| Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|
_%25E2%2580%2593_Frontansicht%2c_24._Oktober_2015%2c_M%25C3%25BCnster.jpg) Renault Twingo III (third generation) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault |
| Production | 1992–2024 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | City car |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback (Twingo I and II) 5-doorhatchback (Twingo III) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (Twingo I and II) Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (Twingo III） |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Renault 4 Renault 5 |
| Successor | Renault Twingo E-Tech |
TheRenault Twingo is acity car made by the French companyRenault from 1992 to 2024 across three generations. The name is aportmanteau oftwist,swing, andtango.[1]
The first-generation Twingo (two door, front engine) debuted at theParis Motor Show on 5 October 1992, receiving its formal market launch incontinental European markets beginning in April 1993. Renault launched the second-generation Twingo (two door, front engine) in the summer of 2007 – and the third-generation Twingo (four door, rear engine) debuted at the2014 Geneva Motor Show, receiving its formal market launch in September 2014. Production of the Twingo ended in the summer of 2024, to be replaced by the all-electricRenault Twingo E-Tech.[2]
| Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1992–2007 (France) 1994–2003 (Spain) 1994–1999 (Taiwan) 1999–2002 (Uruguay) 1995–2012 (Colombia) |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Jean-Pierre Ploué Patrick Le Quément[3] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual 5-speedautomated manual 3-speedautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,345 mm (92.3 in) |
| Length | 3,430 mm (135.0 in) |
| Width | 1,630 mm (64.2 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | from 790 kg (1,742 lb) |
The original Twingo was launched in April 1993, was sold in EuropeanLHD markets until August 2007, and received intermediaterestylings in 1998, 2000, and 2004. It was notably similar to the originalHonda Today in design, including the overall shape and the headlamps partially set into the front bumper.[4]
Designed under the direction ofPatrick Le Quément, Renault's chief designer,[5] the car derived a concept developed through the W60 project whenGaston Juchet was Renault's chief designer. The project was aimed at replacing theRenault 4 with aminivan model.[5]
Le Quément chose a Jean-Pierre Ploué design to develop the production version. Le Quément stretched the original prototype and added an unconventional front-end layout resembling a "smile".[6] The interior equipment was mounted on a central console to free space.[7] Renault had participated in the 1981 to 1984 'Mono-Box' ECO 2000 car project, along with PSA Peugeot Citroën and the French Government.[8]
The Twingo I's electronic, centrally mounted instrument panel had aspeedometer,fuel gauge,clock,odometer, andtrip recorder controlled via a stalk-located button. A strip of warning lights was located behind the steering wheel. The rear seat featured a sliding mechanism to enable either increased boot space or more rear-seat legroom. The boot parcel shelf was attached to the inside of the tailgate, and lifted with the tailgate – or could clip back against the rear window when not required.
All engines were replaced with an eight-valve 1.15-litre 60 hp (44 kW) unit. A 16-valve, 75 hp (55 kW) version was added in 2000.
Manufactured at theFlins Renault Factory from the time of its launch until 28 June 2007, the Twingo I was also manufactured inTaiwan,Spain,Colombia, andUruguay from 1999 to 2002,[9] remaining in production until 8 June 2012 in Colombia, by theSofasa conglomerate, strictly for the domestic market.
Euro NCAP results:
, score 23, score 11 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(April 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
In April 1993, the Twingo launched with only one trim level, and four exterior colours: coral red, Indian yellow, coriander green, and ultramarine blue. The car retailed at a price of 55,000FF (approximately €8,400). In June 1994, new exterior colours were introduced along with minor interior changes, as well as optional electric windows and mirrors, and locks with remote keyless entry. Four months later, the TwingoEasy model was launched, with an automated clutch on the manual gearbox.
In September 1995, the first of many special Twingo editions launched, while inbuilt airbags become optional. In July 1996, a new 1149 cc engine (from theClio) was fitted to replace the previous engine from theRenault 5. Alongside the new engine came the TwingoMatic model, equipped with a three-speed automatic gearbox. Also, various improvements were made, including the addition of a third brake light.
Two years later, the Twingo underwent its first major restyling of the interior and dashboard. The front and rear lights were revised, and front orange indicator lights were merged into the headlamp housings. The front of the car is reinforced for added safety in a frontal impact.[10] Two months later, the top-of-the-range TwingoInitiale model launched.
