Renault's Z Alert On Twingo


This is the car which reveals Renault's plans to steal sales away from the MINI. The cute concept, to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, is the biggest hint yet as to what the next-generation Twingo will look like when it comes to the UK in 2007.

Codenamed Z17, the show car's tight proportions and unusually shaped glass areas are reminiscent of the current Twingo which, although a massive hit on the Continent, was never officially imported into Britain.

While the production version will provide seating for five, the Z17 has a more unusual cabin layout. Renault says that, on average, cars carry only 1.4 people - but, as offering only two seats would reduce practicality, the concept has room for three.

Extra luggage space is provided instead of a fourth chair. However, the production Twingo will be much more conventional, taking its styling cues from the manufacturer's current Modus supermini-MPV and the next-generation Clio, which Auto Express revealed in issue 838. The showroom version will be sold alongside its supermini sibling, but is to be marketed as a fashionable rival to BMW's MINI. As a result, practicality won't be the top priority, and buyers can expect to see plenty of quirky design features inside and out, to create a more adventurous feel.

Extra luggage space is provided instead of a fourth chair.

Renault at the Paris Motor Show will present the Twingo concept — a replacement to the Panda compact car. The three-door hatch will be powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with output around 100 horsepower. The car features frameless windows — visible when the doors are open — and a panoramic glass roof. The concept interior features four bucket seats, though the production version will probably have a more standard seating configuration. Up front, the center console has a number of electronic interfaces, including a standard USB port. A television and computer are also featured. The exterior is likely very close to the production vehicle, minus the unusual color scheme.

Renault has taken the wraps off of its new Twingo Renault Sport. The small, performance-minded hatch will fit in along side the Cilo and Mégane Renault Sport. The Twingo Renault Sport is based on the Twingo Concept shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The Twingo Renault Sport features a specially tuned chassis that is said to be tuned to provide precise, balanced sports handling, but still capable to handle everyday driving duties.

Power for the hot-hatch is provided by a 1.6L four-cylinder, producing 133 horsepower. Renault failed to mention any performance numbers, but the car's low curb weight should make for some driving excitement.

Unfortunately, the Twingo Renault Sport will be for Euro-consumption only.

The Twingo Renault Sport will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.