Renault's highly anticipated Twingo redesign was unveiled in production form in Geneva and will become available in the UK for the first time in right-hand drive.

Though the design appears more sedated than the Twingo concept unveiled in Paris - largely due to the fitment of smaller diameter wheels - the car still retains the face of the sportier concept. Two versions will be available from launch in the UK: Dynamique and GT. The design of these versions is claimed to be 'racier' than lesser Twingos, with specific front bumpers and foglamps adorned with a satin grey surround. Dynamique variants feature body-coloured exterior mirrors with the GT versions distinguishable by body-coloured side protective mouldings, 15-inch alloy wheels, satin grey exterior mirror housings, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip.

Power for the new car will come from either a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder or a new TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) 1.2-litre unit. The 1.2-litre 16-valve engine delivers 75bhp at 5500rpm and 79lb.ft of torque at 4250rpm. The powerplant is claimed to be 'particularly responsive' at low revs, and its idling speed of just 650rpm is said to contribute to lower fuel consumption; enabling CO₂ emissions of less than 140g/km. A five-speed manual or 'Quickshift' robotised gearbox (which can be used in either automatic or manual flick-shift mode) is available. The robotised gearbox is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by three per cent.

The new turbocharged 100bhp petrol engine (exclusively available for the GT version) is based on the 1.2-litre block and shares 70 per cent of its parts. It is equipped with a low inertia turbo that employs a small diameter turbine and compressor to minimise lag. The powerplant is claimed to provide "punchy performance" while retaining low fuel consumption and low CO₂ emissions. Maximum power is rated at 100bhp at 5500rpm with 107lb.ft of torque available at 3000rpm, enabling a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. A shorter ratio manual gearbox is the sole transmission offering.

The Twingo's chassis is based on the previous generation Clio, utilising a MacPherson-type front suspension with hydraulic dampers, coil springs and an anti-roll bar, as well as a compact and lightweight H-beam rear suspension design fitted with vertically-mounted dampers and variable-rate coil springs.

With an overall length of 3601mm, width of 1640mm, and height of 1472mm, the Twingo has compact dimensions. The new car has grown 170mm in length over its predecessor, an increase made to provide additional safety and cabin space for occupants. The 2367mm wheelbase is quite long considering its overall proportions and looks good to live up to Renault's claim for a spacious cabin, something its forebear was renowned for.

Inside, an assortment of comfort and convenience features abound, including automatic climate control, parking sensors, and a raft of multimedia connectivity devices for MP3 players and Bluetooth hands-free telephones.

Renault has sold more than 2.4 million Twingos across Europe since the model was first launched over a decade ago. The latest iteration of the diminutive city car will be built at the Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia, with right-hand drive models imported to the UK from September this year.

Eric Gallina - 21 Mar 2007