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Week at the wheel: Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.

Week at the wheel: Renault Twingo
A simplified range and a new face leave the Renault Twingo with a back to basics feel.

   



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| Week at the Wheel | Renault Twingo |

Overall rating: 3 3 3 3 3

The original Renault Twingo was refreshing in its basic approach, and while this latest model is more sophisticated than before, the single-model line-up takes it back to its roots. For simple city-car transport with a dash of flair the wholly French Twingo 1.2 Dynamique fits the bill.

Key Facts

Model tested: Renault Twingo 1.2 Dynamique
Pricing: £10,550
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 55.4mpg
Top speed: 105mph
0-62mph: 12.0 seconds
Power: 75hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 107Nm at 4,250rpm

Inside & Out: 3 3 3 3 3

Proportionately the Renault Twingo has always been rather cute, featuring a square stance and upright glazing, and that's not changed with the latest additions. A bold new face, finished in contrasting gloss black, along with revised headlights and tail units mix with a re-profiled boot lid. However, the changes seem at odds with the rest of the bodywork, and though it stands out more than before we're not sure it's actually an improvement.

There's less to take in inside, with it remaining much the same as before. Shiny plastics let it down, though the central digital speedometer and rev counter mounted on the steering column add some character and the tall glass house makes it feel more spacious than it is.

Ride & Handling: 4 4 4 4 4

The Twingo's a light car, and you can feel it the moment you move off thanks to the light controls. There's little feel from the steering wheel, but around town the lack of weight makes manoeuvring easy and it's only at higher speeds you wish for more communication. Ride comfort was clearly high on the engineers' list of priorities too, as the Twingo manages to smother most bumps thrown at it with ease.

The elevated seating position may seem a little inconvenient at first, but along with plenty of glazing it makes the Twingo easy to see out of - perfect for getting around congested cities. Break free of the city limits though and it's clear the Twingo is no sportscar, with plenty of roll around bends and noticeable ducking and diving under extreme braking and acceleration. But it isn't trying to be anything other than a city car, and the honesty in its reactions will soon have you revelling in every moment you drive it.

Engine & Transmission: 3 3 3 3 3

Along with every other control the gearbox is particularly light, but while it's easy enough to slice through the gate and swap into the desired gear, there's an annoying reluctance as each gear is engaged. It detracts from what is an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.

The engine's not the sharpest tool in the box either, and though it proves perfectly willing around town you need to work it incredibly hard when on the open road. Do so and refinement takes a tumble, and you soon learn to make use of what little midrange torque (peak of 107Nm) there is.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: 4 4 4 4 4

With only the Dynamique or Renaultsport trims to choose from, there's little to get confused about here. In general the Twingo is good value, the 1.2-litre Dynamique model starting at £10,550. For that you get electric windows, four airbags, cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, USB input and tinted rear windows. It is worth noting however that Electronic Stability Control (ESC) costs an extra £315.

At least the baby Renault scores for running costs, the 119g/km CO2 emissions making for annual road tax costs of only £30, while the 55.4mpg official economy figure means you'll be able to resist frequent visits to the pumps, despite the small 40-litre fuel tank.


Graeme Lambert - 11 Mar 2013



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2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.


2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 

2013 Renault Twingo. Image by Renault.
 






 

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