In September 2000, the Twingo underwent its second major restyling. Additions included larger, 14-inch wheels, revised door trims with larger door pockets, a black trunk opener lever (instead of shiny metal), and cup holders in front of the gearstick.
December 2000, a new 1.2-litre single overhead camshaft, 16-valve version of the D-series engine launched, with 75 hp (55 kW). In April 2001, a new automated manual gearbox launched, called Quickshift. Additional revisions followed in September 2002, including new interior trims and wheel covers.
InJapan, Renault was formerly licensed byYanase Co., Ltd., but in 1999, Renault purchased a stake in Japanese automakerNissan after Nissan had faced financial troubles following the collapse of theJapanese asset price bubble in 1991 and subsequentlost decade. As a result of Renault's purchase of interest, Yanase cancelled its licensing contract with Renault in the spring of 2000, and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd took over as the sole licensee, hence sales of the Twingo I in Japan were transferred from Yanase Store locations toNissan Red Stage Store locations. Despite Japan being a right-hand drive market, the first generation was sold exclusively as left-hand drive, with the only change being the headlights.[11]
September 2004 marked the third major Twingo revision. The Renault logo was fitted to the boot lid, side rubbing strips were added, and a new range of exterior colours launched. On 28 June 2007, Twingo I production ended in France, being replaced by the Twingo II. By 30 June 2007, 2,478,648 units from the Twingo I were produced. The Renault Twingo I production went on into Colombia until 8 June 2012. In total, 2.6 million units of the first-generation Twingo were produced.
The first generation Twingo had a number of limited editions, including co-brandings with premium brands such asPerrier,Benetton,L'Oréal,Kenzo,Elite Model Management, and artistic references includingMetropolis,Grease andTintin.[12][13][14][15]
The Renault TwingoLecoq was a special edition produced in less than 50 units. It was an independent initiative ofCarrosserie Lecoq.[16]
A French company based inNormandy,Lormauto, presented at the2022 Paris Motor Show and again in2024 Paris Motor Show arétrofit kit to transform the Renault Twingo 1 into a fully electric car.[17] This approved model is now available from car rental company UCAR.
Since 2011, a one-make motor racing series for 1st generation Renault Twingos, called the Renault Twin Cup, has taken place in France.[18]
| Twingo II | |
|---|---|
_%25E2%2580%2593_Frontansicht%2c_21._Juli_2012%2c_Heiligenhaus.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2007–2014 |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Clio II |
| Related | Renault Wind |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual 5-speedautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,365 mm (93.1 in) |
| Length | 3,600 mm (141.7 in) |
| Width | 1,655 mm (65.2 in) RS: 1,688 mm (66.5 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (57.9 in) |
| Curb weight | from 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Heckansicht%2c_21._Juli_2012%2c_Heiligenhaus.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
After presenting an initial concept at the 2006Mondial de l'Automobile, Renault debuted the production Twingo II at the2007 Geneva Motor Show with French market trim levels namedAuthentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique, andGT. Using the floorpan of theRenault Clio II,[19] the Twingo II offered improved crash protection and was available in both RHD and LHD configurations. Production began in France and subsequently moved to theRevoz plant inNovo Mesto, Slovenia.[20]
In January 2008, Renault debuted the Twingo Renaultsport 133,[21] with a new 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) 1,598 cc engine, at the2008 Geneva Motor Show. In August 2013, ordering and production of the 133 model ended.[22]
In July 2011, Renault debuted a facelifted Twingo II at theFrankfurt Motor Show, featuring a design language subsequently used on their entire range[23] and offering revised fascias, as well as redesigned front and rear light clusters.[24]
On series 14, episode four ofTop Gear, presenterJeremy Clarkson road tested the Twingo 133 onBelfast streets and barrel rolled upside down through a sewage tunnel. After numerous accidents, he raced to catch a departing ferry, instead landing in the ocean.[25][26]
On 16 March 2011, the Renault Twingo won the "best city car award" in the Parkers' New Car Awards.[27]
Special editions in the UK included the Twingo RenaultsportGordini, Twingo Gordini TCe 100, Twingo Bizu, Twingo Pzaz,[28] Twingo Renaultsport Silverstone GP,[29] Twingo Miss Sixty,[30] and Twingo Renaultsport Red Bull RB7.[31]
In Japan, the Twingo II was licensed by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and sold exclusively throughNissan Store locations.
