The Renault Twizy is the car you wished for as a kid. Launched by Renault back in 2012, the Twizy is aimed at giving city goers a cool, electric, zero-emissions alternative to the likes of a scooter or bicycle.

But, as with any other electrically-powered form of transportation, price tag and feasibility are the hot topics.

We decided to put the Renault Twizy to the test around the city environment to see whether you should invest in one of these new-fangled, tech-savvy quadricycles.

Performance

When it comes to range, many electric cars claim unrealistic figures. The Twizy, on the other hand, claims up to a 60-mile range, which is very achievable if you take it easy on the accelerator.

With a few enthusiastic high revs and darts through traffic however, you are realistically looking at around 40 miles.

The great thing about the Twizy’s range is the effectiveness of its regenerative breaking, which recoups battery power when rolling to a stop. There were many occasions when I saw its estimated range and battery bar increase on my travels.

Instead of a gearstick you get a button with either Drive (D), Neutral (N) or Reverse (R) on it to the left hand-side of the steering wheel. There is also a handbrake situated under the main instrument console to the left.

Press the drive button and there’s instant power. This means that putting your foot down from a standing stop will result in the electric battery and motor thrusting you forward – which is quite satisfying when people are frowning at the odd-looking vehicle at the traffic lights.

In terms of top speed, I personally had the Twizy up to 52mph, which isn’t bad for something that has an equivalent power of 17bhp. Although it can break the 50mph barrier, I wouldn’t recommend venturing onto any motorways.

As it doesn’t reach 60mph, we have to focus on zero to 30mph, which for the Twizy is around six seconds – although it feels much faster than that. To charge the Twizy, all you need is a conventional household socket. When flat, the battery takes around three and a half hours to fully charge.

Ride and Handling

A downside of its sporty feel however, is its uncomfortable ride, which over speed bumps and potholes is a bit unsettling.

The truth is, if the Twizy looked like a conventional car, you would be pretty content with its driving dynamics. The steering, for example, is well-weighted and responsive, making cornering very enjoyable. The Twizy’s grip is the real treat however, allowing it to stick to the road like glue. Add this to its impressive steering and stiffened suspension and you feel like you are driving a diddy sports car. A downside of its sporty feel however, is its uncomfortable ride, which over speed bumps and potholes is a bit unsettling. And trust me when I say, do not take it over cobbles. It’s hard to really talk about refinement with the Twizy as many of the models come without doors and windows. Yes you hear people chatting and engines rumbling when you are driving, but this open-air feel is all part of the fun I suppose. If you are shy though, you’re in for a surprise.

Interior and Equipment

As part of its Z.E. electric vehicle range, Renault also offers the ZOE supermini, Kangoo Z.E van and Fluence saloon.

It is pretty much ‘what you see is what you get’ with the Twizy when it comes to equipment, which is very little. Some basic features like window wipers, indicators, heated windscreen, horn, pedestrian horn, hazard lights and headlights are included as standard. This means no heater, which can get quite chilly. The dashboard display is very basic as well. It displays your speed, battery life, estimated range left in miles and a convenient rev counter-like status bar to show how hard you are working the battery. Optional kit on the Twizy includes a clear sky roof, fitted Parrot Bluetooth device and arguably most importantly, scissor doors and plastic windows. At just 2.3 metres, the Twizy can fit into the tightest of parking spaces and squeeze through gaps in lanes of traffic. Even the scissor doors that are available, although fun and quirky, eliminate the need to leave space between other cars for opening your door when parking up. Interior practicality isn’t great. There are a few pocket-size storage compartments either side of the steering wheel, with one that is lockable. The biggest storage space is in the back of the rear seat, offering 31-litres of space. Most of the time you will find yourself putting rucksacks or shopping bags in the small gap between you and the doors. Let’s not forget its passenger seat. Access to this rear seat is made easier with a sliding driver’s seat. It isn’t the most comfortable of journeys being a passenger in the Twizy, but it gets you around nonetheless.

Cost

For what you are actually getting, its price tag may seem quite steep, especially when you consider that the Dacia Sandero supermini is actually around £1,000 cheaper than it.

Zero emissions means zero road tax and no London Congestion charge, plus it costs just £1 for a full charge. You will have to pay a leasing fee for the Twizy’s battery, which cost an average of around £45, depending on how many miles you intend to do. Its price tag is bound to be the defining cost however. At under £7,000 it is the cheapest electric vehicle on the market. For what you are actually getting, its price tag may seem quite steep, especially when you consider that the Dacia Sandero supermini is actually around £1,000 cheaper than it.

Our Verdict

The Twizy is nippy, easy to park up and great fun to drive. Although it avoids many of the levies of the road, charging may still be an issue for some, especially when you consider the lack of infrastructure to support electric cars. Realistically, at this price, this will be a play thing for someone will plenty of money to spare in the city, rather than a viable everyday car for most people. But, if you don’t mind splashing out on something that is a hell of a lot of fun, then the Twizy won’t disappoint.