Renault Twin'Z
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1993 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | City cars (subcompact cars) |
First Generation (1993)
Introduced in April 1993, the original Twingo was available in European left-hand drive markets until August 2007, undergoing design updates in 1998, 2000, and 2004. Its styling bore a noticeable resemblance to the initial Honda Today, particularly in its overall silhouette and the headlamps partially integrated within the front bumper.
Development
Guided by Renault’s chief stylist Patrick Le Quément, the Twingo originated from the W60 initiative started under Gaston Juchet, which aimed to replace the Renault 4 with a compact minivan. Le Quément chose a Jean-Pierre Ploué design for production, extending the prototype and incorporating a unique “smile” on the front fascia. The interior layout featured a centrally positioned console to optimize cabin space. The design philosophy was influenced by Renault’s involvement in the 1981–1984 'Mono-Box' ECO 2000 project, a collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën and the French Government.
The first-generation Twingo was equipped with an electronic central instrument cluster that displayed speed, fuel level, time, odometer, and trip meter, all operated via a stalk-mounted button. Warning indicators were located behind the steering wheel. The rear bench offered a sliding function to adjust between luggage capacity and passenger legroom, while the parcel shelf was attached to the tailgate, lifting together or clipping onto the rear window.
Engines
At launch, it featured an eight-valve 1.15-litre engine delivering , with a 16-valve variant introduced in 2000.
Manufacturing took place at Renault’s Flins Renault Factory from inception until June 2007. Production also occurred in Taiwan, Spain, Colombia, and Uruguay between 1999 and 2002. In Colombia, assembly continued until June 2012 under the Sofasa group exclusively for local sales.
- Twingo I Safety
Euro NCAP scores:
- Adult occupant protection: , rating 23
- Pedestrian safety: , rating 11
Timeline
The Twingo debuted in April 1993 with a single trim level and four exterior hues: coral red, Indian yellow, coriander green, and ultramarine blue, priced at 55,000FF (approximately €8,400). By June 1994, additional colours and minor interior revisions were introduced along with optional electric windows, mirrors, and remote keyless entry. October 1994 saw the launch of the Twingo Easy model featuring an automated clutch paired with a manual gearbox.
In September 1995, special editions appeared along with optional airbags. July 1996 brought a new 1149 cc engine sourced from the Renault Clio, replacing the older Renault 5 unit. The Twingo Matic, equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, was also introduced alongside enhancements such as a third brake light.
The first significant redesign arrived in 1998 with updated interior trim and dashboard; front and rear lighting units were refreshed by integrating orange indicators into headlamp assemblies, and frontal crash safety was improved. Shortly after, the premium Twingo Initiale variant was launched.
The second major facelift took place in September 2000 featuring larger 14-inch wheels, redesigned door panels with increased storage pockets, a black trunk release lever, and front cup holders. December of that year introduced a new 1.2-litre SOHC 16-valve D-series engine producing 75 hp. In April 2001, Renault rolled out the Quickshift automated manual gearbox. Further refinements came in September 2002 with updated interior materials and new wheel covers.
In Japan, initial distribution was handled by Yanase Co., Ltd., but following Renault’s acquisition of shares in Nissan during Nissan’s financial difficulties in 1999, Yanase ended its agreement in 2000. Nissan became the sole distributor thereafter, selling Twingos through Nissan Red Stage Store outlets. Despite Japan’s right-hand drive preference, only left-hand drive Twingos were offered locally with adapted headlights.
The third major update occurred in September 2004 adding a Renault badge on the tailgate, side protective strips, and fresh paint options. Production of the first-generation Twingo ceased in France on 28 June 2007 after manufacturing 2,478,648 units; assembly persisted in Colombia until June 2012. In total, approximately 2.6 million units of this generation were built.
Limited Runs
The initial Twingo generation included various limited-run editions, featuring collaborations with luxury brands such as Perrier, Benetton, L'Oréal, and Kenzo. It also incorporated artistic inspirations from works like Metropolis, Grease, and Tintin.
