Renault's futuristic Twizy
This "real eye-catcher" is Renault's Twizy – an electric, four-wheeled, tandem two-seater designed for city use. And it does look handsome, says Steve Cropley in Autocar.
It's not fast, with the performance of a normal 125cc scooter, which means decent acceleration off the mark, but a top speed just under 50mph.
Yet when you're at the wheel, it feels "amazingly comfortable and natural" to drive. The open windowless bodywork means that no air conditioning, heating or ventilation systems are needed, says Channel4.com, keeping down the weight to only 420kg including the batteries. These give a range of up to 60 miles, and can be fully recharged in three and a half hours.
And whilst it may look like "no more than a cute concept", the Twizy should make it to production. Renault is to launch four electric vehicles from 2011, and one developed from the Twizy is scheduled for two years' time.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but expect to pay about £5,000 when it arrives.
The "very basic instrumentation" and eye-catching design is "like nothing you've ever seen", says Cropley.
