Renault Twingo Bizu

Text: Tom Philips / Photos: Pete Gibson

March 2011

• Rating:

French giant Renault claims its bargain Bizu range offers great value for cost-conscious buyers. The entry-level trim is available only until June, and slashes thousands off the price of the Scenic, Mégane, Clio and Twingo.

We tried the latter. It’s based on the Expression model, and while it misses out on the front foglights and rear headrests, it’s £2,300 cheaper, at £6,595.

As you’d expect, the Twingo Bizu’s spec is limited, with 15-inch steel wheels and hubcaps rather than alloys, plus manual mirror adjustment and no air-con. But you still get electric windows, Bluetooth and an MP3 stereo. Add a four-star Euro NCAP crash test score, and the car should appeal to first-time buyers.

The 74bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine is smooth, and while fast roads expose its lack of power, acceleration is still decent. Compact dimensions make for easy driving in town. As the seating position isn’t very comfortable, the car is best for short trips.

The styling doesn’t excite, either, with the Bizu model marked out only by a sports front bumper. It’s bland inside, too, with the centrally mounted speedo too easily obscured by the cowl on its top.