Renault Twizy Electric Vehicle

Mileage 11255 Regardless of the weather, we couldn't wait to remove the side windows

By the start of March, I'd got so fed up with the Twizy's optional side windows that I took them off B and stashed them in my garage, vowing never to use them again. Then came the first of the Arctic blasts that defined the start of spring 2013 in the UK, and the windows were refitted temporarily in the interests of survival. But they've now been removed once and for all and the Twizy is a much nicer car to drive without them.

Then came the first of the Arctic blasts that defined the start of spring 2013 in the UK, and the windows were refitted temporarily in the interests of survival.

There's no doubt that, up to a point, the non-rigid plastic panes help to make the Twizy's semi-open cabin a more habitable place when there's an icy wind blowing. For that reason alone, it's probably worth spending the extra $442 to have them available when they're really needed.

But in all honesty, trying to weatherproof something like the Twizy is a bit of a lost cause, and any benefits the windows bring in terms of occupant protection are more than offset by the fact that their frames rattle loudly against the car's plastic bodywork as you're bumbling along. They also make getting in and out of the Twizy much harder than it is without them.

There's no doubt that, up to a point, the non-rigid plastic panes help to make the Twizy's semi-open cabin a more habitable place when there's an icy wind blowing.

Not only do the windows double the weight of the doors, but the zips can also be difficult to open and close, especially when your fingers are numb. I got to the point where I would leave the nearside window (the one I always use) partly unzipped for short runs to the shops or whatever, simply to avoid having to wrestle with the zippers again on the way back somewhat defeating the purpose, you'd have to say.

Renault Twizy interior

For me, the side windows not only got in the way of the car's usability but also robbed it of the alfresco charm that makes the Twizy such a delight to drive at other times. With them removed, I may still have to dress up warm at times, but it's worth it. The Twizy is much easier to use and more enjoyable to drive now that it's back the way it originally was. And with the weather slowly improving, life with the Twizy is only going to get better.

And with the weather slowly improving, life with the Twizy is only going to get better.