Should You Buy a Renault Twizy?

[@stevepoole5542]

We've had our Twizy as a commuter vehicle here in sunny Cornwall for 6 years. It gets used every day, Summer, Winter, rain or shine. It's a 2012 and we love it. Parking is never a problem.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Good for You Great little car Much maligned by the like of Matt Let alone by others

[@lolitapitpong3826]

you mean sideways driving rain cornwall

[@nickwebb9290]

There’s one parked at the bottom of the hill in Porthtowan and sometimes see it whizzing past our house, looks a lot of fun 👍

[@Chris-hw4mq]

@stevepoole5542 how can you commute without AC ?

[@WayToManyAssassins]

Sunny cornwall 🤣🤣🤣

[@sharkskingaming6783]

Never did I think the day would come to see Matt in a Twizy.😂

[@djwarren5081]

Even Matt would have difficulty adding value to one.

[@Oceans_Sail]

If Matt tried to buff it, it would probably dissolve

[@NumiStacker-q4o]

I had a Twizy a few years ago and it was amazing fun. I loved it. I had for about 3 years and commuted west end to watford each day on the M1. It did 57 or so on the M1 and had plastic windows. It was just too cold in Winter and was mildly embarrasing. Changed the Twizy for a Smart EV and both cars make amazing commuter transport. It seems that many thousands of people could have cars like this if they were not focused so much on speed and distance.

[@davesy6969]

I'm torn between a Twizy (smiles) or a Smart 42 (heating, aircon, keeping dry). Which is better? I can tolerate cold better than most as I'm a biker and range isn't really an issue.

[@ant7827]

​​@@davesy6969which one did you choose at the end? And why?

[@davesy6969]

@@ant7827 I haven't made a final choice yet because i don't actually have any money. Having said that, looking at prices the smart 42 seems overpriced looking at fleabay. The quirky nature of the twizy does appeal to me though although it isn't as safe as a smart 42.

[@Gothicgarlic]

In cities these, and Smart FourTwos, are EXACTLY the sort of transport needed - not 4x4s. Great video as always, thanks for showing this 👍

[@Mav86asian]

I’d say Abarth 500. Or VW Up GTI. Seating for 4 people is convenient.

[@marcushull12]

@@Mav86asian Having a Smart FourTwo is a lot more convenient , when I had my 4 seater car I was asked to do airport runs, pick people up for night outs because they couldn't get a taxi , asked if I'd do proms and wedding etc, no one asks me now lol

[@jooceypaleork2703]

4x4s are needed when the city roads look like Tank shooting range there's potholes everywhere.

[@seancorker5815]

My wife’s sister moved to Cyprus a few years ago and bought a Twizy and loves it. So yeh, spot on with the recommendation.

[@poutramos4826]

We live in Cyprus and have a Twizy too. They are rare here, I've only ever seen one other one apart from ours. I thought they'd be a lot more popular, especially around the coast where the terrain is a bit flatter.

[@TalesFromTheBlahSide]

humidity in bermuda was like nothing i'd ever experienced before. all my clothes in the wardrobe were damp whenever i got a fresh shirt out, even having the air con on in the room all day. and when my trainers got a soaking in a monsoon like downpour i couldn't get them dry again all the time I was there.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I remember my grandmother having to keep post stamps in the fridge because the humidity would stick them together 😂

[@peterbradley2216]

Nice to see you back on the Island. They look fab and are safer than the mopeds all of the tourists had to use. My parents had a Hillman Imp when we lived there. I know they had strict rules on the car sizes and types on the island. Might get back there one day and go and see our old house. Keep up the fab videos Matt !

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! You should do that one day

[@alex_the_balding_fat_man]

I was chatting to a guy with one at a Northamptonshire village show a decade or so ago, and even though he didn't know me, he tossed the keys to me and said, "Go on, take it for a spin". It was absolutely brilliant, I loved it. But then it was a hot sunny day, and I ride motorcycles so... rain and cold? Pah who cares!! I'd have one.

