Renault has led the charge when it comes to all-electric revivals of classic cars, most notably with the Renault 5. The original launched over 50 years ago in 1972 and held a strong market position until it was discontinued in the 1990s.

Alongside the 5, Renault dominated the 1990s and early 2000s with two other standout models: the Clio (launched in 1991), and the Twingo (launched in 1992). The Clio, in particular, was a huge success – accounting for almost half of Renault’s sales in 1994 and going on to sell 17 million units across 120 countries, making it the best-selling French car of all time.

Both the Clio and Twingo built a reputation as reliable, practical choices for UK drivers, and now, the Twingo is set to return in a fully electric form for the first time ever!

Renault Clio E-Tech: What’s new?

Since the Clio was launched in the 1990s, over 1.3 million have been sold in the UK, competing with big names like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta. In 2026, the latest version of the supermini lineup offers three main trim levels, and positions itself as an entry-level car, making it more affordable for drivers.

Start your engines, let’s dive into all the details.

The E-Tech full hybrid model boosts 72mpg with emissions under 90g/km which makes it relatively low in benefit in kind compared to non-hybrid rivals. Not to mention, it can cover 80% of its city driving on electric power alone, with self-charging technology you never have to plug it in and recharge, double win!

Travelling isn’t an issue with the Clio E-Tech, with a 145hp powertrain and up to 560 miles driving range, there’s no limits on how far you can go. You’ve also got up to 22 advanced driver assistance systems to make every drive as calm and secure as possible.

Fancy something a bit more… well, fancy? Esprit Alpine version is the one for you.

• A distinctive badge
• Sculpted side panels
• Wide chrome grey grill
• Full LED front lights in a half-diamond shape
• 17” diamond cut alloy wheels

Inside, you’ll find matching embroidered Alpine logos, special emblems and distinctive topstitching along with red, white and blue stitching on the steering wheel that gives a not to esprit Alpines heritage. This model brings sportiness to life.

The four trim models available are:

• Generation
• Techno+
• Techno Esprit Alpine
• And the top of the range Iconic Esprit Alpine.

The entry level model – if you can call it that – comes equipped with automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, built-in navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upping the trim levels will add more tech, but going for the top-shelf iconic Esprit Alpine model adds a Bose audio system, 360-degree parking camera, and blind-spot monitoring, to name but a few features.

The boot – all 391 litres of it – makes it the most spacious vehicle in the supermini class.

Earning its ‘WhatCar?’ car of the year award in 2025 for ‘best small car’ , as well as its spacious interior, and techy comforts, the Clio is great for city-based drivers who want to cut their emissions without cutting their bank balance.

It’s the same love, with new energy.

Renault Twingo E-Tech: Rebuilt with a spark.

First introduced to the UK in 2007, the Renault Twingo was a staple small car for commuters and small families, right up until it was retired in 2019. However, the new fully electric Twingo E-Tech is more than a facelift – it’s a complete remodel of the cult classic car, rebuilt for electric. The city is the E-Techs playground.

In a similar vein to the new 4 and 5 models, Renault took a lot of inspiration from the classic Twingo when designing the E-Tech model. The smooth curvature of the body and big, round headlights are reminiscent to the original 1993 models.

Fun-packed, fun-sized.

The new electric Twingo will be powered by an 80hp motor, supplied by a 27.5kWh battery with a range of 163 miles. Renault have described this fun-sized model as “a smile in the city”. Its unique spark and personality shows not just in the design but its power as well, darting from 0-31mph in just 3.45 seconds meaning a nippy and responsive performance in city environments. Its compact body allows for equally impressive manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

Renault’s calculates that the average driver covers 22 miles per day, so you should be covered for a full week of driving on a single charge. As a bonus, it only takes 30 minutes to charge the Twingo from 10-80% battery.

Let’s take a whistle stop tour on the new Twingo’s features.

As we’ve said, this is a little car, with 3.79m overall length but impressively still built with 5 doors. You’ve got 360 litres of boot capacity, so plenty of room for your shopping trips.

Let’s get into the exciting part:

• Exclusive animations in cheerful colours to make every piece of info clear and fun
• Dual horizontal OpenR screens
• Be welcomed into your car with a sequence signed by Jean-Michel Jarre and 4 soundscapes – personalising your EV to your style.
• You’ll meet Reno, the official Renault avatar and your onboard buddy
• Google is built-in with over 100 apps available
• Up to 24 advanced driver-assistance systems

As with many new small electric cars, the inside is surprisingly spacious and filled with techy comforts, with Reno being a unique and special touch for your everyday drive.

The new Renault Twingo E-Tech is ideal for drivers looking for a compact, agile car for inner-city use, and those who make frequent, short journeys.

*Deliveries of the new Twingo are expected for the end of 2026, or start of 2027.

Want to get behind one of these models but are looking for an affordable option? Speak to one of our expert team, today.