RENAULT TWINGO 2010: FEISTIER, MORE PRACTICAL AND MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER

Renault has upgraded and restructured its Twingo range. The new line-up features six equipment levels:

•Access

•Authentique

•Expression

•Rip Curl

•GT

•Initiale

Two Renault Sport versions of Twingo are also available, namely Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S.

Styling changes:

•The bumper previously only available for the Dynamique and GT versions (a package which also included black headlamp masks) has been extended across the range, from the Authentique equipment level up.

•New panoramic exterior mirrors.

•Addition of a new body colour (Glacier White) in association with the R.S. Design Pack (black exterior styling features) available for Twingo R.S.

•New Haircell leather upholstery with visible chocolate-coloured stitching for the Initiale version.

Other changes:

 •Three engines return lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions:

 •1.2 LEV 75hp Renault eco²: 114g of CO2/km

 •TCe 100: 132g of CO2/km

 •1.6 16V 133hp (Twingo R.S. and Gordini R.S.): 160g of CO2/km

 •The price of the Initiale and GT equipment levels has come down.

The new range structure comes into effect from mid March in Twingo's chief European markets, as well as in South Africa and Japan.

Order books in France open on March 9, except Rip Curl coming in the beginning of April. Prices range from €7,990 (Twingo Access 1.2 60) to €17,000 (Twingo Initiale dCi 85).

The prices for Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S. are €15,900 and €17,750 respectively.

AN UPGRADED RANGE

The new Renault Twingo range sees the introduction of a number of exterior styling changes, including the fitment of panoramic exterior mirrors and the dropping of the bumper that formerly equipped entry level versions _{(except Access equipment level)}.

In France, the range has evolved as follows:

•Introduction of a Look Pack* from the Authentique equipment level up.

_{(* Bumper from the former Dynamique version with fog lights and black headlamp masks.)}

•The Trend and Dynamique versions have been dropped.

•The former Dynamic equipment level is replaced by the new Rip Curl equipment level.

The latter features the same specification as the limited edition version of the same name that was introduced in 2009.

•The Initiale version is now also available with the Look Pack, as well as with new Haircell leather upholstery incorporating chocolate-coloured visible stitching.

•The new range structure is based on six equipment levels: Access, Authentique, Expression, Rip Curl, GT and Initiale, plus Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S. which form part of the Renault Sport range.

In addition to the Look Pack, Authentique versions come with Moai wheel trims, plus a dark-hued interior trim and upholstery, with chrome heater controls and interior door handles.

The Expression equipment level features light-coloured upholstery and interior trim, plus independent sliding rear seats and a 40W radio-CD with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, built-in display and facia-mounted jack socket.

As its name suggests, the Rip Curl equipment level takes its inspiration from the existing limited edition version of the same name. It replaces the Dynamique equipment level, from which it stands out by the incorporation of pearlescent black exterior mirror housings and foglamp back plates, painted side protective mouldings and “Rip Curl” decals/badging.

The cabin features an imitation leather instrument hood with visible red stitching, which echoes the leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever knob (with chrome insert). There are red details, too, for the instruments and climate control knobs (for further information, see equipment lists below). The upholstery is identical to that of the recent Rip Curl limited edition version.

The specification of the GT version is unchanged, while the revised high-end Initiale equipment level comes with new Haircell leather upholstery and visible chocolate-coloured stitching.

There are also two Renault Sport versions of Twingo:

Twingo R.S. is aimed at drivers looking for sporty driving enjoyment and is now available in Glacier White. This new body colour is combined with an R.S.

1 except Access equipment level

Design Pack which comprises black exterior mirror housings, black foglamp back plates and a black rear lip spoiler.

Twingo Gordini R.S. features chic styling and brings an unmistakeable French Touch to Renault's pocket rocket.

Meanwhile, the Renault Twingo range is even more respectful of the environment, with reduced CO2 emissions for three of its engines:

The CO2 emissions of Twingo 1.2 LEV 75hp Renault eco² have come down from 119g/km to 114g/km (making it eligible for €500 eco-bonus scheme in France).

The CO2 emissions of Twingo TCe 100 Renault eco² have fallen from 138g/km to 132g/km, and the engine has evolved to comply with Euro5 legislation.

The CO2 emissions of the 1.6 16V 133hp-engined Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S. have been cut from 165g/km to 160g/km.

The range of diesel-powered Renault Twingos continues to feature the dCi 65 Renault eco² and dCi 85 Renault eco² engines which both claim low CO2 emissions (respectively 113g/km and 104g/km), making them eligible for the €500 eco-bonus scheme in France.

The new range will go on sale from mid March in Twingo's chief European markets, as well as in South Africa, Japan and France's overseas departments. Prices remain unchanged in France, with the exception of the GT and Initiale versions which come down by €300 and €700 respectively (see price list below).

Sales statistics and markets:

Renault Twingo is the European market's third best-selling small city car, with a market share of 10 per cent and sales totalling almost 175,000 units in 2009. It tops its segment in both France and Belgium, and is third in Germany. In France, Renault Twingo was the best-selling compact city car for the second year running, and accounted for one sale in three in 2009, in a total market of more than 107,000 vehicles. It has continued to enjoy the same success during the early months of 2010, with more than 10,000 registrations for January alone.

Markets:

 European markets: France (including overseas departments), Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Albania, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Ireland.

Non-European markets: South Africa, Japan.