"This will be a game-changer like it was 30 years ago": 2026 Renault Twingo electric car priced to match Chinese challenger EVs like BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora and MG4

Renault has used its 2023 Group Conference - Capital Market Day in Paris to launch a sleek pure-electric concept version of its iconic Twingo city car with production scheduled for 2026.

Sub-titled as the ‘Legend', the concept was introduced by Renault Group CEO, Luca De Meo as “a new silver bullet for sustainable mobility”.

Positioned as a “fit-for-purpose urban vehicle with no compromise” it is claimed to deliver “best-in-class efficiency” of 10kWh/100km, low raw materials consumption in line with its compact dimensions and a relatively affordable entry price below EUR20,000 (A$33,350) before subsidies.

Underpinned by Renault’s ‘CMF’ platform the new Twingo is planned to go from ‘concept freeze’ to production in just two years, matching the speed to market of Chinese EV powerhouses like BYD, Chery and SAIC (MG).

According to De Meo, the new Twingo will be produced at Renault’s Lyon factory, recently upgraded and reconfigured to serve as a specialist EV facility, and will use batteries from LG.

He adds the car’s retro design has been a hit internally. “Everybody loves this car at Renault. It comes from the guts. This will be a game-changer like it was 30 years ago,” he said.

The original 1993 Twingo’s hoop style head and tail-lights, as well as signature details like circular door handles have been reimagined in the new concept.

Developed under the umbrella of Renault’s specialist EV division, Ampere, De Meo says the Twingo, as well as its R4 and R5 siblings, are “about democratising EVs”.

He went on to provide a detailed update on the Ampere business model stating that “traditional OEM scale is not sufficient anymore”.

The Twingo, as well as its R4 and R5 siblings, are “about democratising EVs”.

“Those who stay light and agile, putting their people in a position to experiment and innovate will come faster out of the curves,” he said.

CarsGuide has contacted Renault Australia to determine whether the newcomer is on the radar for local sale.

And given the company’s General Manager, Glen Sealey, told us earlier this year that "Anything electric (Renault Group) builds in right-hand drive we will have our hand up for" it’s safe to assume it is.