Renault Twingo E-Tech vs Citroën ë-C3: The battle of sub-€20k EVs

After months of announcements and palpable anticipation in the automotive world, Renault has finally unveiled the production version of its new Renault Twingo E-Tech electric. With a starting price officially announced below the symbolic €20,000 mark, the diamond brand's city car immediately positions itself as a direct and fierce competitor to our Citroën ë-C3 Urban Range, which has been available for order for several weeks. As the affordable electric market heats up, how do these two French propositions compare? We have analyzed the figures to provide some answers.

Power vs. efficiency: two distinct engineering philosophies

While both vehicles target similar customers seeking economical mobility, their spec sheets reveal radically different engineering choices. Under the hood, the Citroën ë-C3 takes a significant lead in terms of raw performance.

Indeed, the chevron-badged city car retains its 83 kW (113 hp) motor, even in this urban range version. This is a major asset for versatility, allowing the C3 to merge onto highways with ease, boasting a 0 to 100 km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 125 km/h. Conversely, the new Twingo E-Tech opts for a more modest 60 kW (80 hp) powertrain. While this power is sufficient for strictly urban use, it marks a step down compared to Citroën's offering.

Regarding batteries, both rivals play in the same field with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology, known for its longevity and cost-effectiveness. The Citroën ë-C3 carries a 30 kWh battery, while the Twingo has a slightly smaller usable capacity of 27,5 kWh. However, this is where Renault's efficiency seems to pay off: the Twingo claims a WLTP range of 263 km, compared to 213 km for the C3 (although the latter achieves 304 km in the strict urban cycle). The presumed lighter weight of the Twingo plays in its favor against the C3's 1,338 kg.

In terms of dimensions, we are looking at two distinct segments. With a length of 4.02 meters, the Citroën ë-C3 is a true B-segment versatile city car, offering a generous 310-liter trunk and five real seats. The Twingo, faithful to the A-segment, is more compact. However, Renault counters with remarkable interior ingenuity: a sliding rear bench allows the trunk volume to be modulated as needed, and the folding front passenger seat allows for loading long objects, a feature absent in its rival.

Finally, regarding standard charging, the Citroën ë-C3 Urban Range comes with a 7.4 kW AC onboard charger. For rapid DC charging, one must choose an option to get 30 kW power, just as for the 11 kW AC charger. For its part, the Twingo seems to adopt a similar strategy for the entry-level, reserving fast charging (up to 50 kW) and the bidirectional 11 kW charger for optional packs or higher trim levels.

Pricing and trims: insights from the Italian market

Although Renault France has not yet revealed its final price list, the manufacturer's Italian subsidiary has communicated valuable information that allows us to anticipate positioning in other markets. This progressive launch strategy gives us a clear overview of the upcoming commercial duel.

In Italy, the Twingo range will start with the Evolution trim, announced starting at €19,500. This price places it in direct confrontation with the Citroën ë-C3 You trim, offered in France at €19,990. at this price point, the Citroën offers the essentials with air conditioning, mandatory driving aids, and a smartphone docking station. The Twingo Evolution promises manual air conditioning and a central screen, but above all, its famous sliding rear seats as standard.

However, it is important to note a major timeline difference. Renault has opened orders primarily for the upscale Techno version, priced at €21,100 across the Alps. This trim stands out with superior technological equipment, notably integrating the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, alloy wheels, and a more refined interior presentation. To get a comparable level of features at Citroën, one must look to the Plus trim, priced at €23,300 for the urban version.

The entry-level Twingo Evolution, the one that will dip under €20,000, will not be available for order until Spring 2026. This leaves the Citroën ë-C3 a comfortable window of several months to establish itself in the private market, as the model is already available in the network.

Undoubtedly, the new Renault Twingo E-Tech promises to be a very serious competitor to the Citroën ë-C3. The match will be played as much on style as on usage. On one side, the Twingo bets on nostalgia with its irresistible neo-retro look and optimized energy efficiency for the city. On the other, the Citroën ë-C3 capitalizes on its robust mini-SUV appearance, its superior power of 113 hp, and its more generous size, making it potentially more habitable for a family.

While the Twingo intelligently replies with superior modularity and a greater announced WLTP range, it cannot hide its later availability. The C3 has the immense advantage of being an immediate commercial reality in its sub-€20,000 version, whereas the entry-level Renault will keep us waiting until next spring. The battle of French electric city cars has only just begun.