, score 28 (The model tested was not equipped with curtain airbags. Available as an option.), score 11| Petrol engines | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | CO2 emission | |
| 1.2 D7F | I4 | 1149 cc | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 5250 rpm | 93 N⋅m (69 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 132 g/km | |
| 1.2 D4F | I4 | 1149 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5500 rpm | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm | 135 g/km | |
| 1.2 GT (turbo) | I4 | 1149 cc | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) at 5500 rpm | 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm | 140 g/km | |
| 1.6 RS | I4 | 1598 cc | 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) at 6750 rpm | 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 4400 rpm | 160 g/km | |
| Diesel engine | ||||||
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | CO2 emission | |
| 1.5 dCi | I4 | 1461 cc | 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) at 4000 rpm | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1700 rpm | 94 g/km | |
| Twingo III | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2014–2024 |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Csaba Wittinger[33] Raphaël Linari[34] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive[35][36] |
| Related | Smart Forfour Smart Fortwo |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Electric motor | synchronous electric motor (Twingo Z.E.) |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual 6-speeddual-clutch[37] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,490 mm (98.0 in) |
| Length | 3,590 mm (141.3 in) |
| Width | 1,640 mm (64.6 in) |
| Height | 1,550 mm (61.0 in) |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Heckansicht%2c_24._Oktober_2015%2c_M%25C3%25BCnster.jpg)
The third generation Renault Twingo debuted in March 2014 at theGeneva Motor Show[38] in a five-door,[39]rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.[36][40] It was co-developed withDaimler's third generationSmart Fortwo[41] and second generationSmart Forfour.
The third-generation Twingo and the ForFour entered into production in May 2014 at inNovo Mesto, Slovenia,[36][42] and were launched on the European market in September.[43] Production ended in June 2024.[2]
In March 2010, Renault and Daimler, as part of their existing partnership, announced "Project Edison", a collaboration aimed at conceiving a shared platform for small city cars to be used by both companies.[44][45] The Edison platform was designed from the start for mounting either aninternal combustion engine or anelectric motor as the main power source.[46]
The first cars using the platform were the third-generation Twingo and the second-generationSmart Forfour. Renault andDaimler AG invested equally during the research and development phase, with Renault subsequently specializing in the engines and Daimler in transmissions.[47]
Both companies tried to ensure a distinctive design. Renault designers took inspiration from the Renault 5[33] and the first generation Twingo.[48] This can be seen by the "smile" at the front which was a design feature of the Twingo I. The engine was moved to the rear to allow them to expand the passenger cabin forwards, and allowed the car to have a 45° steering angle which means it was capable of making tight turns in a city environment. The car was originally launched with four colour options, as with the original Twingo.[49]
In January 2019, an updated Twingo was introduced with a new front fascia, cosmetic changes inside and out, and a new base 1.0 L engine;[50] at the same time, declining sales in the UK (just 877 were sold in 2018) led Renault UK to discontinue marketing the right-hand drive model.[51]
%2c_left_front.jpg)
The Twingo III was about 10 mm shorter than the Twingo II.[52] The rear-engine layout improved the manoeuvrability and the cabin space, but reduced the boot capacity.[43] The suspension was composed ofMacPherson struts on the front axle and aDe Dion tube on the rear.[43] The car used a five-door architecture, which differed from its three-door predecessors.
Brakes wereventilated disks on the front anddrums on the rear, except in the base model (SCe 70), which used drum brakes all round.[52] The bonnet featured a special opening mechanism and allowed only partial opening to give access to the windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid and coolant reservoirs, and to the battery.[53]
The car originally offered four trim levels: Expression, Play, Dynamique, and Dynamique S, with various customization packs. One option connects a smartphone with an instrument panel cradle (R&Go) and has an infotainment system (R-Link).[43] Other levels such as the "Energy" trim have since been added. The GT model arrived in November 2016.