[@joolsenticknap6855]

I rented a Twizy when I was in Barcelona, and I have to say I loved it driving it, hated the fact that the battery lied like a cheap watch. I've seen a few on UK roads, but only in the summer, not something that I'd like to drive in the winter.

[@JackBremer]

THIS is the video we've all been waiting for!

[@martkamo]

I've not been a subscriber for long but I'm so glad I found High Peak Autos. Have watched all the videos and I really like Matt's reviews and particularly find Matt's sense of humour hilarious. Keep it up Matt!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Very kind

[@Geshmaal]

I saw a guy out in his Twizy today in central Scotland and he looked like he was having a great time! I probably wouldn't have one myself, I think a well used Nissan Leaf offers more flexibility around speed and better range for similar money, I'd definitely have one of them for

[@davesy6969]

They are legally classed as a quad vehicle and the general rule is 30 mph for 50 miles range or 50 mph for 30 miles range. Renault racing designed the suspension hence the ride. They also make a one seat cargo version that is rarer. They can be made to go faster if you are prepared to pay and Windows are available if desired.

[@AliWade1971]

We have a Twizy on our farm in Pembrokeshire. No doors, as easier to jump in and out. Gets disgustingly dirty before a jet wash inside and out. Top speed of 50 mph.

[@dwylhq874]

Do you use it off-road on your farm? We are considering getting one for our farm and trying to research it … thanks! 🙏

[@AliWade1971]

@@dwylhq874 No diff-lock and minimal movement in suspension, so no good off road ! Great for bombing around the lanes between yards/fields. We literally don't use the Shogun that was previously doing that job.

[@Bettys_Eldest]

Currently waiting for a decent one to come up locally. I reckon that with a small motorhome, a Twizzy and a couple of days van hire a year, I can do everything I need.

[@edojap]

I have one and I never want to let it go, so fun to drive, so futuristic looking despite the age and definitely a head-turner everywhere I go!

[@wayneoates8842]

Fun! I was in Monaco earlier in the year and it’s full of them! 😁😜👍 Have a great time Matt 👍

[@poutramos4826]

We have a Twizy and own the battery and it's used every work day for a 30km round commute. We live in Cyprus though so have a short winter, even so for the winter months it has perspex side windows from Renault Korea and a heated seat cover. It's been fitted with various upgrades including led headlights, Bluetooth for entertainment and a cup holder! Our Twizy will max out at 85kph which is plenty fast enough as most of the commute is 65kph or lower with just a short stretch of 80. For us it's a great little vehicle. Definitely get one if you do end up moving somewhere sunnier than Stockport.

[@iandavidson99]

I've got one and love it! I also have a Volvo V60 Polestar, but the Twizy gets used much more often. It's such a 'happy car'. When you're in it, you smile - when people see it, they smile!

[@danecowan678]

Cool little motor. It’s a very niche vehicle but very cool indeed. Very french, in my opinion. Hope you enjoyed Bermuda. Looks absolutely stunning 😍

[@HighPeakAutos]

I did! Thanks

[@AECS2299]

My Girlfriend is Bermudian and we used the Current Twizzies on our last trip. As you say, perfect for the island. I remember (more fondly than she does) hitting a speed bump I hadn't seen at 35kph, she nearly went through the roof... Not the best suspension but great fun to wizz around in! I'm also kind of digging the looks too

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha that’s funny. They’re perfect for nipping around the island

[@adrianlane4256]

I looked at them years back, the battery rental was a killer on the deal. I was used to riding motorbikes, so all the climate issues were irrelevant, and as I didn’t view it as an alternative for my car but an in between for bike and car.

[@robsmith1a]

London is heading for a blanket 20mph limit so it has all the power you need there too.

[@gregsmith1070]

15 I'm one part of the city, and probably 10 mph soon

[@paulmcgee1867]

Sad times

[@robsmith1a]

@@gregsmith1070 I guess cyclists will have to be banned in that case

[@dodgydd]

I've got one, fortunately I'm pretty secure mentally so am able to just enjoy using it. It's the best choice of vehicle for easily 95% of the journeys I do, for the other 5% it's bicycle or feet. Currently Octopus are paying me to charge it also, so 🤷‍♂🤷‍♂

[@sandstorm31]

I have one and it's fantastic. I can just commute thru the city, easy find parking spaces, charge it while at work.

