If you were looking for something even more ridiculous than the G-Wiz to drive around London in, this Renault Twizy is just the thing for you.

Twizy will be manufactured at Valladolid in Spain and goes on sale in the UK at the start of next year priced from £6,690. It is basically a scooter with four wheels and a roof, powered by a 17 hp electric motor which gives it a top speed of 50 mph. So if you accidentally take it out of town and onto a B road, you are going to cause a big traffic jam because of the people stuck behind you! Not to worry though, because it will be out of puff after 62 miles, so you wouldn’t dare to take it out of the town anyway.

In higher specification Technic trim it will cost £7,400. The monthly battery lease cost for both versions will be £40 including VAT for a 36 month/4,800 miles per year agreement. Last time we checked 7 and a half grand could buy you a very decent second-hand car in Britain. Granted, with a normal car you have to pay for fuel and congestion, but at least your dignity remains intact.

Some more facts about the Twizy: Twizy’s battery fully charges in just three and a half hours using a domestic electrical supply via a spiral cable stowed behind a flap at the front. Twizy’s low weight (450kg, including the 100kg battery) directly helps its operational range of 62 miles (NEDC standard cycle). In everyday use, this figure can vary depending on driving conditions. It comes with a couple of accessories including all-purpose bag with a capacity of 50 litres, additional protection against the weather, Parrot audio kit including Bluetooth connectivity, plus a USB connector, a jack socket and an Apple connector, Rear parking sensors, range of customisation accessories (coloured alloy wheels, decals) enabling owners to personalise their Twizy.

Technical data

Twizy Urban – standard equipment

• Red or grey paintwork
• ‘Urban’ TEP water resistant upholstery
• Coded electronic immobiliser
• Lockable handbrake and steering column
• Driver’s airbag
• 4-point front seat-belt
• 3-point rear seat-belt
• Anti-submarining front seat
• Child seat compatible rear seat (under 15kg)
• Regenerative braking system with 4 disc brakes
• Audio pre-wiring
• Cable and integrated charger for a 3.5 hours full charge (using a domestic electrical supply or all types of public charging spot)
• Econometer, range and ‘Eco driving’ gauge
• Two gloveboxes (one lockable)
• 31-litre lockable storage under rear seat
• 55-litre lockable rear storage achieved by turning rear seat over

Options

• Metallic paint – black or white
• Scissors doors with translucent lower half
• Transparent roof

Twizy Technic adds:

• ‘Carbon fibre’ graphics
• ‘Diamond black’ alloy wheels
• Metallic paint – black or white
• ‘Technic’ TEP water resistant upholstery with driver’s seat in white

Options

• Scissors doors with translucent lower half
• Transparent roof