Renault Twingo

Mask falls on Renault’s Twingo

It's all systems, Twingo! Our spies have snapped Renault's little hatchback out on test in France wearing less disguise than ever before.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Image: Automedia

By Chris Thorp

18th August 2006

The pictures in this week's issue are the best look yet at the car, and show that up front a prominent Renault badge, raised headlamps and unusual grille help give it a distinctive look. Round the back, the as yet unseen rear is expected to feature a Mégane-style bootlid.

The original Twingo was never sold here, but was a big hit in Europe. As a result, Renault's designers were keen to make the new version look similar.

In fact, so critical is the car that company chief Carlos Ghosn sent the stylists back to the drawing board halfway through its development because he was not happy with its shape. Keeping manufacturing costs down has also been imperative during the project. From the very start, Renault was keen to create an affordable and desirable small car which would complement the Clio, rather than compete with it. Inspired by the Zoé concept first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the Twingo is set to be priced from around £7,500.

Engines will be shared with the Clio, while keen drivers can also look forward to a GT variant with 120bhp. The Twingo will hit the UK next autumn.