Renault Twizy 2013 Review - International

It's a shame local design rules mean Renault's Twizy is unlikely to ever come to Australia. Because despite its novelty looks, it's a very effective urban runabout.

Launched in Europe in April, the four-wheeled scooter is available in two versions. The 45km/h Twizy outputs a measly 4kW/33Nm, while the 80km/h model cranks out 13kW/57Nm. Both are fitted with a 7kWh lithium ion battery and claim a range of around 100km.

Like its two-wheeled counterparts it's tiny: 350mm shorter than a smart car. It's easy to park too -- apparently you can fit three in one normal car spot. Oh, and things like doors and windows are optional.

Technically speaking Twizy is classed as a 'heavy quadricycle' in Europe, which gives it special dispensation to be driven by people without licences. So when you see a 55-year-old bloke in an Armani suit driving one, there's a fair chance he lost his licence.

Priced from 7000 Euros (around $8670), the Twizy has two seats (fore and aft like a scooter), no doors, no luggage space and no rear window. But for everything it lacks, driving the Twizy was an enlightening experience. The fresh air, the sun shining... Driving this open vehicle is a lot of fun. Though if it rained it may not have been quite so salubrious.

Refined is probably not the best way to describe the Twizy experience. The ride quality was firm (it was tuned by Renault Sport) and the vehicle thumped over large bumps.

It didn't respond well to light throttle inputs from low speeds either -- abruptly cycling on and off power in a staccato fashion. Once on the move, however, the power delivery smoothed out nicely.

The Renault F1 group designed the Twizy's compact electric motor and its rapid charging system – the vehicle's trump card. It takes just three and a half hours to fully charge it and a realistic driving range is about 70km. But even the 80km/h Twizy is slow to accelerate from standstill and the 450kg vehicle struggled up the steep incline on the test track.

The unassisted steering was great and the Twizy turned well. There was a sense of freedom when driving this vehicle that isn't present in regular cars. Though it steers like a car, it was closer to riding a motorcycle in terms of how the driver felt. In other words, it's fun.

Tyre grip wasn't great though. The Twizy felt a bit ponderous when turning sharply and placing it in the middle of the lane takes practice (it was the first 'car' I've driven where the driver sits centrally). But by and large it's an entertaining vehicle -- just don't leave any belongings laying around. Things slide out of the car very easily -- I lost a quality pen after punting through a particular corner...

Twizy is narrow so despite the lack of a rear window vision was excellent, and the push-button gearshift and manual park-brake operation worked well.

The brake pedal has a lot of weight to it and deceleration feels average until you really tromp the pedal. The end result is impressive stopping power. It also highlighted the fact that antilock brakes are not available; the skinny 13-inch wheels locked up with a loud screech on more than one occasion.

Interior space is decent for the driver with lots of head and legroom, though it's a narrow contraption. The rear seat is less welcoming than the captain's pew; ingress and egress is cumbersome, but once seated it's not too bad. The sole passenger's feet straddle the driver but it works well.

Overall Twizy makes for a compelling city runabout. Battery rental costs between 50-72 Euros per month, a charge itself less than a dollar and though it will go most places a scooter can, Twizy will keep you dry(ish) in wet weather.

Importantly, on ever more crowded city streets it's also potentially safer. A four-point safety harness and an airbag are both featured.

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