It is indeed designed to offer maximum mobility in minimum space: actually, its sister Renault Mobilize attracts attention with the “Duo”. However, motorists have to make some compromises when it comes to mixing cars adn motorcycles.
A new small car ventures into the big city: Renault’s sister company Mobilize will launch the second edition of the Twizy in January.Even if it will be called Duo in the future, its mission is still the same.
It should offer maximum mobility in minimal space and at affordable prices. In France the Duo is available from 9,990 euros and German dealers charge similar rates.
The electric minimobile is a hybrid between a car and a motorcycle and is considered a light vehicle by the registration authorities. That’s why, depending on the version, the Duo can only be driven at the maximum age of 15.
It has four wheels, even though rather small and, above all, narrow, and the body of a car. That too is made of plastic – mostly recycled – and as angular as in a Batman movie.
Conversely, the seating arrangement with two seats one behind the other and the narrow format come from the motorcycle or, rather, the scooter. Not only is the Duo unusually short,just under 2.50 metres, but it is indeed also only 1.30 meters wide.
Of course this means that the little one cuts a great figure in the hustle and bustle of the city: There is always an extra lane for Schmalhans, he escapes thru the smallest gap in stop-and-go traffic and moves with his small turning radius of 6.80 meters at the narrowest corner. And at the latest during the parking lot he also steals the show from twingo & Co.
It’s pretty tight in the Mobilize Duo
And if it is indeed really too narrow longitudinally, you can simply park the Duo sideways and you will only get a smile from the policeman and the envious glances of many sports car drivers. As when the doors of the Duo swing sideways almost 180 degrees forwards to exit, no one looks at Porsche, Ferrari and Co.The French just want to save space in tight parking spaces, protect pedestrians and, above all, cyclists and make sure that it’s easier to exit by enabling both sides.
While the Duo is practical on the outside and takes up minimal space, it appears quite spacious on the inside.At least for the driver. In the second row, however, it becomes quite narrow if you put your legs on the left and right of the person in front, like on a scooter. Sitting on the city bus is more comfortable even during rush hour.
There’s also a glaring lack of storage space. The smartphone has a holder because the cell phone provides navigation and infotainment. But your wallet, purse or front door key just rolls around the car. Not to mention shopping bags or larger luggage
this is also why Mobilize together developed the Bento and strapped a box to its back rather of the second seat, turning the tiny being into a pizza sprinter.
The French, however, did not skimp on the equipment, because at least in this segment the airbag and the possibility of parking sensors are a rarity, as are air conditioning or seat heating. and with the cockpit colorfully decorated in the style of an 80s jettoblaster, at least some color enters the otherwise rather drab plastic landscape.
Driving pleasure with Mobilize Duo is only possible when there is a lot of traffic
Speaking of sadness: the joy of driving with two is the same thing too. Yes, at least the adult version is fast with up to 80 things and what it lacks in performance it makes up for in gap jumping. But the suspension has only rudimentary suspension, so the duo rumbles a lot, especially on cobblestones, and the brakes need a lot of force in an emergency.
And while in other electric cars you often feel wrapped up in cotton wool because everything is so quiet, in the pair it creaks and makes noise, as if shaking a lunchbox full of crackling crumbs. Apparently the budget was not enough for insulating glass or some insulating wool mats.
The French dug deep into the building kit to get low prices on large quantities. The approximately 7 kW/10 hp engine, such as, comes from the austral’s mild hybrid system and the battery cells from the new R5. The only difference is that they only have 10.3 kWh and are therefore sufficient for a maximum of 160 kilometres.But it is almost double that of its predecessor. And that’s a good thing.
Because you don’t want to charge the Duo anywhere other than at home and ideally overnight. After all, it sucks power from the line at an almost miserable rate and then takes an excruciatingly long four hours to get from 20 to 80%.
Conclusion: too small, too slow, not comfortable enough and too short of breath – the Duo cannot and will not replace a car. At least not the first car. But cheaper than any small car,safer than a two-wheeler and more convenient than public transport,it’s a sensible addition,at least for city dwellers.
It’s just a shame that it’s a relatively expensive alternative. Because even if the prices for the ticket to Germany increase soon, you can make bigger leaps for less.
Mobilitare Duo technical data sheet
– Maximum power: 7 kW/10 CVMax.
