Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo
by Dan Roth on Mar 6th 2007 at 3:02AM 
click the picture above for a gallery
Continuing on its established theme of versatility and efficient use of space is the new Renault Twingo, set to be unveiled today in Geneva. This is the production version of the recent Twingo Concept, and it hasn't been watered down very much for production. As we suspected, the panoramic roof didn't make the cut, but overall, it's quite close to what we saw in Paris. The central gauge pod the Twingo introduced to the world makes a repeat appearance outfitted with digital displays. The analog tach attached firmly to the steering column (what, no hose clamp?) is a nice touch. The little A-segment Twingo should be a hoot to drive, if only we here in the States were lucky enough to see city cars. The top powerplant will be a 100-hp 1.2 liter four cylinder turbo, and although this Twingo gains a little bit in some dimensions, it should offer good entertainment value.
[Source: km77]
Small cars don't have to be penalty boxes, and the Twingo delivers on that front as well with a nicely carved out interior space for four keisters. Luxury touches like leather upholstery, climate control, and connectivity for digital devices are there to keep you entertained as you whisk down the Champs-Elysees. Our team in Geneva will be able to seek out and ogle the new Twingo in the flesh, which is closer than most of us US residents will get to this thoughtfully packaged little runabout. If cars like the Twingo were more popular here in the US (and if Renault still sold cars in this market), we postulate that it would ease some of our urban gridlock. These vehicles are small and maneuverable, while also pleasant to be in and pilot. They're far more practical in cities, where you don't need that big honkin' thing most of the time, yet they're also capable of getting up on the motorway and stretching their legs if you get some wanderlust. The Twingo's lineage of innovation seems to pay off in the latest iteration, and we're especially fond of the GT trim – more small cars with "big car" features and unafraid styling would be welcome. Alas, we'll have to continue to look across the Atlantic for now.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 4:39AM (3/06/2007)
Maybe it's because it is 3.30AM CST and everyone is tired, but the pictures of the blue Twingo clearly show a two-pane, panoramic sunroof.
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Howard Kerr 7:45AM (3/06/2007)
Look at pix of the first gen. Twingo and then the second gen. Twingo....this is what the latest European pedestrian safety regulations have done to car styling.
As far as the "panoramic" roof, perhaps the concept car had a fixed, one piece "glass roof", that for the production car has morphed into a two piece, sliding panel, sunroof? It wouldn't be much of a small French car without some kind of roof opening.
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mj 12:22PM (3/06/2007)
Doh! Screwed up title, please edit:
"Say hello to my little French friend!"
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mj 12:23PM (3/06/2007)
I don't understand the new Euro crash requirements. This car would bounce off of most Americans.
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C. McFeeny 3:20PM (3/06/2007)
Looks a lot like the Scion xA/xD.
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