Following many automobile manufacturers like Volkswagen, Tata, Mitsubishi etc Renault Motors plans to enter the world of eco-friendly cars. As a first step, they are about to market their new zero-emission car: Renault Twizy by the end of this year. Renault plans to introduce first in Europe with a price tag beginning at €6,990.
The ultra-compact design of Renault Twizy (length-2.32metres / width-1.19metres) makes it an ideal city car.
Like for any other Zero-Emission vehicles, Twizy customers will lease the battery. The monthly subscription is €45 inclusive of taxes for an annual distance travelled of 7,500km, a figure which covers the vast majority of ordinary motorists' requirements.
Renault Twizy's running costs like insurance, maintenance and energy (which includes battery lease and electricity for recharging) are just as modest, working out at 15 percent lower than those of a 3-wheeled scooter.
Let us go through the main features of Twizy:
Ultra Modern Design
Renault Twizy will be an ideal match for car owning city riders who look for a second vehicle, as well as to youngsters interested in a safe way to gain experience in traffic.
Though Twizy looks like a scooter in the first glance, it delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other.
Renault 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.
Twizy has sufficient in-car storage space which makes it suitable to the needs of owners travelling to and from work, or for light shopping. 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 storage space either side of the steering wheel.
The 7kWh lithium-ion battery in Twizy is located underneath the front seat.
Renault Twizy's carefully honed weight – 450kg, including batteries (100kg) – is directly beneficial to its range which stands at 100km (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.
The presence an integrated charger makes this cable 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.
Available In 2 Versions
Renault Twizy comes in two versions:
- One which is powered by a 15kW(20hp) motor and requires a driver's license
- One which is powered by a 4kW(5hp) motor and doesn't require a driver's license
Safety Features
Renault Twizy's bodywork 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 features include a driver's airbag, a 4-point harness at the front and a three-point safety belt at the rear. Thanks to its four-wheeled chassis and extremely low centre of gravity, Renault Twizy delivers a reassuringly stable ride, while disc brakes all-round ensure precise, efficient stopping power.
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