We’ve been banging on about Renault turning the new Twingo E-Tech into a van for months now.
So, here’s your chance to help...
Over the next few days, more than 100 left-hand-drive Renault Twingo E-Tech electric models have begun appearing in Renault dealerships across the UK as part of a nationwide preview ahead of the city car going on sale later this year.
They’re there so prospective buyers can get up close to Renault’s award-winning electric city car. Or at the very least it'd make a nice trip out for you and the family - something to do during the school holidays, maybe.
Read our blog Renault should make a Twingo Van
But while you’re there, we’d like you to do us a favour. Ask the salesperson whether it’ll be available as a commercial vehicle.
The Twingo might have been designed as a city car, but with its compact footprint, clever packaging, sliding rear seats and sub-£20,000 target price, we can’t help thinking there’s the makings of a brilliant little urban delivery van hiding in there somewhere. Think of all those florists, dog groomers, locksmiths, mobile technicians and local businesses that don’t need a full-sized van.
Yes, we know Renault already builds the Kangoo. But Renault doesn't seem likely to give us a Renault 4 van, so let's keep crossing our fingers for a Twingo instead. And yes, we know we’re probably winding up Renault UK’s execs, PRs and product planners by mentioning this again, but stranger things have happened. And rest assured when (not if) they make a Twingo E-Tech Commercial, we're going to claim full credit.
It's already a thing in France, just see for yourself - The Renault Twingo Van is a real thing.
Renault has imported more than 100 Absolute Green Twingo E-Tech models from France, with dedicated transporters carrying nothing but Twingos as they fan out across the dealer network. It’s the first time most people outside London and Goodwood will have had the opportunity to see the new EV in the metal. We went to the Battersea Power Station pop-up and were totally smitten by the Twingo, and we're sure you will be too.
The Twingo gets a 27.5kWh LFP battery with a lightweight 60kW electric motor for a targeted WLTP range of up to 163 miles. Renault is also aiming for a starting price of less than £20,000. Those sound like pretty good numbers for a little LCV runabout. Don't they?
When asked, once again about the possibility of a Twingo Commercial, a good-humoured Renault UK spokesperson, said: “Since launch, Twingo, affectionately known as 'Le Frog' has enjoyed a phenomenal reception, with anticipation for its UK launch later this year growing exponentially with the arrival of our display cars."
"At present, an LCV application isn't in the planning, but as always we will monitor the market and customer feedback. Not every frog you kiss turns into a prince or princess... However, we admire Van Reviewer's dedication to this cause, and, should a business case emerge, we wouldn't hesitate to deliver a fairytale outcome.”
If you’re genuinely interested in buying one, a car that is (and not a van), Renault is also offering a £100 R Pass, giving customers priority access to ordering, along with a range of exclusive benefits, just like it did with the launch of the Renault 5.
And if you’re visiting your local dealer anyway… Well, you know what question to ask.
