Renault Twizy preview

Looking like a 21st century version of the Mini Moke from the swinging Sixties, Renault's battery-electric, tandem-seat Twizy hits Britain's roads early next year. While its £7,000 price seems cheap for a high-tech electric vehicle, there's a sting in the tail with a monthly lease charge for the lithium-ion battery expected to be about £45. This might put a few off, but it could also land Renault in difficulty supplying finance agreements for Twizy, as you are only allowed one lease deal per vehicle in the UK. The company is said to be "working" on this potential problem.

With its pod-style construction and wheels that stick out at each corner, Twizy is certainly eye catching. Again legislation dictates the shape and weather protection. Weighing just 450kg including its 100kg battery pack, Twizy qualifies as an L7e quadricycle under EU regulations. This means it doesn't have to pass crash or roll-over tests, although Renault has done a low-speed, side-impact test and a computer-simulated offset front impact on the deformable tubular-steel chassis. And you do get seat belts and a driver's air bag.

Buyers can chose between a Twizy with no doors, a non-structural tilting side bar, or a bottom half-door, which tilts forward to open. Legislation precludes a full side door as it means additional complication, weight and a power drain for a heated front screen. You will need to wear a jacket, although you can purchase an optional waterproof blanket, which French scooter riders often use, known as a jupe, or skirt.

The driveline is mechanical simplicity itself – it's lithium-ion battery chemistry and software management that are the complicated things on an electric vehicle. The battery sits under the floor and the motor and current inverter are at the back driving the rear wheels. The suspension is via coil-spring-over-damper struts all round, with lower wishbones and the steering is the cutest little rack and pinion unit with no power assistance. Neither are the all-round disc brakes assisted or have anti-lock, but why should they, when there's so little to stop?