If you haven’t seen the Renault Twingo, I’d thoroughly recommend getting yourself to the nearest Renault showroom. The car is cute, but not overly so and has wonderful swooping lines at the front end. In fact, the whole thing looks like it should be set up for a sporty ride, which is where this new version comes in.
Based very much on the standard model (if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it), this version comes with a more racy bodykit, a tuned exhaust to give a more aggressive note and of course that all important engine – uprated to 133bhp.
The first thing that is noticeable is that with a price tag shy of £12,000 this is definite hot hatch territory at a number that shouldn’t ruin your wallet. Amazingly, rather than going for a small engine and whacking in a turbocharger (at a risk of giving a more peaky profile), there sits a wonderful 1.6 litre engine that comes normally aspirated. This means the car should be good for 60 in less than 9 seconds, and a top speed of 125mph.
This doesn’t actually put it in hot hatch territory; much more of a warm hatch with regard to straight line performance. However, it’s the ride and handling that gives the most pleasure. The chassis has been widened by 60mm to give it more of a controllable feel under hard cornering.
Briliantly, when you turn in hard, you’ll find there’s a ton of grip and very little roll. You’ll find that it’s actually quite neutral too, unless you really hammer it. It’ll then step out into understeer territory – not exactly unknown for front wheel drive vehicles that have ‘sporty’ aspirations.
In terms of how practical this car is – well it’s not massive now is it? It’s only a four seater and you may find it’s a little sluggish with a full load. However, at the price tag it’s set at, this is a genuinely fun car – something that you don’t find that often these days. It’s a breath of fresh air and it will manage to pull a trick or two that you’ll be surprised at, whether on the road or track.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If I didn’t want more power. Nonetheless, for the price, you can’t go wrong, and it is certainly a viable alternative to something like a Fiat 500. Especially if you fancy the idea of a sportier ride and are happy to pay the extra £650 for the Cup chassis.
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