Overall rating:

A two-seat, exposed cab electric vehicle with limited top speed and range doesn't sound like the latest object of automotive desire, especially here in climate vulnerable Britain. However, even away from the bright lights of Ibiza, the character of the new Renault Twizy remains infectious. Realise the limitations of its use and become an early adopter and we doubt you'd regret the decision.

Key Facts

Model tested: Renault Twizy
Pricing: From £6,690
Engine: 13kW (nearly 18hp) electric motor
Transmission: single-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: UDO (Unidentified Driving Object)
Rivals: they're still playing catch-up
CO₂ emissions: 0g/km
Top speed: 50mph (limited)
0-50 metres: 6.5 seconds
Power: 17hp
Torque: 57Nm
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Range: 62 miles in urban use

In the Metal:

There's a reason Renault refers to the Twizy as a UDO (Unidentified Driving Object), and that's because it looks like nothing else currently in production. If you were feeling uncharitable you could pick out hints of mobility scooters and golf buggies, but just as prevalent is the sci-fi influence; it certainly wouldn't look out of place on the set of Blade Runner or Judge Dredd movies. Regardless, this narrow body with protruding wheels is another ground breaking design (and concept) from the maker that brought us the equally brilliant Espace, Scenic and Avantime. UK sales may suffer from the exposed element though, as our climate won't be quite so kind to occupants as to those in warmer climes.

Still, that's not to say the minimalist cabin isn't appealing. There are only two seats, arranged in a tandem formation, and the stark dashboard is a delight in today's gadget-overloaded vehicles. Getting into the back isn't the easiest of propositions, even with the scissor doors, and once there the proximity of the front seat's headrest does make it rather claustrophobic. Still, there is little to rival it for sense of occasion, helped by that central driving position and the massive expanse of clear plastic on the doors - and on certain versions the roof as well. Practicality's not been totally ignored either, with lockable storage and the option of a removable 50-litre bag that slots into the passenger seat.

Driving it:

It looks top heavy, all tiny wheels and tall narrow body. You might expect it to topple over if you were to make judicious use of the throttle and steering - especially with no ABS or ESP to save your bacon should it all go wrong. But actually, stability is impressive - even when deliberately trying to unsettle the chassis. There is a disconcerting noise from the skinny tyres if cornering quickly, sounding much like terminal understeer, but the Twizy grips gamely.

Keep trying and you can ease the chassis into understeer (or oversteer at lower speeds on loose surfaces) but there is almost no roll from the stiffly sprung suspension. No doubt its lithe kerb weight (475kg), lightweight body materials and low-mounted batteries help here, keeping the centre of gravity below the driver's hips. In fact the Twizy feels much like a grown-up and covered go-kart from behind the centrally-mounted wheel, though it doesn't quite have the same level of steering response or feel.

Powered by a 17hp electric motor the instantaneous 57Nm of torque ensures a clean getaway off the line, with the 0-50 metre dash being dispensed with in only 6.5 seconds. At higher speeds its acceleration slows somewhat, and while its pace feels fine around town, on the open roads the 50mph speed limiter can be frustrating. Passing traffic that is only travelling at 40-45mph is certainly not a very easy option, and the rate at which faster vehicles can bear down on the diminutive Renault can be frightening for those not with their wits about them.

Renault makes a big thing about the narrow body of the Twizy, but you have to remember that the wheels protrude further than the cabin - otherwise potentially embarrassing incidents are on the cards for sure. And though the 1.4-metre width does allow you take advantage of some gaps, it's still not as agile and effective as a regular scooter on congested streets. But, one things for sure - driving the Twizy is an experience like no other. And though the weather may not make British drivers grin quite so much as our European counterparts, they'll be smiling inside when behind the wheel.

What you get for your Money:

It's a hard one to quantify this, as there really are no rivals to compare it to. Still, it looks like decent value for money, even if it is rather basic outside and in. The range kicks off at £6,690 and even the top-spec Technic model is only £7,400. Equipment wise it is pretty sparse, though it does come with a heated front screen, driver's airbag and four disc brakes as standard. And of course, as it's emission free there are no road tax or congestion charges to pay, while recharging to a full battery will cost little more than a bag of crisps in the petrol station.

Worth Noting

The Twizy, a play on the words Twin (on account of its seating capacity) and Easy, may look rather more fit for purpose than 'fun fun fun', but it has actually been developed by Renault Sport engineers and apparently tested by the firm's F1 team. The sporting arm's input has been focused on the suspension, while the racing team's KERS expertise meant they were ideally placed to test the electric motor. Which might explain why, next to the Renaultsport Mégane, this is the most fun we've had behind the wheel of a Renault in quite some time.

Summary

So far ahead of its time, and its forthcoming rivals, the Renault Twizy deserves to be a huge success. There's no doubt that, like the Scenic and Espace before it, this Renault will kick-start a whole new segment, and one that is likely to change the face of personal transportation as we know it. It's not perfect, the limited range and rather fair-weather provisions putting paid to that, but there is plenty to like - not least a driving experience that is a giggle-a-minute.