In 2009, at the Frankfurt motor show, Renault unveiled a conceptual electric vehicle called the Twizy, with an unusual configuration. In 2011, the French announced their intention to put the novelty into mass production, confirming their words in March 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show - where the public was shown a "commercial version" of the model.
Officially "Twisi" performs in the segment of heavy ATVs, although as a full-fledged vehicle it coped with the tests for frontal, side and pillar collisions. The electric car looks extraordinary - a pretty "face", wheels in the corners, "guillotine" doors and a tandem scooter fit.
The key feature of Twizy is its very compact dimensions: length is 2337 mm, width - 1191 mm, height - 1461 mm, wheelbase - 1684 mm. The ground clearance of the "Frenchman" is 120 mm, and the turning radius does not exceed 3.4 m. When loaded, it weighs only 450 kg (excluding batteries).
Inside, Renault Twisi has complete minimalism: a dashboard, represented by a monochrome display, a four-spoke steering wheel, a couple of buttons, and USB and AUX connectors. The interior of the electric car is two-seater, and the riders are seated one after the other, like on a motorcycle. For various small things, there are several niches - to the right and left of the "steering wheel" and in the back of the rear seat.
In addition, the French "Kid-Twizy" is available in the commercial version "Cargo", which includes a 180-liter luggage compartment.
Specifications. Two types of power plants are offered for Tvisi:
- In the first case, the small electric car is driven by a 17-horsepower electric motor that generates 57 Nm of torque and provides 80 km / h top speed.
- But there is also a much simpler version - Twizy 45, which is equipped with an electric motor with a return of about 5 horsepower and 33 Nm of thrust. The peak of its capabilities is 45 km / h.
Under the front seat of this Renault, a unit of lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 7 kWh is mounted, a full charge of which is enough for 100-120 km of track (in real conditions - for 50-80 km). It takes ~ 3.5 hours to completely saturate the traction batteries from an ordinary household outlet.
The electric vehicle is equipped with a fully independent suspension based on MacPherson struts both front and rear, as well as four-wheel disc brakes. There is no power steering.
Options and prices. In 2016, in the Russian market, Renault Twizy with an 11-horsepower electric motor "under the hood" is offered in the Urban, Trend and Cargo trim levels.
- For the basic configuration, which from the benefits of civilization "flaunts" only 13-inch stamped disks, a driver's airbag, immobilizer, daytime running lights, an on-board computer and a 12-volt socket, you will have to pay 799,000 rubles.
- For an electric car in the “top-end” version of Trend, they ask for a minimum of 919,000 rubles, and its features include light-alloy wheels, a rubber mat in the cabin and a simple radio with USB and Bluetooth.
- The Cargo version, with a 200-liter trunk instead of the rear seat and a lockable door at the stern, will cost from 959,000 rubles.
Optionally, the little car can be retrofitted with side doors, rear parking sensors and even a panoramic roof, but all these "gadgets" will cost a lot - 27 thousand, 17 thousand and 11 thousand rubles, respectively.