As standard, the car incorporates tyre pressure sensors,seatbelt reminders, four airbags, and four head and chest sideairbags.[52] It achieved a four starEuro NCAP test rating in 2014.[54]
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | | |
| Adult occupant: | 30 | 78% |
| Child occupant: | 40 | 81% |
| Pedestrian: | 25 | 68% |
| Safety assist: | 7 | 56% |
The car originally came with a three-cylinder petrol engine, either a 0.9-litre turbocharged unit or a 1-litre atmospheric. Both are fitted low and in a 49° angle to increase boot's capacity.[52][56][57] In November 2016 a more powerful version of the petrol engine, the TCe 110, arrived for the sporting Twingo GT model.
| Engine | Code | Displacement | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | Combined consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||||
| SCe 70 | H4D 400 | 999 cc | 51 kW (69 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 91 N⋅m (67 lb⋅ft) at 2,850 rpm | 151 km/h (94 mph) | 14.5 s | 5.5 L/100 km (51 mpg‑imp) | 126 g/km |
| Energy TCe 90 | H4Bt 401 | 898 cc | 66 kW (90 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | 165 km/h (103 mph) | 10.8 s | 4.9 L/100 km (58 mpg‑imp) | 111 g/km |
| Energy TCe 110 | 80 kW (109 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 182 km/h (113 mph) | 9.6 s | 5.6 L/100 km (50 mpg‑imp) | 128 g/km | ||
| TCe 110 EDC | 80 kW (109 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 182 km/h (113 mph) | 10.4 s | 5.8 L/100 km (49 mpg‑imp) | 132 g/km | ||
In February 2014, Renault organised a "strip tweet" online event to promote the Twingo III. The manufacturer commissioned toPublicis the conception of the car's European advertising. Publicis hired French artists duoKuntzel+Deygas for the design of the visual campaign[58] with the theme "Go Anywhere, Go Everywhere."[59]
In 2015, Renault released a short music video, "All new Twingo : Show me a car !", in which atwee styled woman is searching anifty car.[citation needed] It ends with a reference to "Papa & Nicole" adverts for theRenault Clio : "Papa! – Nicole? – Your seatbelt!". The brief video got a viral success in the United Kingdom, with approximately 300,000 views in four weeks.[citation needed] A Pop Up Store was opened at the Crémerie de Paris.[60]
In the United Kingdom, the new Twingo won the "City Car of the Year" 2014,TopGear Magazine Awards, "City Car of the Year" in theUK Car of the Year Awards and "Best City Car" in theDaily Express 2014 Motoring Oscars, "Best City Car" at the 2015 BritishGQ Car Awards.
Paul Horrell ofTop Gear gave the car a score of seven out of 10, calling it: "a genuinely different approach to design and engineering that has brought real dividends, not just in being different for its own sake. Most important, it's much more fun than a base model supermini for the same cash."[61]Auto Express and its sister publicationCarBuyer scored it four out of five stars, praising its manoeuvrability, design, and rear passenger space but criticizing its wind noise and high price compared to its rivals.[62][63]What Car? gave the car three out of five stars, saying: "The Renault Twingo mixes cheeky retro styling with genuine practicality. It’s neither as refined nor as comfortable as the best city cars, though."[64]
The third-generation Twingo was previewed through two concepts, the Twin'Z and the Twin'Run.[49]
| Renault Twin'Z | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault |
| Production | 2013 (Concept car) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | City car (A) |
| Body style | 5-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Electric motor |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,490 mm (98.0 in) |
| Length | 3,590 mm (141.3 in) |
| Width | 1,640 mm (64.6 in) |
| Height | 1,550 mm (61.0 in) |
The Twin'Z is acity carconcept unveiled in April 2013. Its styling was created in partnership with British designerRoss Lovegrove. According toRenault's chief designerLaurens van den Acker, the purpose of its introduction was to "break down the boundaries between the world of an object whose calling is to be in movement, the automobile, and that of furniture." The concept has arear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and is powered by anelectric motor with a 49 kW (67 PS) power output and torque of 226 N⋅m (167 lb⋅ft). It has noB-pillar or dashboard and its doors open in conventional doors up front andsuicide doors in the rear.[65]
The Twin'Run is a rear wheel drivehot hatch concept developed by Renault with assistance of Tork Engineering and Poclain Véhicules, unveiled in May 2013. It is powered by amid-mountedV6 engine with 320 hp (235 kW), coupled to a twin clutch six speed sequential gearbox and limited slip differential. It hasdouble-wishboneindependent suspension on both axles. The chassis is atubular steelframe inspired by theMégane Trophy andRenault 5 Turbo Maxi from WRC.[66][67]