[@davocc2405]

I seem to recall some of the original motivation for people buying the Reliant Robin was being able to go to and from work on a bleak day whilst afforded better protection from the elements and I *think* you only required a motor cycle license, is that correct? Either way - this concept has SO much opportunity to scale up just a little to provide that type of comfort compared to being exposed to the elements. Properly enclosed cabin, sealed windows (even if they HAVE to be manual), perhaps a heating and cooling system, more comfort oriented seating, etc. If it was given a special category of vehicle it might do well, it might be easier to electrify a journey for an individual or for utility use. Imagine - a solo transport more akin to a motor bike but you can wear better attire and not have to change, easier and more flexible parking and charging, etc. We need *something* to bridge the gap in the city space, not everyone can avail themselves of public transport all the time. Materials, technology and even battery/engine tech are that much further ahead than they were, I'd argue it's time to revisit the concept.

[@davidoldboy5425]

Yes the Reliant was on a motorcycle licence, which after the war almost everyone had a motorcycle as a means of transport. Reliant saw an opportunity to keep you dry on the way to work, unfortunately this was at a time when cars were becoming affordable.

[@michaelbacon561]

I agree entirely. I always thought Renault should have developed the Twizy further along the lines you suggest and update the battery technology a bit. A northern European version with the doors and heating might have ensured better sales north of France.

[@davocc2405]

@@michaelbacon561 I was wondering about a semi-rural vehicle that had a bit of road clearance and the batteries down low - and then enclosed with a light but sealed body. The broader idea is to have a vehicle that could be charged with, say, wind/solar (which would possibly be easier to do in a rural setting) and have the vehicle intended for shorter range trips to town, etc. The concept could probably extend to urban environments as well, this might broaden its appeal (it's still niche but would have a wider appeal range). Mix that with the new in-wheel motors that have been in development for about 20 years (and are now starting to appear in prototypes) - if it can be made structurally safe and rigid enough I think it might work. Perhaps a modular design that's semi-configured by the dealer, that may reduce strain on production lines, shipping an national stocks of components; given how modular some vehicles could potentially become this may be the future for parts of the industry, especially if globalisation is in sharp decline as some are predicting.

[@farmingbrit4611]

God this takes me back. Spent 10 days in Bermuda at the Fairmont Hamilton and Fairmont Southampton for our honeymoon. We had mopeds to get around and a shopkeeper offered us their car to use while we was there.. fantastic place, great people

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Been after one of these for a while now but cannot get my head around the used prices - they are still going for the same as a Nissan Leaf/Renault Zoe/Smart Fortwo/ForFour which have clear advantages! I imagine the prices will drop as a lot of Twizy alternatives are due in the next 12 months - Microlino, Silience S04, Mobilize Duo so lets see...

[@davidyoung9561]

I went to Bermuda in December 1991. Dad was in the Navy and had contacts in the RAF so got me a flight of an RAF Tristar. It was an epic experience.

[@buzzingfly3088]

From Bentley to Twizy...Thats why we come here...Brilliant Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I try to keep it varied

[@philippepalmer2968]

one of my french cousins in France is a police commissioner based in Paris and he has one that he uses to whizz around the capital to meetings,crime scenes etc whenever he's on duty.As he said to me,he does have an advantage over other Twizy users.Whenever he goes to one of the many city police stations,he's able to plug it in whilst its parked up inside a courtyard for a quick charge up

[@nathanstevful]

I was one of the first to test drive these and the Zoe at Grand designs back in 2010. Still really cool.

[@orion2901]

Yeah I drive one every day in Bristol and I love it. Beats moving around in my cayenne by a long shot.

[@robloxfan4271]

i love twizzys they always make me smile c:

[@tonyhilliarduk]

We live 4-5 months of the year in Spain and we’ve decided to get one as a second car for those quick trips to the shops. Mainly because finding a parking space is horrendous but these can we parked in motorcycle bays.

[@worldhello1234]

@0:17 I'd say if you have minimalistic automotive need, probably. The range is enough for city streets and windows are optional.

