TWIZY: A NIMBLE, PRACTICAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR A FRESH APPROACH TO CITY MOTORING
Renault has chosen the 2010 Paris Motor Show to unveil the definitive version of Renault Twizy, a model that ingeniously illustrates Renault’s new ‘Drive the Change’ brand signature. Twizy stands out as a particularly innovative answer to urban motoring:
- Thanks to its innovative concept, assertive character and ultra-compact footprint, Twizy is sure to appeal to active city dwellers looking for a stylish yet particularly practical vehicle.
- It is nimbler than a conventional car, while its acceleration in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a scooter. Twizy offers the driver and passenger – seated one behind the other – protective bodywork, plus the reassuring road holding and braking ability of a four-wheeled vehicle.
- Twizy is an all-electric vehicle, so it doesn’t produce any emissions during its use on the road. It is powered by a 15kW (20hp) motor developing 57Nm of torque and delivers all the advantages associated with electric mobility, including a silent ride, smooth acceleration and the immediate availability of maximum torque.
The liveries of the examples displayed on Renault’s stand at the Paris Motor Show feature graphic designs conceived by Renault Design to serve as examples of the model’s scope for customisation that is sure to appeal to Twizy owners.
Along with Renault Fluence Z.E. and Renault Kangoo Van Z.E., Twizy will be the third model in the Renault Z.E. electric vehicle family to be introduced. It is scheduled for release in the UK in early 2012.
It is already possible to place pre-orders for Renault Twizy at www.renault-ze.com
Twizy will be manufactured in Valladolid, Spain.
An innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility
A unique concept
The ultra-compact footprint of Twizy (length: 2.32 metres / width: 1.19 metres / height: 1.46 metres) is ideally suited to city motoring. Twizy will clearly appeal to busy, car-owning city dwellers looking for a second vehicle, as well as to younger drivers interested in a safe way to gain experience in traffic thanks to the availability of a version that will not require a driver’s licence (depending on country).
Although its compact dimensions are likely to prompt comparisons with the world of scooters, Twizy delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other.
A unique design
Twizy combines real character with a resolutely modern design that boasts sweeping lines, open bodywork, original gull wing doors and a full windscreen which extends over the top of the car to form a large glazed area, not to mention the model’s original lighting signature.
Twizy buyers are likely to be sensitive to new design trends and will be able to customise their vehicle thanks to a wide choice of graphics available from launch.
TWIZY CUSTOMISED BY RENAULT DESIGN AT THE PARIS SHOW
The Paris Motor Show will see Renault display three Renault Twizys sporting customised liveries conceived by Renault Design.
The graphics of Twizy Dot Dot’s design place the emphasis on elegance, Twizy Circuit takes its cues from the computer-generated imagery associated with science fiction films, and Renault Twizy Totem combines high-energy colours with tribal forms.
Nine other examples will be visible in virtual form, and visitors to Renault’s stand at the Paris Motor Show (or to www.renault-ze.com) will be invited to vote for the customised Twizy they prefer from the 12 creations proposed by Renault Design.
The design which receives the highest number of votes will serve as inspiration for a limited edition version that will go on sale in 2011.
As nimble and practical as a scooter, with far superior occupant protection
Twizy’s nimble handling makes it ideal for motoring in and about town. Thanks to its extremely compact footprint and a turning circle of just 3.4 metres, Twizy has no trouble finding parking space in built-up areas where micro city cars give up and look elsewhere.
Twizy’s motor delivers maximum torque (57Nm; four times that of a three-wheeled 125cc scooter) the instant it is switched on. Renault Twizy consequently accelerates crisply from standstill and performs briskly in traffic. A top speed of 47mph also ensures that Twizy is at home in suburban traffic and on busy ring roads, etc. In some countries, a version limited to 28 mph will be available.
A particularly practical solution:
- Twizy’s enveloping body and side deflectors combine the enjoyment of open-air motoring with protection from the elements. Additional lower door panels are available to provide even more effective shielding against wind and rain.
- The amount of in-car stowage space is ideally suited to the needs of owners travelling to and from work, or to and from the shops. A 31-litre lockable cubby – ideal for a briefcase or limited shopping – is readily accessible underneath the rear seat. The capacity of this locker can easily be increased to 55 litres. There are also three litres of stowage space either side of the steering wheel.
Easy to drive:
- Driving Twizy is a different, yet enjoyable and intuitive experience. Acceleration is smooth, torque is instantly available and the motor is particularly quiet.
- Dashboard information includes an econometer and a range gauge. Both are very clear and ensure that drivers feel immediately at home behind the wheel.
Twizy provides a standard of safety performance superior to that of a scooter.
Twizy’s bodywork, for example, is far more visible in traffic to other road users. In the case of a head-on collision, both occupants are protected by a deformable structure, while the outboard position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located either side of the chassis provide protection should the vehicle be involved in a side-on impact. The safety retention systems include a driver’s airbag, a four-point harness at the front and a three-point safety belt at the rear. Also, since Twizy’s occupants are protected and held in place, they are under no legal requirement to wear any sort of protective gear (crash helmet, protective clothing, etc.). Thanks to its four-wheeled chassis and extremely low centre of gravity, Twizy delivers a reassuringly stable ride, while disc brakes all-round ensure precise, efficient stopping power.
An all-electric vehicle for zero-emission motoring (during road use)
Renault Twizy’s carefully honed weight – 450kg, including batteries (100kg) – is directly beneficial to its range which stands at 60 miles (combined cycle). Its battery is also particularly easy to charge thanks to an extendable spiral cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle. Thanks to an integrated charger, this cable is also compatible with roadside battery charging facilities. An adapter permits this cable to be plugged into any 220V 10A household electrical supply.
The battery fully charges in three-and-a-half hours.
Twizy will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2011 with a price tag similar to that of a three-wheeled scooter. For the UK, launch is planned for the first quarter of 2012. Like the other models that make up the Renault Z.E. range, customers will be able to take out a monthly subscription to cover battery rental and associated services.
RENAULT TWIZY – Technical Specification
| DIMENSIONS |
| Standard rims (inches) |
13 |
| Length (mm) |
2,320 |
| Width (mm) |
1,191 |
| Height (mm) |
1,461 |
| Wheelbase (mm) |
1,684 |
| Front/rear track (mm) |
1,050/1,036 |
| Front/rear overhang (mm) |
292/345 |
| Kerb weight (kg) |
450 (with 100kg battery) |
| Standard tyres (front/rear) |
125×80 R13 / 145×80 R13 |
| MOTOR |
| Type |
Electric |
| Transmission |
Direct drive with reducer and forward/reverse inverter |
Maximum continuous power (EEC)
(45kph version/75kph version) |
4kW (5hp)/8kW (10hp) |
| Maximum peak power (EEC)(45kph version/75kph version) |
7kW (9hp)/15kW (20hp) |
| Maximum torque EEC (Nm) |
57 |
| BATTERY |
| Type |
Lithium-ion |
| NEDC combined cycle range |
60 miles |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Top speed |
47 mph |
