FREEWHEELING scotland April, 2012
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Electrifying Twizy is well switched on
FreewheelingScotland.com — Driving the way forward
REN A ULT T W IT MAY LOOK MORE LIKE A MOON buggy than a car, but seldom has a new model put so many smiles on the faces of motoring pundits. Had you caught sight of our convoy as we headed away from Ibiza’s airport in the late morning spring sunshine towards our lunch date at one of the island’s spectacular beaches, I bet you too would be wondering where you could get your hands on some of those “happy pills” we must have all been popping. Well, I’ll let you in on our little secret. We were in the middle of our first drive – or excursion – behind the wheel of Renault’s fabulous little Twizy electric vehicle. Like something that would not look out of place in a science fiction movie, the Twizy is the French car maker’s answer to innercity congestion, with its silent-running electric motor powering the two-seater buggy along at speeds of up to 50mph. That’s more than enough pep to keep up with any busy urban traffic flow, with its instant torque that propels it away from a standing start like an Exocet missile. The Twizy really is a one-off. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the brains behind Renault’s F1 Grand Prix racing team, who where responsible for the
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WIZY
REN A ULT T WIZY
sturdy tubular steel spaceframe, chassis, superb handling and power plant. Aimed at young and old and male and female alike, the Twizy will suit anyone who is seeking a vehicle that is not just out of the ordinary but which offers economy and environmentally-friendliness with the added bonus of fun, fun, fun thrown in by the bucketload. The Twizy is simplicity itself. A 17hp, 6kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor pan powers a small motor at the rear of the vehicle. This in turn delivers the power to the rear wheels.
Under ideal circumstances available power economica has a range of 62 miles. Ho heavy right foot or driving o gradiants can reduce this b cold weather can also have effect on the vehicle’s rang Inside the vehicle there ar in tandem and getting on b the driver’s seat slides forw
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s and using the ally, the Twizy owever, having a on steep by a half, while e a serious ge. re two seats set board is easy as ward for the
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REN A ULT T WIZY passenger to hop in. Getting started is also simple. Turn the key to power up and push the top half of a split button on the dash marked D for drive, hit the pedal and off you go. Push the bottom of the button for reverse or both parts for neutral. It’s that simple. Stopping the Twizy needs a bit of work from your right foot. Renault have fitted disc brakes all round, but there is no assistance from any source so you have to push the pedal hard. On saying that, they do their job well as the machine itself weighs only 880lb. It pulls away like a train and you quickly get into the spirit of things. Acceleration is smooth and only road noise from the tyres break the silence. The suspension is set somewhat on the hardish side and I must say that it was a bit unhappy with the large speed bumps which peppered the streets of the small Ibiza town through which our route to the coast took us. But on the smooth island roads it was a joy. But it is when cornering where the Twizy really shines, thanks to its lightweight construction, low centre of gravity and direct steering. It is the closest you’ll get to driving a kart away from the track and onto our busy streets. Available now, the entry model Twizy
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REN A ULT T WIZY Urban costs £6690. But for that money you don’t get any doors and you’re open to the full force of the elements. However, for an optional £545, you can add a pair of scissor-style doors which would be something of a must-have in our climate. Don’t expect to be fully enclosed, though. Regulations and the fact that there is no heater to clear the screens, mean that the top half still remains open. Two other higher specification models, Colour and Technic are also available for £6950 and £7400 respectively, while options also include panoramic glass roof and alloy wheels. You have also to rent the battery from Renault which will add another £45 per month minimum. The Twizy can be recharged using any household supply. The power cable is removed from a compartment in the front of the vehicle and it simply plugs in to the socket. A full charge takes just three and a half hours. Obviously not for everyone, the Twizy does make a lot of sense – especially for those in the city more used to a bike or scotter – if only for its safety features which include seat belts and driver’s airbag. Nice one Renault. At long last, a pure electric vehicle that is funky, affordable and a joy to drive.
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REN A ULT T WIZY
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REN A ULT T WIZY
RENAULT TWIZY Price: From ÂŁ6690 plus battery hire. Power: 6kWh lithium-ion battery powering AC electric motor through rear wheels. Top speed: 50mph. Range: 62 miles. Recharge time: 3.5 hours. VED Band: A (exempt).
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