Twingo Lecoq Edition
Produced in extremely limited numbers, the Renault Twingo Lecoq was crafted by the independent firm Carrosserie Lecoq, with fewer than 50 units built.
Electric Conversion
Normandy-based French company Lormauto presented an electric retrofit kit for the Renault Twingo 1 at both the 2022 Paris Motor Show and the 2024 Paris Motor Show. This certified conversion is currently available through the car rental service UCAR.
Second Generation (2007)
Following the presentation of a concept model at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile, Renault officially introduced the production version of the Twingo II at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. French market trims comprised Authentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique, and GT. Constructed on the Renault Clio II platform, it offered enhanced crash safety features and came in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive variants. Initial manufacturing took place in France before shifting to the Revoz facility in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show#2008, Renault unveiled the Twingo Renaultsport 133, equipped with a new 1.6L engine. This variant remained in production until August 2013.
A refreshed model was revealed at the July 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring Renault’s contemporary design elements, including updated front and rear fascias as well as redesigned lighting assemblies.
The Twingo RS Gordini attracted media spotlight during a Top Gear review, demonstrating its nimble handling in urban environments despite some notable on-screen mishaps.
On March 16, 2011, Parkers awarded the Renault Twingo as "best city car," highlighting its strong position in the segment.
In the UK market, special editions included models such as Twingo Renaultsport Gordini, Gordini TCe 100, Bizu, Pzaz, Silverstone GP, Miss Sixty, and Red Bull RB7 editions.
In Japan, Nissan obtained licensing rights and retailed the Twingo II exclusively through Nissan Store outlets.
- Safety Ratings for Twingo II
According to Euro NCAP:
- Adult occupant protection: , scoring 28 points (tested without optional curtain airbags)
- Pedestrian protection: , scoring 11 points
Engine Options
| Petrol Engines | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque | CO2 Emissions | |
| 1.2 D7F | Inline-4 | 1149 cc | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 5250 rpm | 93 N⋅m (69 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 132 g/km | |
| 1.2 D4F | Inline-4 | 1149 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5500 rpm | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm | 135 g/km | |
| 1.2 GT (turbo) | Inline-4 | 1149 cc | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) at 5500 rpm | 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm | 140 g/km | |
| 1.6 RS | Inline-4 | 1598 cc | 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) at 6750 rpm | 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 4400 rpm | 160 g/km | |
| Diesel Engine | ||||||
| Model | Engine Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque | CO2 Emissions | |
| 1.5 dCi | Inline-4 | 1461 cc | 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) at 4000 rpm | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1700 rpm | 94 g/km | |
Third Generation (2014)
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, the third-generation Renault Twingo arrived as a five-door hatchback featuring a rear mid-engine paired with rear-wheel drive. This iteration was developed jointly with Daimler’s third-generation Smart Fortwo and second-generation Smart Forfour, all produced at Renault’s Novo Mesto facility in Slovenia. Production of this generation ended in June 2024.
Beginning production in May 2014, this Twingo version offered petrol powertrains, including a 0.9 L turbocharged and a 1.0 L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine from Nissan’s HR series, coupled with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The design focused on delivering compact urban mobility through an innovative drivetrain layout that maximized cabin space and improved handling characteristics. Its primary market was European cities, where nimbleness and fuel economy are highly valued.
The design team led by Csaba Wittinger and Raphaël Linari underscored Renault’s commitment to collaboration with Daimler, aiming to lower development expenses and broaden market presence via shared platforms while preserving distinct brand qualities and performance expectations.
Design and Development
In March 2010, Renault and Daimler initiated "Project Edison," a joint venture to create a common platform for compact city cars for both brands. The Edison architecture was engineered to support either internal combustion engines or electric motors as primary propulsion sources.
The initial products built on this platform were the third-generation Twingo and the second-generation Smart Forfour. Research and development costs were equally split, with Renault concentrating on engine development and Daimler focusing on transmission systems.
