Renault sports new Twingo hot hatch

What is it?

The Twingo Renaultsport 133 is the new entry-level model in the expanding Renaultsport line-up. Like the Clio and Mégane versions it represents the sportiest model in the range aimed at enthusiasts and keener drivers. The 133 indicates the car's maximum power (in PS).

Though most Renaultsport cars are designed with hard driving and even track days in mind, the Twingo is likely to appeal to a younger audience more interested in the Renaultsport (RS) styling add-ons and performance as they are in its on the limit handling. With that in mind Renault will offer two distinct versions to cater for different tastes. Alongside the standard Twingo RS, buyers have the option of a Cup version, which, along with snazzy 17-inch wheels, receives a raft of chassis changes designed to give the Twingo even sharper responses and keener on the limit behaviour.

Along with significant suspension and styling revisions, the RS Twingo is differentiated from its lesser siblings by the fitment of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine that has been tuned to deliver 131bhp and 118lb.ft of torque. In the relatively lightweight Twingo the result is 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

Is it any good?

Given that the majority of buyer of the Twingo Renaultsport are not very likely to take the car on many track days it's surprising just how capable Renault has made its new baby hot hatch. The chassis revisions are noteworthy, including a significant increase in track at both ends, a lower ride height and lighter components. The Twingo corners with remarkably little body roll and turns in keenly. Front-end grip is impressive too and a quick acting ESP system tidies up any rear-end movement resulting from a sudden lift mid-corner.

The regular car manages to maintain a modicum of comfort as well, though in comparison to the Cup car takes a fraction longer to settle into a corner and rolls a little more. Keen drivers with access to decent roads will love the Cup, as it feels even more agile and more driver focused. The downside is that its ride is significantly harder with a resultant loss in passenger comfort.

Brakes are shared between the cars and they withstood sustained usage on twisty Portuguese roads without a hint of fade and the brake pedal itself is well weighted. Likewise, the steering offers the right amount of assistance and an acceptable amount of feedback too, while the five-speed gearbox is as slick as you could hope for. Our only criticism of the Twingo RS from a driver's perspective is the lack of reach adjustment of the new four-spoke steering wheel, which tends to emphasise the high and upright seating position, despite the standard fitment of new Renaultsport seats.

Should I call the bank manager?

You shouldn't need to see a bank manager to get loan clearance for the Twingo RS, as it retails at a very reasonable £11,500. That compares favourably with the Suzuki Swift Sport and though Fiat has yet to announce UK pricing for the 500 Abarth, the Twingo RS already undercuts the mainland Europe price of that car by a large margin.

Before agreeing on a sum to borrow you should take a close look at the options list, as it's clear that Renault expects its customers to customise their Twingo. There are loads of Renaultsport decal options, including custom key fobs and interior badging, but the one extra cost item that perhaps shows who Renault expects to buy the car are the 'power pads', which replace the standard aluminium pedals with new logoed versions with a 'play' symbol on the accelerator, 'stop' on the brake and 'pause' on the clutch. It's a little cheesy, but in keeping with the fun character of the car. At just £80 we suspect there'll be plenty of takers too. The upgrade to the Cup car is a reasonable £650, which includes the much nicer 17-inch alloy wheels.

Summary

The Renaultsport badge is already synonymous with driver focused hot hatches, especially so in Britain, the largest market for the brand, so it was potentially a risk to develop an RS version of the Twingo city hatch. However, Renaultsport has done a good job, creating a car significantly different to the regular versions of the Twingo and one that is as good to drive as it is to look at. That buyers of the Twingo Renaultsport won't care so much about its prowess on track as other Renaultsport buyers might is insignificant, as it's a good car at a great price.

Shane O' Donoghue