[@Andek74]

My friends from Kasa Coast in Fuengirola have one of those, I think it definitely is a reasonable option for a second car in our climate.

[@Rjhs001]

The 'Renault Twizy' on the road surface was a cool touch...nice one Matt. Wouldn't have one in North Yorkshire tbh.

[@andyb190]

"The ride is rough". Massive understatement Matt. Massive.

[@joshbrailsford]

Yeah...I like the Twizy, and considered one for all of 5 minutes until I realised that for the £6k it would cost me to buy one in the UK, I could have a higher mileage Renault Zoe. So I considered the Zoe, for all of 5 minutes, until I realised that a Citroën C1 would cost 2/3 as much to buy, and I wouldn't have to worry about running out of electricity.

[@tpaul2866]

I suppose for longer journeys you could post it to your destination whilst you caught the train, then drive it locally.

[@Oceans_Sail]

Perfect suggestion - except that you would be then better off using a taxi and posting the Twizzle back again!

[@TheGarryda]

Seen one of these today on the motorway looked awesome and funky 😅 bet their great fun in town

[@barriewilliams4526]

I would love one as a plaything, but not at the silly prices they command here in the UK. I could get a really decent Toyota Aygo for the same money, and let's face it, the Aygo is so much more car for the money.

[@miskatonic6210]

And now compare maintainance, insurance and fuel for one year...

[@lalaa2484]

😂 Matt do you realise you are funny as the car? Both arms out of both doors...yep I'd probably wet my self laughing in the company of both the car and your self 😂. Bit like taking a tandem bike out with your friends, which I've had the joy of doing many times. I do love watch your videos. It's great to see how much joy it bring you that definitely come across in your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@shikanu9934]

Damn, £6.5k is a harsh price especially in the UK. I know it is a different type of car but if you want something that does a shedload of MPG, cheap to tax run & insure without getting clobbered by ULEZ and low emissions charges etc. then get a used prius for the same money. It is a much better offering. However, as you say on a small island with sweet weather, why not - its a bit of fun!

[@TwizyMan]

I have had my Twizy for nearly 5 years and will never part with it. Most of my regular trips are under 4 miles into a busy city where it makes perfect sense. It gets more positive attention than almost any other car and is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! Less than a mile from my home there are 2 supermarkets and a McDonalds where I can charge FREE. In the time I have owned it I have only charged at home 6 times, the road tax is zero (OK not for long) and insurance less than £200 per year. My car has the factory option Parrot 9000 with speakers in the roof and so I have radio, music and hands-free phone. What is not to like? For very wet days and long trips I use our 3 series. The Twizy is the only car I have ever owned that has almost doubled in value whilst I have owned it. I bought out the £45 per month battery lease in 2020 for £250. The lease is the reason that prices for early Twizys dropped to £2500 in 2018 which is when the smart people bought them........

[@donhughes8465]

That was laugh out loud brilliant. One of your best vids yet, sir.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@megapangolin1093]

Great to see more interesting stuff. The Twizy is basically a BMW C1 without the performance and the glamour (or the price). Bermuda is just weird, never got it, never will.

[@olitonottero7620]

love the Twizy !!!

[@Rabscuttle3]

Ooh eck... I don't think so, Matt, but well done for demonstrating it!

[@peterhughes4258]

You can rely on renault to produce something unusual. This I find refreshing. My daily is a renault wind. Great car....nothing else on the road like it.

[@_RS3___]

Can’t believe you’ve done a video with this🤣 i love them

[@metube9541]

They’re perfect for Bermuda, I rent one every visit and love it.

[@flatheadV8]

Messerschmitt KR200 has the rear passengers legs down either side of the driver and introduced in the 1950's.

[@hammo1935]

You have such a great lifestyle Matt and get to drive a multitude of cars, what more could you want in life.

[@awoundeddeer]

I have a Twizy for 1 year and I am really comfortable.

[@michaelwoffindin]

I live alone in London and this would be amazing for commuting and doing the shopping run. But at 6.5k I could just get a decent little car, insure it and tax it for that same price. Or a motorbike. As a side note, I'd love to see someone do an off road conversion to one of these.

