New models Magnetic holder and cork floor: First look at the new Renault Twingo

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The electric Twingo is taking shape: At the Brussels Auto Show, Renault reveals the interior of the city electric car, which is set to hit the market in 2026.

The comeback of the Renault Twingo is approaching. At the Auto Show in Brussels, the French present the second near-production prototype of the micro electric car expected for 2026. Externally, there are only small changes compared to the first show car. However, the interior of the car is seen for the first time, which, with a starting price below 20,000 euros (20.598 USD), is intended to attract younger buyers in particular.

The fourth Twingo adopts the design of the original model from 1992. With its minimalist monocab body, frog-eye headlights, and wedge-shaped silhouette of the first edition, it looks like it's cut from the same cute mold. The most important difference: the new edition will only be available as a five-door—three-door models are hardly in demand in Europe today, says concept car designer Sandeep Bhambra.

The new model also appears a bit rounder and features modern LED lighting. The exterior is already quite close to the production model, with Prototype 2—about 95 percent of the parts are expected to be adopted—once again sporting air intakes on the hood and showing additional small changes, such as to the taillights.

Renault Twingo: Plenty of space in front

Bhambra does not want to say much about the technology under the retro sheet metal. It is clear that the Twingo is based on a shortened version of the EV platform that also carries the small car models R5 and R4. There are no details on the battery, drive, and range, but even the base model will likely not have much less than 300 kilometers (approx. 186 miles). The OEM will probably use cells with iron phosphate chemistry (LFP) to reduce costs.

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The limited range in urban areas is not a problem: at 3.75 meters in length (approx. 12,3 ft), the Twingo is a typical city car. However, those who take a seat in the prototype might initially consider the four-seater slightly larger. At least the driver and front passenger sit quite spaciously, while in the second row, the short cushions of the prototype slightly restrict comfort. The bench seat is to be modified for the production model. Whether it can then be folded into a flat sleeping surface like in the first Twingo seems doubtful. At least in the prototype, this is not possible, and the trunk is neither visible nor usable.

The sustainable cork flooring is unlikely to make it to the street, and there may be doubts about some design gimmicks like the seat adjustment wheels in a skateboard wheel look. Overall, the interior of the concept is said to be 80 to 85 percent similar to the upcoming production model, Bhambra assures. Details such as the magnetic phone holders for rear-seat passengers in the front headrests or the elastic bands for securing water bottles or documents also have a chance of making it to production.

Electronic architecture of the R4 and R5 models

The basic architecture of the cockpit and the electronics of the Twingo are also adopted from its larger siblings, which limits Bhambra's design options. Thus, the nods to the original model are rather modest. However, there are a few: the designer points to the hemispherical button for the hazard lights, which no longer sits on top of the dashboard but on the front panel.

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The central speedometer of the predecessor is also gone, replaced by a conventional digital display behind the steering wheel. Infotainment and other functions are operated via a touchscreen between the driver and passenger, which is likely to be standard in the upcoming base model.

The target price for the entry-level variant is 20,000 euros. However, the prototype represents the highest equipment lines. Interested buyers with a small budget will therefore have to expect significant compromises. The new Twingo aims to be affordable but not a purely budget model. Even lifestyle customers should get their money's worth.