Car review: Renault Twingo

View our Renault Twingo slide show

The Renault Twingo name might be a new one to the UK, but its predecessor sold in huge numbers on the Continent when it launched in the early 1990s.

This model, built as a low-cost competitor to the likes of the Fiat Panda, sits below the ever-expanding Clio and Modus mini-MPV in Renault's range.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor 

1. Looks
The funky Renault Twingo is the spiritual successor to the old Renault 5 – a tiny, angular econobox from the 1980s. And that's no bad thing – the Five sold in its thousands to those seeking tiny hatchbacks oozing European flair. Two models are currently available: the cutesy Dynamique and the sporty GT (a RenaultSport hot hatch will be available soon), and both have a very different look. The Dynamique has a doe-eyed face, with its curvy front bumper, while the GT version sports silver 'GT' logo'd inserts and plastic meshing in the bumper vents. Both models come with 15-inch alloys, albeit in different styles, depending on the model.

8/10

2. Looks inside
When it comes to the Renault Twingo's interior, think Smart Fortwo. There's funky dials, with a small rev counter in front of the driver, and a central cluster which houses the huge digital speedo and smaller fuel gauge and radio display. It's clear and easy to read, although the separate rev counter left our road tester struggling at where to look at first. The seats are comfortable, and the GT model has grey upholstery with orange stitching and embossed squares – all very stylish. However, the cheap chic which harks back to the Renault 5 falls a little short because there's just too much scratchy grey plastic around.

6/10

3. Practicality
Given the diminutive size of the tiny Renault Twingo, there's a surprising amount of room. The boot is a dinky 230-litres, however the rear seats slide forward creating more room depending on whether boot space or legroom is required. There's the usual array of storage spaces up front, including a space behind the speedometer for sunglasses – although leaving valuables exposed here could pose a security risk.

7/10

4. Ride and Handling
With a wheel on each corner, the Renault Twingo couldn't be left wanting in the fun factor if it tried. Its not quite as good as we'd hoped, and the Clio is more fun. That said, body roll is well controlled, and there's a good amount of feedback through the steering wheel. There's plenty of grip, allowing the driver to throw it into corners without fear of the back breaking away and resulting in a spin. The GT model has stiffer suspension than the entry-level Dynamique, but the ride is rarely uncomfortable.

8/10

5. Performance
Don’t be fooled by the GT badge and the turbocharger – it's nowhere near as quick as the iconic Renault 5 GT Turbo. That model had a 1.4-litre engine, while the Twingo has a dinky 1.2. It's a buzzy little engine that offers more thrills than you'd expect from its size. Unsurprisingly it can get a little noisy at motorway speeds, but it offers enough pace to more than keep up with fast-lane traffic. Renault claims it produces the power of a 1.4 and the pulling power of a 1.6. A 75bhp version of the same engine – albeit without a turbocharger – is offered in the Dynamique model. Headline figures are 0-62mph in 12 and 9.8 seconds and top speeds of 106 and 117mph for the Dynamique and GT respectively.

8/10

View our Renault Twingo slide show

6. Running Costs
The Renault Twingo should prove to be fairly cheap to run. Insurance groups of 3 and 5, and emissions of 135 and 140g/km (£120 a year) see to that. Renault says the GT's emissions are the lowest of any car producing 100bhp, and despite punching above its weight when it comes to power, its 47.8mpg (average) is on par with other 1.2s. The Dynamique is more frugal, returning an average of 49.5mpg. Renault has designed the Twingo with impact-absorbing bumpers to reduce repair costs. Both models have a three year/60,000 mile warranty and the Dynamique only needs to see a garage once every 18,000 for an oil change, while the GT's variable service schedule means it'll go in around 12,000 mile intervals.

However, at almost £8,400 for the Dynamique and £9,995 for the GT, the Renault Twingo is very expensive. The Fiat Panda is cheaper (although the GT-rivalling 100HP is a little dearer), while the Citroen C2 is a bit of a bargain when cashback offers are taken into account. And the larger Renault Clio can be bought in a similar spec with a bit of haggling at the dealership.

7/10

7. Reliability
It's still too early to say how well the Renault Twingo will stand up to abuse. The interior seems robust and well screwed together, while the 1.2-litre engine is unlikely to get thrashed around town.

8/10

8. Safety
Given the Renault Twingo's compact dimensions, a four-out-of-five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests is pretty good. Four airbags come as standard: driver, passenger and front side, with a further two curtain 'bags available as an option. It offers ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) will be available later.

8/10

9. Equipment
Renault say the Twingo features a longer list of standard equipment than many of its rivals. Standard equipment on the Dynamique models includes: 15-inch alloys, front foglights, independent sliding rear seats, height-adjustable steering wheel, a CD player, electric front windows, remote central locking and four airbags.

The Renault Twingo GT adds a leather steering wheel and gearknob, air-con, automatic headlights and wipers, GT-branded bodywork trims and a rear spoiler, tinted glass and 'see me home' headlamps.

8/10

10. X-Factor
The Renault Twingo is an accomplished city car, which has plenty of French flair, and it acquits itself well on the open road. But it needs a little more character to bring it to the best in its class.

8/10

View our Renault Twingo slide show