(04. French Nostalgia)
Published on Feb. 2021
Photograph by Dino Jung, Go Ninety
Article by Unkle-Ji
(04.)
French Nostalgia
Chef Kim Hyung-seok, introduced in F.MAG issue #2 (Suzuki Hustler and Suzuki VanVan), likes the cute and charm image of a small compact cars rather than a full size cars. As a small car enthusiast, he has experienced a lot of Korean and Japanese compact cars, such as Hyundai Atoz, Suzuki Alto Lapin, Daihatsu Mira Cocoa Honda S660 and Renault 5.
Present, he owns electric mobil Renault Twizy.
In this issue, Little electronic machine from France - the Renault Twizy is the one we talk about.
The Renault Twizy, which he rides for commuting from his home to work, is a 2019 model year, and the original color of its intense trim was white, but it was painted in vintage yellow.
“It reminded me of the Renault 5 I rode when I was studying in France, so I wanted to put French sensibility into this Renault Twizy.”
The color name for this vintage yellow is 'Van Gogh Yellow' color used by Renault in the 80's. Spies Hecker's paint was applied for the originality.
Is there any particular reason you bought Twizy?
“The most important part was commuting, so it had to be fuel-efficient and low-maintenance. I prefer small cars, and I have seen the Twizy since I was studying in France, and it was always on my wish list. So I bought it impulsively and I was thinking that I could decorate something interesting.”
Chef Kim HyungSuk has a unique view for his liking cars.
Majority of people like speed or are fascinated by automobile performance such as driver's feeling, but Chef Kim has no interest in speed or performance.
“I like to decorate my car and always keep it clean and look good. The cute design of a small car is great for decorating your car.
After car wash, simply just watching its cute and charming appearance is 'happiness' to me".
Chef Kim is very cherished of his belongings, and has such a philosophy that it is better to own several small and inexpensive cars for fun than to own one expensive and good car.
“The decal made for homage to the racing version of the vintage yellow Renault 5 seems to show the history of Renault.
I'm proud of this car showing up its appearance for those who like cars or know the existence of Renault 5 that they can say ‘wow’”.
Chef Kim believes that the advantage of Twizy is its low price, good driving ability, and an eco-friendly electric vehicle suitable for today's era. However, unlike a typical car, there is no air conditioning system and poor sealing condition makes extremely cold in winter and extremely hot in summer.
“Above all, the unique look is what keeps Twizy going.”
Chef Kim's Twizy, finished styling in Formarea, draws people's attention even more.
“I am very happy and excited to be able to reproduce the image I had imagined. I was able to feel the emotions I felt while in France through this Twizy.”
Formarea's styling comment
Renault Twizy
We had to express the French sensibility by incorporating Renault's heritage.
The theme color was the core keyword, and there was one model that strongly came in our mind among several drafts.
The pride of Renault compact car ‘Renault 5 Turbo’
The car that Chef Kim HyungSuk used to drive while studying in France was a Renault 5, thus the story fit perfectly.
The yellow is a vintage yellow 'Van Gogh Yellow' actually used in the 80s at Renault.
After painting, the decals of the vehicles participating in the racing contest since 1981 were added.
As it is an electric vehicle, the electric element was emphasized. In addition, some of styling were reflecting the opinions of Chef Kim.