2026 Renault Twingo EV gets 1990s-inspired cabin

The 2026 Renault Twingo prototype has been revealed at the Brussels motor show, with the vehicle claimed to be near 90 per cent ready compared with the car that will be launched next year.

Set to land in European dealers in the first half of 2026, at the Belgian auto show Renault execs reconfirmed the Twingo will be priced below €20,000 ($A33,300) which will pitch the small French EV against Chinese EVs like the BYD Dolphin and the GWM Ora in Australia if the Twingo reaches these shores.

Measuring in at 3750mm long and sitting on the same AmpR Small platform as the larger 2025 Renault 5 E-Tech and 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech, the new Twingo is around 170m shorter than the reborn R5.

Despite its size, Renault bosses promise the Twingo will deliver “upper-segment tech” and be “joyful, trendy”.

Giving us our glimpse of the cabin for the first time, the Twingo gets both a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a big 10.1-inch infotainment system and looks like it pays tribute to the original first-generation city car that was launched back in 1992.

That explains why, like the original, the seats of the prototype match the exterior hue, while the oval theme also references the first-generation Twingo.

The red hazard lamps button and skateboard wheel adjustment for the front seats further poke fun to the original car.

Maximising practicality within are storage cubbies under the dash, plus a flat full-width shelf for books or sunnies.

In the second row is a split-folding bench seat, plus magnetic phone-mounts on the back of the front headrests, as well as an elasticated bottle holder.

Unusual materials employed within the Twingo include a cork floor that was chosen for its durability, although it’s highly unlikely to reappear in the finished item.

Differences compared to the 2023 concept include a new air intake in the front bumper, plus a pair of rear arches that are now a little smaller.

New rub pads with a honeycomb design have also been added on all four corners, reducing the risk of damage associated with parking in built-up urban areas.

Other changes as the Twingo inches towards reality include door handles that no longer light up and new rear LED lamps that are now D-shaped instead of the original concept’s C-outline.

Renault has still not revealed what all-electric powertrain will drive the new Twingo, but it’s thought to keep costs down it will be related to that found in the Renault 5 E-Tech.

Speaking of costs, to ensure its budget pricing the Twingo will be developed alongside the Nissan Micra and an unknown Chinese hatchback, following the breakdown of a strategic partnership with Volkswagen.

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