Renault introduces eco² version of Twingo, 104 g/km CO₂

Renault has announced a new high efficiency, low CO₂ variant of its Twingo mini-car in France called the eco². The Twingo eco² is powered by a 1.5L four cylinder diesel engine putting out 85 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. So equipped, the Twingo eco² is claimed to get 58.8 mpg (US) on the European combined cycle and emit only 104 g/km of carbon dioxide. That's well below the 120 g/km threshold required to qualify for various tax incentives in several places in Europe as well as bypass congestion charges in some cities. Renault has apparently tuned this new Twingo with sporty handling to make it fun to drive. The base price of the Twingo eco² in France is €14,850.

[Source: Renault]

December 9, 2008
TWINGO dCi 85 eco2
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE, LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION

Building on the success of Twingo, which stands out as the best-selling car of its
category in France and one of its category's three best-sellers in Europe, Renault
has extended the city car's catalogue of diesel engines to include the dCi 85.
Twingo dCi 85 eco2 combines enhanced performance and driving pleasure with low
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It joins the range alongside the dCi 65,
delivering additional power (+20hp/15kW) and torque (200Nm, up 40Nm), yet CO2
emissions are a mere 104g/km, equivalent to combined cycle fuel consumption of
4.0 litres/100km. The dCi 85 engine is available for both the Dynamique and GT
versions of Twingo and sales are due to start in France on January, with prices
starting from €14,850.

Performance and punch
Given the high proportion that dCi engines account for regarding its A- and B-segment
sales in Europe (49% of Renault sales in these categories since January 2008), Renault
has decided to extend its line-up of diesel engines for Twingo to include the dCi 85.
Compared with the dCi 65, the dCi 85 represents a power increase of 20hp (15kW) to
85hp (62kW) at 3,750rpm. It is also equipped with a low inertia turbo which offers
response and motoring enjoyment from low engine speeds in all traffic situations. Peak
torque is also in the high bracket for an A-segment vehicle at 200Nm (18.9mkg) which is
available from 1,750rpm. This 1,461cc powerplant features second-generation 1,600-bar
common-rail injection which guarantees even more precise control of combustion quality
and fuel consumption. Last but not least, the dCi 85 engine is widely acclaimed for its fuel
efficiency and acoustic performance, thanks notably to its flexible flywheel which filters out
the effects of acyclic movements.
The dCi 85 engine joins Twingo's existing range of five engines:
- four petrol engines: the 1.2 60hp, the 1.2 16V 75hp, the TCe 100 (Twingo GT only)
and the 1.6 16V 133hp (Twingo Renault Sport only).
- one diesel engine: the dCi 65.

Low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
The dCi 85 has already been widely praised under the bonnet of Clio, Modus and
Mégane, and today it ensures an unrivalled trade-off between performance and low fuel
consumption at an affordable price in the case of Twingo dCi 85. Indeed, CO2 emissions
are a low 104g/km, which is equivalent to combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.0
litres/100km. Not only is this respectful of the environment but it also makes the car more
economical to run for its owner. Such a low level of CO2 emissions enables customers to
benefit, too, from the different 'eco' incentives that have been introduced in certain
European countries. These can vary from €700 in France to 15% of the purchase price in
Belgium, in addition to which habitants of the latter's Wallonia region can benefit from a
further reduction of €1,000.
Twingo dCi 85 eco2 complies with all three of the criteria necessary to qualify for the
Renault eco2 hallmark.

Suspension engineered for driving pleasure
The dCi 85 engine brings out the best in Twingo's punchy performance credentials thanks
to the model's sound, balanced chassis which ensures safe, sprightly and comfortable
handling. Indeed, Twingo dCi 85 eco2 is as enjoyable to drive in and about town as it is on
longer journeys, while the GT version provides a sportier ride which in no way detracts
from the car's inherent outstanding comfort.

Exceptionally practical
Twingo dCi 85 eco2 is available in two versions: Dynamique and GT (depending on
market). These two equipment levels both feature a specific dynamic front bumper, while
the GT version is recognizable by its satin-finish grey lip spoiler and chrome exhaust tail-
pipe. Twingo dCi 85 features independent, sliding rear seats which ensure unmatched
cabin space, comfort and modularity for the A segment.

