Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Eeny Meeny Twizy Mo

Eeny Meeny Twizy Mo......Hmmm.....Which Car to Wear Today?


Thursday 24th May was SMMT Open Day- a chance for motoring journalists to sample some of the most cutting edge and exciting new cars around. Ruthie took a little dip into the motoring pool of plenty, and this is what she found....




Renault Twizy ...fits like a glove

Twizy is the first-ever fully electric urban compact two-seater (note-there is no reference to the actual word ‘car’ there) and was available for test driving on the day. Renault’s commitment in 2009 to make electric vehicles available to the public by 2012 comes to fruition with the launch of the Twizy.

The Twizy appears to be a non-hybrid (as it’s fully electric) hybrid between a car and a four wheeled scooter. Being the first fully electric vehicle to reach the UK market, it’s been making quite a buzz...literally.

Don’t be tempted to put your feet down, Flintstones style: when the Twizy gets up a head of steam (powered by its 220lb lithium-ion battery) it’s quite a little goer (hills excepted). The sides of the car are open to the elements –lovely on a warm May day, but maybe not as enticing in the British winter. The spacious front seat (yes-that is singular-forget about spatial awareness on either side of you...you are it!) takes priority over the rear passenger seat from where you are likely to hear the muffled musings of your somewhat strapped for space passenger...But who cares? Ask them to run alongside (if they can manage a top speed of 47mph) and put your shopping there instead. You’re saving the environment and your pocket; in fact fit your house with solar panels and you can recharge your batteries for free!

Verdict: A gem of a city EcoCar, for short, fun runabouts.

To assure you of its feasibility check out: http://www.nextgreencar.com/electric-cars/charging-points.php for charging points for electric vehicles : there are many more than you might think. You can also put your Twizy on charge from domestic sockets-average full recharge time: 3 1/2 hours

Safety: Dual seat belts and a driver airbag

Economy: Exempt from road tax. Range: 62 miles per full charge. Battery lease cost: £45 per month

Price: Starts at £6690 incl VAT (Scissor doors come as extras: plus £545)

Eco-friendliness: CO2 emmissions: 62g/km

A Me-Mo Car Review


Ruthie at www.me-mo.co.uk

This article is also reproduced at: http://www.womentalking.co.uk/ -the U.K.'s great online women's magazine

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posted by Ruthie @ 3:18 AM 0 Comments