New Renault Twingo

During the 90s and the first decade of the new millennium, the Renault Twingo emerged as the urban car par excellence. Compact, simple and inexpensive.

This first installment, the Twingo, was marketed well into the 20th century (2007). Even in some South American countries, its production would be definitively closed in 2012. An atypically long period of time for a car of its characteristics.

It often happens that, in a market as competitive as that of cars, innovation is essential in order not to lose its validity. After three decades traveling the streets, roads and highways of half the world, is the Renault Twingo still the benchmark in the segment?

In 2007, a second generation Twingo came on the market that, although it added some modifications, kept the original essence intact. But a third series out in 2015 did include significant changes.

Exterior design

One of the main novelties that the third generation Twingo brought was its five-door body. Aesthetically, the exterior lines recovered some of the characteristic features of the classic Renault 5, a fact that was not so evident in the previous versions.

At the front, the car takes up the minimalist style. Although the drawing of the headlights evoking human eyes, it seems to have been definitely in the past. At the rear, a roof spoiler stands out, the design of which gives the impression of extending the upper part of the body above the rear window.

The pilots did maintain a more traditional line, with the added detail of being obscured . The black painted gate gives it a more sober character; in the middle, the company logo, with the Twingo inscription just below.

Interior design

The internal equipment of the Renault Twingo, version 2018, includes some series novelties that seek to make it stand out among its competitors. For example: height-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, as well as electric windows in the front.

The instrument panel is quite simple, equipped with a single dial that marks the speed. In addition, it has a monochrome center screen.

All of the above is integrated into a cabin that maintains the simplicity of the design. Despite its 3.59 m in length, it offers comfort for four adult passengers, although without being the most comfortable car to travel.

For luggage, 188 liters, which can be considerably extended by partially or totally folding down the row of rear seats. Another characteristic feature that is still present in the 2018 restyling is the possibility of placing the front seat backs horizontally.

equipment

To give new impetus to the small city car, Renault took seriously to equip its small model as standard, with systems not very common in a segment that has the economy among its premises . Air conditioning, LED daytime running lights and fog lights are included.

Other devices to mention are driver assistance systems such as lane change alert, on-board computer and parking sensor. In terms of safety, it offers front and side airbags in the front seats, a tire pressure sensor and an emergency braking assistant.

Mechanics

The biggest difference of the third generation Renault Twingo compared to the previous versions is in the mechanical section. A new platform developed together with the German automaker Daimler, which it shares with the Smart Forfour and which places the engine at the rear.

At the user’s disposal, three three-cylinder models. The first of them, an atmospheric machine of 1 l capacity and 70 CV. Also two turbocharged variants, 0.9 l, with powers of 90 and 110 hp.

To combine, the typical five-speed manual gearbox. As an option, the highest range, together with the more powerful engine, can be equipped with a six- speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Is the Renault Twingo still the city car par excellence?

In addition to a price that stopped being economical, the ‘metamorphosis’ of the third generation Twingo did not keep the line of success. Not even in France, a market where foreign companies hardly manage to displace domestic ones.

The latest renewal of the model seeks to compensate with high equipment, a somewhat more compressed cost. (Not including discounts, the access price is around € 12,500) . A somewhat desperate attempt to boost sales that have left the undisputed leader in the segment far behind.