_%25E2%2580%2593_f_30012021.jpg)
_%25E2%2580%2593_h_30012021.jpg)
 | This article needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(August 2021) |
After plans to roll out new electric vehicles, including an electric Twingo, were confirmed in September 2019,[68] Renault announced the Twingo Electric, marketed as the Twingo Z.E. (Zero Emissions) and in France as the Twingo E-Tech Électrique,[69] the first-everelectric version of its city car, in February 2020 at theGeneva Motor Show.[70][71] It is the second electric car from Renault, following the Zoe.[72] The Twingo Z.E. drive train is based on that of theSmart EQ Forfour, with a larger battery.[73] Renault CEOLuca de Meo confirmed in 2021 the entire Twingo range would be discontinued after the third generation, driven in part by the forthcomingEuro 7 emissions standards which will be implemented in 2025.[74] It is expected the A-segment Twingo will be replaced by the larger B-segmentRenault 5 EV.[75]
The starting price, announced the following September, was€21,350.[76] It was not marketed in the United Kingdom, following Renault's withdrawal of the Twingo range from the UK market after the car model's facelift in 2019.[71] A limited edition "Vibes" model, based on the regular "Intens" trim, was announced in July 2020; the special Valencia Orange colour was only available for the Vibes limited edition, but the Vibes could also be specified for any regular production colour, and was later made available for the conventional petrol-engines Twingo.[77] Trim levels in 2022 included the Life (€21,550), Zen (€24,350), Intens (€25,550), and Urban Night (€26,650).[78] Although the suggested retail price was high compared to a petrol-powered Twingo, the French government electric car subsidy of up to€7,000 or 27% of the price made the cost of the electric version comparable.[72]
The car has a rated driving range of 180 or 250 km (110 or 160 mi) on theWLTP driving cycle (Full or City, respectively). The on-board charger, branded Caméléon, can accept AC electric supply at up to 22 kW;[70] the lithium-ion battery, with 22 kW-hr capacity, incorporates lessons learned from the Renault Zoe.[46] The battery itself weighs 165 kg (364 lb) and is positioned beneath the front seats.[72][79] The vehicle is limited to AC charging sources only, as the vehicle supply interface port does not accept a DC fast charge plug.[79] The rear-mounted R80 traction motor has an output of 60 kW (80 hp) and 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft), and the car has akerb weight of 1,112 kg (2,452 lb).[71] The top speed is 135 km/h (84 mph), and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.6 seconds.[80] The default driving mode "D" emulates the behaviour of a petrol-powered car with moderate "engine braking" when the driver's foot is lifted from the throttle; a more aggressive and adjustable "B" regeneration mode is selectable, but does not allow one-pedal driving at the highest regeneration level.[79]
The base trim ("Life") was criticized for lacking expected basic features like a radio and air conditioning; however, the lack of vibrations and abundant low-end torque from the electric traction motor were appreciated for city traffic.[72] The Twingo Electric was marketed against other low-cost city cars, such as the base model of theFiat New 500,[79] as well asVolkswagen E-up! and the VW's rebadged versions, theSEAT Mii electric andŠkoda Citigo-e iV; internally, the Twingo also competed with theDacia Spring;[72] compared to the VW and Dacia, the Twingo Electric offered a smaller driving range.[79]
In November 2023, Renault announced that the Twingo would be returning as an electric model with a price tag under €20,000. A prototype for the new Twingo was shown at the Capital Markets Day press conference, featuringretro styling heavily reminiscent of the first generation Twingo, continuing Renault's trend of retro styling for its future electric models, such as theRenault 4 E-Tech and theRenault 5 E-Tech. Efficiency figures of 10kWh/100 km were also announced.
Renault Groupe CEO,Luca De Meo, stated at the conference that development was to begin immediately and the car could be expected to reach production within two years, matching the development speed of Chinese manufacturers, meaning a release date of around 2026 is likely.[81]
| Current models |
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future models | |||||||||||||||
| Discontinued models |
| ||||||||||||||
| Concepts / prototypes |
| ||||||||||||||
| Historic commercial vehicles | |||||||||||||||
| Engines |
| ||||||||||||||
| Regional marques | |||||||||||||||
| Subsidiaries and joint ventures |
| ||||||||||||||
| Related | |||||||||||||||
