Twingo I .281993.E2.80.932012.29 Renault Twingo

1 twingo (1993–2012)

1.1 development
1.2 engines
1.3 timeline

twingo (1993–2012)

the original twingo launched in april 1993, sold in europe s lhd markets until june 2007, , received intermediate restylings in 1998, 2000 , 2004.

development

designed under direction of patrick le quément, renault s chief designer. car derived series of concepts developed through w60 project when gaston juchet renault s chief designer. project aimed @ replacing renault 4 minivan model.

le quément chose jean-pierre ploué design develop production version. included unconventional front end layout resembling smile. interior equipment mounted on central console free space. renault had participated in 1981 1984 mono-box eco 2000 car project, along psa peugeot citroën , french government.

the twingo s electronic centrally mounted instrument panel had speedometer, fuel gauge, clock, odometer , trip recorder controlled via stalk located button. strip of warning lights located behind steering wheel. rear seat featured sliding mechanism, enable either increased boot space or rear seat legroom. boot parcel shelf attached inside of tailgate, , lifted tailgate — or clip against rear window when not required.

engines

all engines replaced 8 valve 1.15 litre 60 hp (45 kw) unit. 16 valve 75 hp (56 kw) version added in 2000.

manufactured @ flins renault factory time of launch until june 2007, twingo manufactured in colombia , uruguay 1997 2003, remaining in production 2012 in colombia, sofasa conglomerate, strictly south american market.

twingo safety

euroncap results:

adult occupant: , score 23
pedestrian: , score 11

timeline

in april 1993, twingo launched 1 trim level, , 4 exterior colours: coral red, indian yellow, coriander green , overseas blue. car retailed @ price of 55,000ff. in june 1994, new exterior colours introduced along minor interior changes. 4 months later, twingo easy model launched, semi automatic gearbox.

in september 1995, first of many special twingo editions launched, while in built airbags become optional. in july 1996, new 1149cc engine (from clio) fitted replace previous engine renault 5. also, various improvements made including addition of third brake light.

two years later, twingo underwent first major restyling revisions interior , dashboard. front , rear lights revised, along front orange indicator lights being merged headlamp housing. 2 months later, top of range twingo initiale model launched.

in september 2000, twingo underwent second major restyling. additions included larger 14 wheels, revised door trims larger door pockets, black trunk opener lever (instead of shiny silver) , cup holders in front of gearstick.

december 2000 brought new 1.2 litre 16v engine launched, 75 hp (56 kw). in april 2001, new semi automatic gearbox launched, called quickshift. additional revisions followed in september 2002, including new interior trims , wheel covers.

in japan, renault formerly licensed yanase co., ltd., in 1999, renault purchased stake in japanese automaker nissan after nissan had faced financial troubles following collapse of japanese asset price bubble in 1991 , subsequent lost decade. result of renault s purchase of interest, yanase canceled licensing contract renault in spring of 2000, , nissan motor co., ltd took on sole licensee, hence sales of twingo in japan transferred yanase store locations nissan red stage store locations.

september 2004 marked third major twingo revision. renault logo fitted boot lid, side rubbing strips added , new range of exterior colours launched. in june 2007, twingo production , sales ended in europe, being replaced twingo 2.