Each company sought to maintain unique styling cues; Renault drew inspiration from the Renault 5 and original Twingo models, reflected in design elements such as the signature "smile" grille. Relocating the engine to the rear allowed for increased passenger room and enabled an impressive 45° steering lock for enhanced urban agility. At launch, the vehicle was available in four color variants reminiscent of the first Twingo.
In January 2019, Renault refreshed the Twingo’s appearance with updated front-end styling, revised interior and exterior details, and introduced a base 1.0 L engine option. Due to diminishing sales in the UK market (877 units sold in 2018), Renault UK ceased offering the right-hand drive version.
Technical Specifications
The third-generation Twingo measured approximately 10 mm shorter than its predecessor, the Twingo II. Its rear-engine configuration improved maneuverability and cabin volume but resulted in decreased boot space. The suspension setup consisted of MacPherson struts at the front and a De Dion tube at the rear. Unlike earlier three-door versions, this model adopted a five-door body style.
Braking systems included ventilated discs upfront and drum brakes at the rear, except for the entry-level SCe 70 variant which utilized drum brakes on all wheels. The bonnet featured a restricted opening mechanism designed specifically for accessing fluid reservoirs and the battery.
Features
At launch, four trim levels were available: Expression, Play, Dynamique, and Dynamique S, all offering various customization possibilities. Later on, "Energy" trims were added to the range. Connectivity options included smartphone integration through an instrument panel cradle (R&Go) alongside an infotainment system known as R-Link. The sport-oriented GT variant was introduced in November 2016.
Safety
The standard safety equipment featured tyre pressure monitoring, seatbelt alert systems, and a total of eight airbags, including four side airbags protecting the head and chest areas. In 2014, this model achieved a four-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Engines
At launch, the engine options consisted of three-cylinder petrol units: a 0.9-litre turbocharged variant and a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine. Both were installed at a 49° incline to optimize luggage space by positioning them low in the chassis. November 2016 saw the addition of the more potent TCe 110 petrol engine specifically for the Twingo GT.
| Engine | Code | Displacement | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | Combined consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||||
| SCe 70 | H4D 400 | 999 cc | 51 kilowatts (69 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 91 newton-metres (67 lb⋅ft) at 2,850 rpm | 151 kilometres per hour (94 mph) | 14.5 s | 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres (51 mpg‑imp) | 126 g/km |
| Energy TCe 90 | H4Bt 401 | 898 cc | 66 kilowatts (90 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 135 newton-metres (100 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | 165 kilometres per hour (103 mph) | 10.8 s | 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres (58 mpg‑imp) | 111 g/km |
| Energy TCe 110 | 80 kilowatts (110 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 170 newton-metres (130 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 182 kilometres per hour (113 mph) | 9.6 s | 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres (50 mpg‑imp) | 128 g/km | ||
| TCe 110 EDC | 80 kilowatts (110 hp) at 5,750 rpm | 170 newton-metres (130 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 182 kilometres per hour (113 mph) | 10.4 s | 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (49 mpg‑imp) | 132 g/km | ||
Advertising
Renault initiated an online campaign titled "strip tweet" in February 2014 to market the third-generation Twingo, partnering with Publicis for its European promotional efforts. Publicis collaborated with French artist duo Kuntzel+Deygas to create visuals centered around the theme "Go Anywhere, Go Everywhere."
In 2015, Renault unveiled a brief music video called "All new Twingo: Show me a car!" featuring an eccentric female character on a quest for a fashionable vehicle. This commercial paid homage to the famous "Papa & Nicole" adverts for the Renault Clio, concluding with the exchange "Papa! – Nicole? – Your seatbelt!" The video quickly gained popularity in the UK, amassing roughly 300,000 views within a month. Alongside this campaign, a Pop Up Store was established at the Crémerie de Paris.
Reception and awards
The Twingo received numerous honors in the UK market, including TopGear Magazine's "City Car of the Year" in 2014 and recognition at the UK Car of the Year Awards. It also secured "Best City Car" titles at both the 2014 Daily Express Motoring Oscars and the British GQ Car Awards of 2015.
