If you were around when the popular (and extremely annoying) children’s character was in his heyday, you’ll probably identify with this car’s compact dimensions and quirky two-seater design. It’s the Renault Twizy, an ultra-compact city car due to go on sale in Europe at the end of the year with a price tag of around R70 000. According to Renault, the 450 kg Twizy will appeal to city dwellers looking for a second vehicle as well as to younger drivers interested in a safe way of gaining experience in traffic. The latter customer is likely to opt for the version that does not require a driver’s licence; this model is equipped with a modest 4 kW motor.

Although the car’s wraparound design and side deflectors provide a fair degree of protection from the elements, additional lower door panels are available to provide more effective shielding. An integrated charger allows the Twizy to be “refuelled” at a roadside facility or a household electricity supply in threeand- a-half hours. Customers will lease the battery for R450 a month, calculated on an assumed 7 500 km of travel annually. The car’s running costs – including insurance, maintenance and energy (battery lease and electricity for recharging) – are reported to be 15 per cent lower than those of a three-wheeled scooter. A 7 kWh lithium-ion battery, mounted under the front seat, provides juice for the 15 kW motor. Range is a practical 100 km on the combined cycle.

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