Doug from WhatCar? proudly states that the Renault Twango (née Twingo) took just two years to develop — an exceptionally quick pace for modern car development. Doug also adds, “Let’s hope Renault didn’t cut any corners,” given the rapid turnaround.

Cutting corners is exactly what the company specialises in. But somehow, that works in Renault’s favour — they still manage to win car awards, helped along by advertising that functions more like an Epstein-style bribe than genuine recognition.

It’s no Lolita Express for Doug and the WhatCar team as they head to Paris to reveal the most underwhelming EV money can buy. They should have called it the Renault Asset Stripper, because it’s £20,000 down the drain to travel 163 miles on EV range.

Those are the official figures quoted by Doug, but during the video, an interior shot of the digital dash clearly shows 97% charge and 233 km of range — which equates to about 140 miles. I do wonder if WhatCar leaves these edited snippets as Easter eggs for the general viewer to see if the audience is paying attention.

The spec isn’t exactly next-gen. The 27 kWh battery is pathetic, especially when you compare it to the BYD Seal U PHEV SUV, which in top-spec trim uses a 26 kWh battery. But the Renault Twango is a budget car, as Doug keeps reminding us.

On paper, the Renault Twango is a certified sales disaster. But with the British and European media in lockstep with Renault’s marketing and advertising spend, it will inevitably receive the glowing coverage this shitty car (née city car) does not deserve.