Paul Horrell from Top Gear awarded it seven out of ten points, commending its creative design and engineering that provided an enjoyable driving experience surpassing base superminis within its price range. Reviews from Auto Express and CarBuyer rated it four stars out of five, praising its agility, styling, and rear seat room while mentioning drawbacks such as wind noise and a premium price compared to competitors. Meanwhile, What Car? gave it three stars out of five, appreciating its playful retro appearance and practicality but noting it lacked refinement and comfort relative to leading city cars.
Concept vehicles
Two concept models, the Twin'Z and Twin'Run, served as previews for the third-generation Twingo.
Twin'Z
Presented in April 2013, the Twin'Z is a city car concept developed in collaboration with British designer Ross Lovegrove. Renault's lead designer Laurens van den Acker characterized it as a fusion of automotive dynamics and furniture aesthetics. It incorporates a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration powered by an electric motor producing 67 PS and 167 lb-ft of torque. Distinctive features include the absence of a B-pillar and dashboard, along with conventional front doors complemented by rear-hinged suicide doors.
Twin'Run
Unveiled in May 2013, the Twin'Run is a rear-wheel-drive hot hatch concept created alongside Tork Engineering and Poclain Véhicules. This model houses a mid-mounted V6 engine delivering 320 hp, mated to a six-speed sequential twin-clutch transmission and equipped with a limited-slip differential. Its chassis employs a tubular steel frame inspired by the Mégane Trophy and Renault 5 Turbo Maxi, featuring double-wishbone independent suspension on both front and rear axles.
Twingo E-Tech Électrique
After Renault announced plans in 2019 to broaden its electric vehicle portfolio, the Twingo Electric—marketed as Twingo Z.E. or Twingo E-Tech Électrique—was introduced at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show as the city car's first fully electric iteration. It represents Renault’s second electric offering following the Zoe. The powertrain is derived from the Smart EQ Forfour but is equipped with an enlarged battery pack.
In 2021, Renault CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that production of the Twingo would cease after its third generation due to forthcoming Euro 7 emission regulations, with the compact segment expected to be covered by the larger Renault 5 EV.
The Twingo Electric debuted at a base price of €21,350 (September 2020), benefiting from French government incentives up to €7,000, which positioned it competitively against combustion engine variants. It was not marketed in the United Kingdom following Renault’s withdrawal of the Twingo from that market in 2019. A special edition named "Vibes," launched in July 2020, showcased exclusive Valencia Orange color options.
For 2022, trim options included Life (€21,550), Zen (€24,350), Intens (€25,550), and Urban Night (€26,650). Depending on driving conditions, it offers an estimated WLTP range between 180 and 250 km. The Caméléon charger supports AC charging rates up to 22 kW but does not provide DC fast charging capability. The 22 kWh lithium-ion battery weighs 165 kg and is installed beneath the front seats.
Equipped with an R80 electric motor mounted at the rear, delivering 80 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle has a curb weight of 1,112 kg. It achieves a maximum speed of 84 mph and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds. Driving modes include "D," which mimics traditional engine braking behavior, alongside an adjustable "B" mode for regenerative braking.
While the entry-level Life trim was criticized for lacking basic amenities such as radio and air conditioning, it received commendation for delivering smooth performance and robust low-end torque ideal for urban environments. The Twingo Electric competes with affordable city EVs like the Fiat New 500 base variant, Volkswagen E-up! (including SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo-e iV derivatives), as well as the Dacia Spring; however, its driving range is comparatively shorter than that offered by Volkswagen and Dacia models.
Twingo Concept (2023)
In November 2023, Renault announced the revival of the Twingo as an electric vehicle with a price point below €20,000. During the Capital Markets Day event, a prototype was revealed featuring a retro design reminiscent of the original Twingo, consistent with Renault’s approach of incorporating nostalgic elements into its electric models such as the Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech. The concept aims for an energy consumption target of 10 kWh per 100 km.
Renault Groupe CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that development has commenced immediately, with production anticipated within a two-year timeframe. This accelerated timeline aligns with the swift innovation pace seen among Chinese automakers, suggesting a market introduction around 2026.
External links
- (UK)