New Renault Twingo Unveiled

A longstanding player in the small car segment, Renault has sold more than 2.4 million Twingos since the model's launch in April 1993. The release of New Twingo, which will go on sale in June 2007, forms part of Renault Commitment 2009 and the introduction of 26 new cars, including 13 aimed at conquering new markets. New Twingo boosts Renault's presence in the small car segment alongside Clio Campus, Modus and Clio III.

Thanks to its chassis derived from the B-segment and a powertrain range featuring the new TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) 100hp petrol engine, which offers class-leading performance and fuel consumption, New Twingo's superior dynamics set it apart from its predecessor. New Twingo also targets a broader, more international clientele thanks to the distinctly dynamic styling of the GT version and the robust lines of the other versions, plus the availability for the first time of right-hand drive models for the British market and the introduction of a benchmark 1.5 dCi diesel engine.

New Twingo stands out as a further illustration of Renault's know-how in the domain of optimizing cabin space and interior versatility, by making full use of the car’s compact dimensions (length: 3.60m). The interior is extremely modular thanks to its four independent sliding seats. Meanwhile, New Twingo's boot volume is the biggest in its segment, ranging from 165 to 285 litres (VDA) with all four seats in place and extendable to a full 959 litres with a two-seater layout. With the front passenger seatback tipped forward, New Twingo can even carry loads of up to 2.15m in length.

Communicative and occupant-friendly, New Twingo features an Audio Connection Box (in UK we will be calling this system ‘multi-functional TunePoint’) which enables personal music collections stored on USB keys, portable MP3 players or iPods® to be played through the car's audio system and operated via the steering wheel-mounted controls. Twingo is also available with hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls complete with 'hold' function for safer motoring.

In keeping with the "my Twingo" philosophy, buyers can customize their new car – inside and out – thanks to a range of decorative decals for the exterior and a selection of innovative accessories such as the Organizer Box and Makeup Box for the interior.

Safety was at the forefront of the New Twingo design team's priorities. Their work covers all aspects of this key area, from positive, predictable roadholding and accident prevention systems to occupant protection in case of impact. New Twingo's robust construction, braking and suspension performance, ergonomics and equipment from the next segment up put the car at the top end of the small city car segment in terms of safety and ensure its ability to pass even the most stringent crash tests. Numerous comfort and safety features not previously available for Twingo have also been introduced, including lateral airbags, automatic climate control, cruise control/speed limiter, height-adjustable steering wheel and automatic headlamp activation, etc.

New Twingo is nonetheless very affordable, both to buy and to run. Powered by the 1.5 dCi engine, it combines miserly fuel consumption and equally low CO2 emissions of 113g/km. Indeed, CO2 emissions do not exceed 140g/km even with the most powerful engine and New Twingo makes a valuable contribution to the '120-140g/km of CO2' pledge of Renault Commitment 2009.

New Twingo is the first model to be renewed within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009 and had to meet an extremely exacting brief in terms of quality and profitability. The new car will be produced at the Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia.