
- 7" driver display & 10" touchscreen with phone mirroring
- Manual climate control
- Rear parking sensors
- Sliding rear seats
- Lane keeping assist & AEB
- Advanced driver monitoring camera
Techno
- OpenR Link with Google built-in
- Reno voice avatar
- One Pedal driving
- Adaptive cruise with Stop & Go
- Folding front passenger seat
- Automatic climate control
- Auto lights/wipers
- Digital rear view camera
- Six-speaker Arkamys audio
Renault says up to 24 driver-assistance systems will be available depending on configuration, including rear AEB, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, and hands-free parking - a first for the A-segment.
Built in Slovenia, intended for local demand
Production takes place at Renault’s Novo Mesto facility in Slovenia, which has assembled more than five million small cars including previous Twingo generations and the electric Smart ForFour. Around 75% of customers are expected to live within 1,000 km of the plant, helping keep logistics costs and emissions in check.
At a glance
- Power: 60 kW (82 hp), 175 Nm
- Battery: 27.5 kWh LFP
- Range: up to 163 miles WLTP
- Charging: 6.6 kW AC standard; 11 kW AC & 50 kW DC optional
- Length: 3,789 mm
- Turning circle: 9.87 m
- Boot: up to 360 L (over 1,000 L seats folded)
- Price: under £20,000 (before incentives)
- Launch: 2027 (UK specs TBC)
Renault’s ambition is clear: bring EV prices down, bring the Twingo spirit back, and give Europe a city car that isn’t priced out of its own segment.
