Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Twingo 1.2 Extreme

Most basic version of French runabout has Ka beaten for price.

When it comes to building great small cars, few firms can match Renault’s track record. The original Twingo is a case in point. It was innovative and funky, and sold millions in a production run that lasted nearly 15 years. But it was only available in left-hand drive, so British buyers had to wait until the second-generation model arrived last year before they could get behind the wheel.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Sadly, the latest car has failed to live up to the reputation of its predecessor. Uninspiring styling and lacklustre driving dynamics have so far combined to leave the Twingo trailing. Only the range-topping Renaultsport version has made a good impression.

There could be hope for the Renault at the other end of the line-up, though. With a bargain price of £8,122, a versatile cabin and an economical 1.2-litre engine, the Extreme version certainly looks good on paper. But is it enough to finally take the fight to its talented rivals? Visually, the Twingo is a mixed bag. It’s best viewed from the front, where the smooth nose and large headlamps give the Renault a distinctive face. Elsewhere, the slab sides and upright stance make the car look dated, and it certainly can’t match the cheeky flair of the Fiat.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

The Renault’s slightly boxy styling pays dividends once you climb aboard. There’s a decent amount of space available, with plenty of room for two adults in the back. While the Extreme lacks the split-fold and sliding rear bench of pricier models, it still has a 230-litre boot, putting it second only to the VW.

Up front, the driver gets a neat steering column-mounted rev counter, while a distinctive binnacle in the centre of the dashboard holds a large digital speedo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Look closely, though, and it becomes clear that the Twingo has been built down to a price. Cheap plastics are used throughout, and it’s no better equipped than the VW, which undercuts the Renault by nearly £1,000. There’s further disappointment at the test track. With only 59bhp from its 1.2-litre engine, the Renault takes a leisurely 16.1 seconds to get from 0-60mph.

It puts on a stronger performance at mid revs, but the powerplant is harsh when pushed, which discourages you from exploiting the car’s limited acceleration.

Head out on the road, and the French car’s fortunes improve a little. The steering is direct and well weighted, while grip from the skinny tyres is surprisingly strong. However, the ride is too firm, making the Twingo an uncomfortable inner city proposition. Out of town, the combination of wind, road and engine noise makes the Renault a tiring long-distance choice.

At £8,122, the Twingo looks appealing in this company. But probe deeper, and you’ll find a car that’s outclassed and overpriced.

What will it cost you?
the Twingo feels like a cheap car, but it’s nothing of the sort. At £8,122, it’s more expensive than the Fox Urban, and if you include the optional air-conditioning fitted to our test model, it will set you back a hefty £8,660. Servicing costs
are surprisingly high, while the insurance premiums are fairly average for this class. Where the Twingo really scores, though, is with its economy. Only the Ka could better the Renault’s impressive 39.2mpg in its time with us.

In detail
* Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 59bhp
* 0-60mph: 16.1 seconds
* Economy: 39.2mpg
* Annual road tax: £120
* Euro NCAP rating: Four stars

Details

Price: £8,122
Model tested: Renault Twingo 1.2 Extreme
Chart position: 4
WHY: Twingo hasn’t left an impression on this class yet. Can it do so in base form?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025