[@miskatonic6210]

A car for 6,5k will be a car you will pay much, MUCH more maintenance and fuel for.

[@davidwood4271]

Looks like a lot of fun ☺️😂

[@derek-press]

awork college here in Germany bought one ,new 2015 or so he is one of these save the planet and all people and "this is the future" ,which is fine I agree ,it had no windows ,I said "what are you going to in winter?" he said "no problem it's like riding a bike" I said " yep riding a bike with 50kmh in minus 10 C" ...he got rid of it in January and bought an old golf

[@Grahame59]

Smart Crossblade is what you were trying to recall the name of.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Ah thats it!

[@stephenlane9168]

Enjoyed this video Matt. Loved seeing more of Bermuda. Those shots pulled over at side of road, lookout the ocean was stunning. The twizzy is quite loud on your speed test 😂 it looks a great runaround on holiday in hot humid countries like Bermuda, Barbados, wouldn’t feel safe in it in Jamaica though. Plus in my mind, being French, it wouldn’t be on any list of mine to own it, even after the pricing changes after they’ve removed the battery leasing costs, enjoyable watching you coping back home in the heat and humidity, great presenting skills shining through 👌👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you!

[@jonahmakay8647]

The episode we never thought we need

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahah thanks

[@markwilkins9018]

Another interesting vid Matt 👍I did see you on Thursday at Goodwood FOS didn't want to disturb you enjoying (I think) a dirty burger😅 hope you enjoyed it as much as I did still a brilliant event.Have a great holiday.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks! We picked the best day I think

[@Cayres9]

Its better than the Citroen Ami and will do 50mph so not too bad

[@michaelloach9461]

Another enjoyable vid, thanks Matt. The Twizzy? I think that's what my head would feel like. Enjoy yourself & all the best....

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks 👍

[@deceptor99]

Matt you seem like someone who may like whizzing and twizzing around the GM area in one of these. Saving you money and saving the environment. Suits you sir.

[@djwarren5081]

An ideal choice for when you've outgrown your Sinclair C5.

[@petermcgonnell783]

I've seen them 8n Madeira, and thought I'll rent one for a giggle. The climate is suited for them. In Paisley I've got my doubts. The sun only shines by mistake in Scotland. Good wee video Matt, cheers.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s right

[@murrieteacher]

Ahhh the humidity. You learn to live with that in Brisbane Australia. That would be ideal here in our family for local getting around with a speed limit of either 50 or 60 KPH. I could get my weekly shop in the back and it would even work during our current winter. We get an average of 23C during the day and freezing early mornings of about 8C. We use the MGTF a lot during winter and the top goes up at 9am in summer and the aircon goes on. I really enjoyed the video Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I need to visit aus

[@ericgeorge5483]

Love the Lamborghini door comparrison; which is where the similarity begins....and ends.

[@MrBrianc1975]

Id have one, but then again ive got a smart fortwo so im bias towards micro cars! Great episode.

[@MrKenn93]

Nice edit on the road at the beginning! 👏

[@iana6713]

I'd drive that. Handy for short journeys so if you can live with how austere it is, it'd be a reasonable choice. I personally love a simple, basic vehicle.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

I ride a bicycle for a lot of local journeys here in the UK. I get wet. I struggle on windy days. I think depending on what you're used to, a twizy could make sense. I think it would be a difficult choice for me, to buy this over say a rather nice e-cargo bike, same downsides, but something like an urban arrow can carry two kids plus a bit of shopping in comparison to this, but I think if my fitness or even want to pedal was a little less, it's an easy sell.

[@we-are-electric1445]

Having (thankfully) had only the occasional experience of buses in Manchester I would expect the Twizy to be a lot better !

[@sammilburn445]

id love to have a comparison of a twizzy against a citroen ami

[@localreviewking134]

Ami are apparently held together with duck tape

[@ScottZ370]

I drove one of these in Malaysia, dreadfully slow but hugely fun. Chassis surprised me, go kart like.

