New Renault Twingo – rear-engined city car revival

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Before the original Mini revolutionised the market with its front-engined layout, it was almost inconceivable to design a small car any other way than to put the engine at the rear. Marking a return to this layout is the third-generation Renault Twingo, which was unveiled via an unusual “strip tweet” event where dancers peeled a piece of camouflage off the car every time a viewer sent in a tweet.

The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive design is undoubtedly the result of the manufacturer’s decision to collaborate with Daimler in developing the car – the Twingo’s underpinnings are set to also appear on the next-generation smart fortwo and forfour. Renault claims the layout gives the car “agile handling” as moving the engine freed up space in front, allowing engineers to push for a tighter turning circle.

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Previewed by not one, but two concept cars, the new Twingo’s design borrows heavily from Renault’s back catalog, notably the much-loved Renault 5. At the front is the now traditional Renault family face, with large headlights, a wide, narrow grille and a rather enormous diamond logo. Round LED daytime running lights appear underneath the grille, while a large air intake below gives the car a sort of wide grin.

The short overhangs and long wheelbase, another character brought on by the switch to the rear-engined layout, maximises interior space and gives the car a wide, planted stance. Prominent haunches tower over the wheels, which Renault claim is inspired by the 5 Turbo mid-engined rally special. The rear is dominated by a full-length glass tailgate, while flush tail lights flare out as a “natural prolongation of the tailgate”.

The Renault Twingo is five-door only at the moment – the first in the model’s history – and the rear door handles are hidden behind the pop-out rear side windows. Available in four colours, the car is further customisable with a swathe of exterior trim and decal options, a trend that’s quickly becoming the norm in this segment (including Renault’s own Clio).

Aside from the engine and drivetrain layout, there have been no technical details released so far. No interior shown either – Renault is planning to have another reveal at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Could a more powerful version (possibly previewed by the Twin’Run concept last year) be in the works? A rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Twingo R.S. could be quite a fireball…

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • kadajawi on Feb 14, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Should be a blast to drive, especially the hot hatch version that will undoubtedly follow (I hope they have the space for a proper hot engine…). I wonder how well it will drift…

    Having the engine in the rear should also help with safety, as there is no engine that can be pushed into the passenger area in a crash.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
    • policeman on Feb 14, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      Too bad they don’t have engine eject like Preve. This car sure no 5 stars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 10
      • kadajawi on Feb 15, 2014 at 1:55 pm

        Engine eject is there to create the situation that this car has by default.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • DatukPa on Feb 14, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    wow.. is it balanced??

    Cornering may loose control putting so much weight on Ass.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • gavin on Feb 14, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    rear engine, rear wheel drive, = drift machine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Absolutkev86 on Feb 16, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      if the power is enough or the wheels are not grippy. rear engine only adds weight to the rear tyres making them a lil harder to drift.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • spongewai on Feb 14, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    Twingo Twingo little Car
    How i wonder what you are inside the engine?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • rifle on Feb 14, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    kiiiuuutttttt :3

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • motorhead on Feb 14, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    Good job Renault… welcome back rear drive.. smart move.. economy + fun.. engine direct to rear wheels. All classic sports cars are rear drive.. Welcome drifting. .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • tklim on Feb 14, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    so badass i dont even bother proton gsc anymore

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
  • ‘Could a more powerful version (possibly previewed by the Twin’Run concept last year) be in the works?’

    Renault already announced a new ‘Gordini’-Twingo with 120hp and DSG or manual gearbox.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • kadajawi on Feb 15, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Up the power to 200 hp and make it compete with the GT86…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • looks like proton savvy!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
 

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