Twingo, market leader in France and one of the three best-selling cars of its
category in Europe
Launched in June 2007, Twingo is available in 18 west-European countries and its sales
continue to grow in Europe. With a total of 108,000 cars sold since January 2008,
Twingo's share of the west-European market is almost 10%, which is double the same
figure for 2006. Sales have effectively increased by 55% in the course of the year's first 10
months, while the segment itself has grown by 17%. Twingo equally stands out as the
uncontested leader of its segment in France with a share of 30%.

Twingo is also turning its attention to international markets and the month of November
saw its introduction into both Japan and South Africa.

Twingo dCi 85 eco2 prices (in France, price-list 2177)
- Dynamique: €14,850
- GT: €15,700

Equipment list (France)

Dynamique =
Front and side front airbags,
Manual climate control,
Rev-counter,
Power steering,
Height-adjustable driver's seat and steeringwheel,
Electric front windows,
Independent sliding rear seats with headrests,
Body colour electric exterior mirrors,
Look Pack (dynamic bumper and black headlamp masks),
Foglamps,
40W radio-CD with fingertip remote control and incorporated display.

GT = Dynamique equipment level, plus:
GT chassis,
Body colour side protective mouldings,
GT sill,
Satin-finish grey rear lip spoiler,
Rain and light sensors,
Chrome exhaust tail-pipe,
Ashtray and cigarette lighter,
15-inch aluminium alloy wheels,
One-touch front electric windows,
Radio-CD with MP3 playback,
Extra-tinted rear glass,
Leather steeringwheel and gear lever knob.

Twingo dCi 85 eco2 options (prices in France):
- Curtain airbags: €250,
- Removable ashtray (Dynamique version): €30€ (standard on Twingo GT),
- Automatic climate control: €380,
- ESP: €300,
- 15-inch aluminium alloy wheels (Dynamique version): €500 (standard on Twingo
GT),
- Metallic paint: €400,
- Radio-CD with MP3 playback and remote display (Dynamique version): €120
(standard on GT version),
- Cruise control with speed limiter: €250,
- Forward-tipping front passenger seatback to form table: €150,
- Electric opening panoramic sunroof: €700,
- Extra-tinted rear glass (Dynamique version): €200 (standard on GT).

Twingo dCi 85 eco2 accessories (prices in France):
- Dashboard mat (charcoal, blue or green): €32,
- Organizer Box (charcoal, blue or green): €22,
- Bluetooth® * hands-free telephone controls: €320 (including fitment),
- Parrot 3100V2 hands-free kit: €220 (including fitment),
- Audio Connexion Box*: €219 (including fitment),
- Nomade Takara GP39 3DV2 GPS: €199,
- Personalized key housings: €9,
- A wide range of exterior decorative graphics (chequer, white stripes, tattoo, poppy,
etc.).
* subject to compatibility with the radio


Technical data – Twingo dCi 85 eco2

ENGINE
Type K9K
Transmission Five-speed manual gearbox
Renault eco² signature Yes
Depollution standard Euro 4
Displacement (cc) 1,461
Bore x stroke (mm) 76 x 80.5
Number of cylinders / valves 4 (in-line) / 8
Compression ratio 17.9:1


Maximum power kW EEC (hp DIN, to nearest
whole figure), at (rpm) 62 (85) at 3,750
Maximum torque Nm CEE, at (rpm) 200 at 1,750
Injection Direct, common-rail + multi-
injection
Fuel type Diesel
Catalytic converter Standard






















GEARBOX
Type JR5 193
Number of forward speeds 5
Speed at 1,000rpm in 1st gear 8.69
in 2nd gear 15.82
in 3rd gear 24.51
in 4th gear 33.34
in 5th gear 42.83
TYRES
Tyres Dynamique: 175/70 R14
GT: 185/55 R15
PERFORMANCE
CdA 0.680
Top speed (kph) 180
0-100kph (s) 11.00
400m standing start (s) 17.60
1,000m standing start (s) 33.10
FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100km, 99/100/CE)
CO2 emissions (g/km) 104
Urban cycle 4.8
Extra-urban cycle 3.5
Combined cycle 4.0
FUEL TANK
Fuel tank capacity (litres) 40
WEIGHT (kg)
Unladen kerb weight 980
Unladen kerb weight – front 635
Unladen kerb weight – rear 345
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) 1,420
Gross train weight (GTW) 1,770