The successor to the Renault Twizy goes on sale in France for less than 10,000 euros

Renault, through its Mobilize division, has just unveiled the production versions of two new models, the Duo and the Bento, ahead of the opening of the Paris Motor Show. The Duo, the direct successor to the Twizy, will reach the French market on October 14 with a starting price of 9,990 euros for the L6 version, limited to a top speed of 45 km/h. The L7 version, which can reach 80 km/h, will be offered from 11,600 euros.

In addition, the French manufacturer will also sell a commercial version with a storage box to carry cargo in place of a second seat. This model, which will arrive on the market somewhat later and whose price is still unknown, will be named Bento.

As for the Duo’s technical specifications, this city car measures 2.43 metres long, while the Bento, with its 649-litre box, reaches 2.54 metres. That means the Duo is roughly 20 centimetres longer than the old Twizy, but 8 centimetres narrower at 1.30 metres.

Battery pack capacity and range

Both models are fitted with a 48-volt electric motor, taken from the hybrid system of the Renault Austral, and have a 10.3 kWh battery pack with NMC cells. The Duo promises a WLTP range of up to 161 kilometres, while the Bento reaches 149 kilometres.

The battery pack is charged through a connector at the front of the vehicle, which can also be plugged directly into a standard Schuko socket. According to the French manufacturer, in just one hour it is possible to add 25 kilometres of range, while going from 20 to 80 percent charge takes three hours and 50 minutes. The vehicle also includes a Type 2 connector, allowing it to use public AC charging points. In this case, charging time drops to around 25 minutes.

“For students without access to public transport, the Duo is a true tool for independence. Its generous range and the need for less frequent charging let students enjoy their journeys without worrying about running out of energy”

More comfort and safety

It is also worth noting that, compared with the Twizy, the Duo’s chassis has been improved, with the shock absorbers repositioned for greater comfort. Safety has also been strengthened with the inclusion of a driver airbag, something unusual in this type of vehicle.

The French manufacturer has also paid special attention to sustainability: some elements such as the bumpers, wheel arches and mudguards are made using 60 percent recycled polymers. Furthermore, at the end of their useful life, the Duo and the Bento are expected to be 95 percent recyclable.

To reduce production and repair costs, the front and rear bumpers are identical, and the side skirts are interchangeable between the left and right sides. Using these kinds of solutions, the French manufacturer has managed to make these vehicles use five times fewer parts than a conventional car.