– Torque: kA
– Drive: rear-wheel drive
– Transmission: 1-speed automatic
– Length: 2430 mm
– width: 1300 mm
– Height: 1460 mm
– Wheelbase: 1670 mm
– Empty weight: kA
– Payload: n/a
– Trunk volume approximately 300 litres
– Maximum speed: 80 km/h
– Acceleration 0-60 kA
– Average consumption: 8.8 kWh/100 km
– Autonomy: 160 km
– CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
– Battery capacity: 10.3 kWh
– AC/DC power supply: 2 kW/- kW
– Emission class: kA
– Energy efficiency class: A+
- base price of the Duo: approximately 10,000 euros
– Base price of the duo: approximately 12,500 euros –
– Type class: kA
– Circulation tax: 0 euros/year
– Significant standard safety equipment: driver airbag, seat belts
– Comfort: seat heating, ventilation, smartphone integration
Thomas Geiger, dpa/jk
What are the key benefits of using urban hybrid vehicles like the Renault Mobilize Duo for city dwellers?
Interview between Time.news Editor (TNE) and Mobility Expert (ME)
TNE: Welcome! Today we’re diving into the fascinating new hybrid vehicle from Renault’s sister company, mobilize—the Duo.Can you tell us a little about the concept behind this innovative small car?
ME: Absolutely! The Duo was designed for urban environments where space is at a premium. Its primary objective is to offer maximum mobility while occupying minimal space, making it appealing for city dwellers who often face traffic congestion and limited parking options.
TNE: It sounds like the Duo is quite compact. Can you elaborate on its dimensions and how that influences its practicality in the city?
ME: Certainly! The Duo measures just under 2.50 meters in length and 1.30 meters in width.Thes dimensions allow it to navigate tight streets and slip through small gaps in traffic effortlessly. Plus, its small turning radius of 6.80 meters means it can maneuver in spaces where larger vehicles simply can’t.
TNE: One of the unique aspects of the Duo is its hybrid design; it combines elements of both cars and motorcycles.How does that effect the driving experience?
ME: The Duo is classified as a light vehicle due to its design, which includes four small, narrow wheels and a body made from mostly recycled plastic.The seating arrangement, with two seats one behind the other, borrows from motorcycle design. While this gives the driver a more engaged experience, it does mean that the rear passenger may find it a bit cramped, particularly on longer drives.
TNE: How does the Duo perform in terms of practicality? Are there any trade-offs that potential buyers should be aware of?
ME: Yes, while the Duo excels in terms of parking and maneuverability, there are some significant trade-offs. for instance, storage space is quite limited. The vehicle has a holder for smartphones, which provides navigation and infotainment, but there isn’t much room for personal items or larger belongings. Essentially, if you’re traveling with more than just a phone and a few small essentials, it could be challenging.
TNE: I can see how that might be a concern for some users.And what about the environmental aspect? Does the Duo contribute positively in that regard?
ME: Definitely! Being an electric vehicle, the Duo promotes greener urban mobility. With emissions being a critical issue in cities today, introducing a compact electric vehicle helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint. The use of mostly recycled materials in its construction is also a step in the right direction toward sustainability.
TNE: For young or first-time drivers, the Duo seems like a grate option as it can be driven at the age of 15 in some regions. How do you think this will impact car ownership trends?
ME: That’s an interesting point! By allowing younger drivers access to vehicles earlier,it may change perceptions of car ownership among the younger demographic. They might be more inclined to use such practical, affordable options instead of customary cars, leading to a shift toward more compact vehicles in urban areas.
TNE: Lastly, what are your thoughts on the potential future for vehicles like the Duo in urban planning and transportation?
ME: Vehicles like the Duo could play a significant role in reshaping urban mobility. As cities strive to become more pedestrian-friendly and reduce congestion, the demand for smaller, versatile vehicles will likely increase. Additionally, integrating these types of vehicles into public transport systems could boost overall efficiency, allowing for a more interconnected travel experience.
TNE: Thank you for your insights on the Renault Mobilize Duo! It seems like a promising addition to urban transportation—and an exciting signal of where mobility is headed in the future.
ME: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for innovations in mobility,and I’m eager to see how these changes shape our cities going forward.