Share

The littlest Renault is back in town!

PARIS, France - Renault says its new Twingo has revived the spirit of the model’s original version and embodies the ‘play’ petal of the company's design strategy. No argument from us...

It was designed in keeping with the spirit previewed by the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars which were revealed in the first half of 2013 and the lines and fun elements are shown off in a series of clever and original images that other companies could well try to emulate with their photographers.

Hell, a car in an old factory is so old hat, guys - check our Twingo image gallery, shot while the Twingo was on a European tour - now many cities can YOU identify?

SPOILSPORT RENAULT SA

Renault says the car's colourful and playful personality drew its inspiration from the legacy of its predecessors. “Colour abounds, inside and out, even down to the different storage solutions throughout the cabin.”

Renault SA, however, says  the Twingo is not being considered for the local market in 2015 and doubts that the car will arrive here at all. Pity...

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Renault Twingo

The lastest Twingo has compact proportions; its short nose and the positioning of its wheels at the extreme corners is made for agile handling. It's 3.59m long, 10cm less than the previous version, but has a 2.45m wheelbase.

• The four vibrant ‘pop’ colours available for the model’s launch are blue, red, yellow and white.
• Light blue, black and brown are still available.
• Not a single shade of grey features in the catalogue.

NEW FACE

The new Twingo’s frontal design has all the brand’s styling cues, among them a bold Renault logo set into a black background, but it also forms a face which expresses the same cheeky personality as the original Twingo, says Renault. Here's how:

• Creased bonnet flanked by headlights topped by indicators that resemble eyelids.
• Round daytime running lights make four luminous points.
• The broad, low air-intake provides an expressive smile.

Renault’s head of industrial design, Laurens van den Acker, said: “The new Renault Twingo was inspired not only by the original Twingo but also by the Renault 5. It's a modern take on the city car theme with the accent on innovation in terms of its lines and architecture.

"The car is a fun, playful, vibrant city car. It's ultra-manoeuvrable, roomy and immensely practical. You’ll be itching to get behind the wheel and take it out for a drive.” Unless you live in SA, of course...

FIVE DOORS!

The automaker claims a signature feature is the shoulder line which extends the full length of the body and becomes even more prominent as it passes over the wheel arches. Depending on the version, it is highlighted by a decal graphic.

For the first time in the model’s history, the Twingo comes with five doors to make the car even more versatile. Depending on the version, the car sits on 15 or 16" rims; body-colour bumpers are standard and three equipment levels available, along with a Sport Pack.

Renault says that, thanks to a wide choice of body colours, exterior graphics and interior trim, the Twingo can be configured to suit all tastes from ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’, to ‘zen’, ‘sporty’ or even ‘vintage’, with graphics inspired by the Renault 5 (based on lines and stripes).

EXTERIOR PERSONALISATION...

• The door mirror housings, grille trim and lateral side protective moulding inserts can be specified in blue, red or grey.
• Six body graphics accentuate the car’s lines: ‘White pinstriping’, ‘black pinstriping’, ‘Sport Pack’, ‘Vintage’ and ‘Way’ (black or white).

A power-operated fabric sunroof is also available, providing front and rear occupants with a 71cm-long, 68cm-wide aperture.

CABIN PERSONALISATION...

• White instrument cluster contour, air vents and steering-wheel inserts are available in a choice of three other colours: black, red, blue.
• A choice of two finishes – ‘golf ball’ or smooth paint – for the instrument cluster contour (blue, white, black or red).
• The removable bin and the textile bag, which form part of the Flexicase package, add touches of colour inside the cabin, coordinated with the chosen upholstery pattern.

Aren't you sorry Renault SA is keeping you away from all this colour and fun? Tell us in an email why the local office should / should not cheer us all up and well publish your thoughts. Email us and we'll publish your thoughts or use the Readers' Comments section below...

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE