TO BOLDLY TWINGO (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_renaultsporttwingo133_2010

By Andy Enright

Introductionword count: 92

Renault has established a towering reputation when it comes to building pocket rocket hatches and although the Twingo Renaultsport 133 is at the more manageable end of that continuum, don't take that to mean it short changes you in the fun department. Quite the contrary in fact, if you can drive one of these down a country road and not feel the urge to plant the loud pedal through the carpet, you've truly got no life left in you. Here's what to look out for when tracking down a lightly used example.

Modelsword count: 7

3dr hatchback (1.6 petrol [Cup, Silverstone, Gordini])

Historyword count: 275

For a small car the Twingo Renaultsport 133 had some big boots to fill. As the entry-level sports hatch in Renault's range, it had cars like the Renault 5 Gordini and the original Clio 16v as forebears. What's more it also had some rather well-renowned Renaultsport siblings it needed to make the grade alongside in the form of current Clio and Megane variants. Right out of the box it was clear that this little Twingo was a winner. Shown at the 2008 Geneva Show and launched in the UK later that year, the Twingo Renaultsport 133 was affordably priced at £11,550 and, as the name suggested, packed a useful 133bhp punch, which wasn't at all bad in a car that weighed about as much as a typical Audi fascia panel. It was also offered with a £650 Cup chassis package that featured lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers and 17-inch anthracite alloy wheels. In response to customer demand, Renault launched a specific Cup model in September 2009. This did without air conditioning, automatic headlamp and wiper operation, extra tinted rear windows and featured a one-piece bench in place of the usual independent sliding rear seats. With the Cup suspension pack in place, this model was priced at £1,350 less than the standard car and instantly became the poster child for a generation of young enthusiasts. In November 2009, a plusher Gordini version was introduced that was mechanically identical to the standard Twingo 133 but which got some flashy seats, stripes and leather trimmings. June 2011 saw another limited edition, the Silverstone which sat on the Cup chassis, but got a burbling stainless steel exhaust.

What You Getword count: 260

When the concept of a Renaultsport version of the Twingo was first mooted, I groaned inwardly, thinking the end result would sully the Renaultsport badge and look a bit, well, dorky. The results are anything but and the Twingo actually looks more aggressive than the Clio and the Megane. It's said that little dogs are more likely to bite and this Twingo isn't shy of baring its teeth. The exterior highlights would take some time to cover in detail but include 16-inch alloy wheels, a wide air intake in the front bumper, side sills, front and rear wings, a chrome tail pipe, dark grey detailing for many body parts and the no-cost option of Renaultsport chequered flag details. Twee it is most certainly not. Go for the Cup model and you'll get 17-inch anthracite-coloured alloy wheels shod with Continental Sport Contact3 tyres, a wide air intake in the front bumper, side sills, front and rear wings, a chrome tail pipe and quite a bit more besides. Build quality seems decent enough, the Slovenian factory where the Twingo is built enjoying a decent reputation for low warranty claims. The car's interior is also spacious for the citycar sector with the available room maximised by clever split rear seats that individually slide and recline. Push these right back and you'll get proper sized adults in the back with ease, while head and legroom for those in the front is also generous. The boot is decidedly cramped but can be extended when you've no rear seat passengers by folding the seat backs down.

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