[@Jahmed5635]

Don’t know why I’m watching this as I have no intention of buying a twizzy 😂

[@Data4664]

Thnxs it looks amazing!!!

[@lukamilic]

None ironically, I really would love one

[@robinmumby9287]

I hired one in Flamm Norway, I wouldn’t buy one but really enjoyed the time we had it

[@noordinaryjoe1414]

I totally thought this would be the one where the intro would roll, you’d then look at camera while driving the Twitzy, say “No” then go straight to outro

[@Grecianfan1]

The best part... the first degree burn @3.05

[@HighPeakAutos]

The joke you mean? 😂

[@S-Ltd1000]

Smart Crossblade Matt.👍

[@NigelRudyard]

I live in Stockport, so .... nope, but in Bermuda, that's a huge YEP. I've seen a few on the roads here, but it's a novelty. Where the speed limits are lower though, and space is at a premium, it makes good sense.

[@alantheskinhead]

Our upstairs neighbour went to Bermuda with his work in insurance and had a Twizy. Ironically liked the Twizy but hated Bermuda. He had a three month posting with an insurance company but like the video, the island looks idyllic. It was far from that. He lasted three weeks after been mugged twice, his apartment broken into and in one case a man who wanted a bit more than his wallet! But on the return to the UK, he hired a Twizy and it was promptly stolen and written off on the Mile End Road in London. He said it was great fun, more than he said for the island of Bermuda! But they are a bit useless. It is in effect a small car with the open air feeling of a bike so you're going to wet and cold whilst stuck in traffic! You sort of can't win. I have seen them for hire in Lisbon too.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Sorry to hear that. I cannot believe that’s the same island. I always feel very safe there.

[@KilliKonKarnage]

3:03 great dig hahah made me chuckle

[@jsd170]

See quite a few of these where we live in Malta… we have the climate sure.. but the perennial amount of dust is a downside. Their seats are always covered in dust, at least there wash down seats I guess??

[@dizali4857]

I love the contrast from the Bentley….,,,Looks great fun! Bermuda looks stunning ya luck devil 😈

[@HighPeakAutos]

It is! I love it

[@geoffreygoodyear3746]

Spent 2 years living in cambodia...this would have been awsome there! ... better than my honda airblade for sure👍

[@heeeeeresrossy]

You are a brave man holidaying in Bermuda at this time of year, lol.

[@coops1964]

Brilliant that looks fun to drive. I wouldn't lose the windscreen though!

[@Account1746]

These would be jokes to have with the boys on a holiday

[@nickwebb9290]

Good review as always Matt. Having done the Twizy you’re now challenged to review the Citroen Ami 😉

[@HighPeakAutos]

I was trying to get my hands on one whilst I was there but they were fully booked. I’ll try next time

[@Showing_the_car_]

Nice to see BDA again - lived there for a couple of years. And it was ALWAYS 90%+ humidity.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Ah very nice. I love the place

[@Showing_the_car_]

@@HighPeakAutos Colour of the sea is stunning... Was it a cruise / overnight trip or a longer stay? I worked at Butterfield Bank (for a knob head, unfortunately) which is the caramel coloured building on Front Street.

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@Showing_the_car_ that’s interesting, I know the building. I was born there and went to school there etc

[@Showing_the_car_]

@@HighPeakAutos So you have the choice of living in Bermuda, Spain or the UK? We lived in a bungalow on South Shore Rd near the Reefs hotel (caught the ferry into work), also in a mosquito infested place on Pitts Bay Rd. I buzzed around on a PGO T-REX 150. Happy days.

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@Showing_the_car_ ah very nice. When were you there? We lived in Paget

[@Aruneh]

Hell yeah you should!

[@simonburleigh5551]

Matt, the something worse to the Twizy would be a G-Wiz which is slower than a Twizy, shorter range and all the crash protection of a cardboard box.

[@HighPeakAutos]

True

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Matt. Love your work 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@francescozani9488]

I have the 80 version as daily commuter. Transport has become so expensive nowadays, that using the twizy is just like having a money printing machine at home.

[@stephenedge8129]

Loved it in Bermuda, first experience of range anxiety