Renault Twingo Z.E. Base

Overview

The Renault Twingo Z.E. Base was a cheeky all-electric city slicker, unfortunately discontinued in 2024 and never officially sold Stateside. Designed for nipping through tight European streets, this compact hatch packed a surprising punch of urban agility with its rear-wheel-drive setup. While US pricing was never set, it was positioned as an affordable entry into electric motoring in its home markets. Its standout feature was undoubtedly its super-quick 22kW AC charging for a car of its size, making urban top-ups a breeze.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the big news for the Renault Twingo Z.E. Base is that it's taking its final bow, as production has officially wrapped up. This means it’s now exclusively a pre-owned find in markets where it was sold. There weren't any last-minute overhauls or feature blitzes for its swan song year; it carried over the established city-centric EV formula that defined its run. Think of it as the final edition of this particular electric Twingo chapter, a quirky European EV that carved its own niche.

Design & Exterior

The Twingo Z.E. Base rocks a quintessential city car vibe – short, tall, and full of character! Its perky face and compact dimensions (Length: 142.3 in, Width (no mirrors): 64.8 in, Height: 60.7 in) make it a master of squeezing into tiny parking spots. The Base trim keeps things simple and functional, with a design that’s more about practicality and charm than outright aggression. It's a friendly-looking hatchback that’s unmistakably French and built for the urban jungle.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Twingo Z.E. Base, you'll find a surprisingly airy cabin for its size, designed with a youthful and functional aesthetic. It seats four, though rear legroom is best for shorter trips. Tech-wise, expect a fairly straightforward setup, likely centered around a modest touchscreen with smartphone integration. Cargo space is a practical 6.6 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 34.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Don't go looking for a frunk, though – this little EV keeps its storage strictly at the back.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; the Twingo Z.E. Base is a zippy little thing around town! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sends 60 kW (around 80 hp) and 118 lb-ft of torque straight to the rear wheels, making for a fun, RWD driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes a leisurely 12.1 seconds, but its instant torque makes it feel quicker in city sprints up to its top speed of 84 mph. Expect a tight turning circle perfect for urban maneuvers and various regenerative braking modes to help eke out extra miles.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Twingo Z.E. Base is powered by a 21.3 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 101 miles – plenty for city duties. It boasts an efficiency of 4.74 mi/kWh. The real party trick is its standard 22 kW on-board AC charger, capable of juicing up the battery in roughly an hour! It uses a Type 2 (Mennekes) port, common in Europe. No DC fast charging is specified, focusing instead on that rapid AC capability. A US version would have needed a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While never tested by the NHTSA due to not being sold in the US, the Renault Twingo Z.E. achieved a respectable 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. For a city car of its era, expect the essentials: multiple airbags, ABS, and stability control. Driver-assistance features on the Base trim were likely modest, focusing on core safety rather than advanced semi-autonomous systems. Think basics like speed limiters rather than comprehensive active safety suites, keeping it an affordable urban runabout.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Since the Twingo Z.E. Base wasn't offered in the US, specific warranty details for this market are hypothetical. Typically, Renault offered a 2 or 3-year basic warranty in Europe, with an 8-year/varying mileage warranty on the battery. Maintenance on EVs like the Twingo is generally minimal – no oil changes! Owners would mainly look at tires, brakes, and coolant checks. Reliability was decent for its class, designed for the rigors of city driving with fewer complex systems to worry about compared to larger, more tech-laden EVs.