This Frog-Faced Electric Vehicle Is The New Affordable Sibling of the Renault 5 | Carscoops

      Renault is revitalizing the Twingo name and its original design for its most affordable electric vehicle to date.

      The 2026 Twingo EV has been seen undergoing road testing. This sub-5 meter electric hatchback is expected to be priced under €20,000 ($23,000). Renault initially showcased the budget-friendly EV with the Twingo E-Tech concept.

      The blend of a fun retro aesthetic and an appealing price has made Renault's 5 EV incredibly popular, prompting the automaker to aim for similar success with a smaller and more affordable model. The next year's Twingo was previously previewed in concept form, and now we have images of the compact EV testing in its prototype state.

      Over the years, Renault has attached its Twingo badge to various small vehicles, but the new model echoes the 1993 original, characterized by its egg-shaped one-box design and unique frog-like headlights. Unlike its predecessor, which had two doors and a less powerful petrol engine, the updated version features a practical four-door design and a lively all-electric powertrain.

      The Twingo's smaller sibling is set to launch next year, anticipated to have a price point below €20,000 (£17,000 / $23,000). This will position it slightly above the most basic models of Dacia Spring and Leapmotor 01, and it will compete with the €19,990 Dolphin Surf from BYD in China and eventually with VW's ID.1.

      Renault previously showcased the budget EV with the Twingo E-Tech concept, which premiered last year and was reintroduced at the start of 2025 following minor updates. The first images of the prototype indicate that the production version will closely resemble the concept's design. The wheels are positioned at the corners to maximize interior space, the windshield design mirrors that of the original Twingo, and the prominent headlights give it a friendly appearance.

      The large charging port flap on the passenger side has a different shape than the one on the concept model, and this test vehicle appears to have standard door handles, unlike the concept’s hidden ones integrated into the front door skin and upper door frame near the C-pillar. We hope that by the time of the car's production launch, the door handles will return to their original concept design.

      Although we don't have a view of the interior this time, the concept featured a 7-inch digital display and a separate 10.1-inch floating infotainment screen. Renault is known for delivering on its promises. While no technical specifications have been disclosed for the Twingo E-Tech, it is logical to assume it will be based on a shortened version of the same AmpR Small architecture used in the Renault 4 and 5.

      If it shares the same 40 kWh battery and 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW) single-motor configuration as the base model 5, it should achieve over 200 miles (320 km) of range and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in approximately 11 seconds. Additionally, 121 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) and even 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) upgrades could be available as options.