2008 Renault Twingo II

Well it doesn’t look like we'll have to wait for Renault’s media gathering tomorrow to see the all-new 2008 Twingo II as a full press-gallery has already spilled the net. Unlike its trend-setting predecessor that came out in the early 90’s, the new Twingo is a down-top-earth proposition from Renault who looks like it has locked up its quirky but innovative ideas for the time being.

Measuring about the same size as the outgoing mini (1.6m long, 1.7m wide and 1.4m tall) the Twingo’s exterior design is based on Renault’s homonymous Paris Show concept, though obviously significantly toned down (or rather a let-down...). Surprisingly enough, the French mini’s interior will certainty raise a few eyebrows as this is something you’d not normally expect from a car of this category.

According to our initial info, the Twingo will be offered in two versions, a basic and the GT. If you scroll down and check out the pictures the GT is the one with the chrome colored details. No official word out on the technical specs, but we’ve heard that the concept’s 100Hp strong 1.2-litre Turbo (petrol) will be on the check list. Sales of the 2008 Renault Twingo are expected to start in Europe during this spring.
-Renault launches New Twingo at the Geneva Motor Show
-New Twingo will reach UK shores in right-hand drive for the first time
-On sale in the UK in September 2007
-Two trim levels and engines available in the UK, Dynamique 1.2 16V 75hp and the GT with the new TCE -(Turbo Control Efficiency) 1.2 100 hp petrol engine
-UK Prices and specification announced nearer launch

A longstanding player in the small car segment, Renault has sold more than 2.4 million Twingos since the model's launch in April 1993. Now for the first time UK drivers will be able to get behind the wheel of the ever-popular city car when New Twingo goes on sale in the UK in September 2007.

The launch of New Twingo forms part of Renault Commitment 2009 and the introduction of 26 new cars, including 13 aimed at conquering new markets. New Twingo boosts Renault's presence in the small car segment alongside Clio Campus, Clio III and Modus.

Thanks to its chassis derived from the B-segment and a powertrain range featuring the new TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) 100hp petrol engine, which offers class-leading performance and fuel consumption, New Twingo's superior dynamics set it apart from its predecessor. New Twingo also targets a broader, more international clientele thanks to the distinctly dynamic styling of the GT version and the robust lines of the other versions, plus the availability for the first time of right-hand drive models for the British market.

New Twingo stands out as a further illustration of Renault's know-how in the domain of optimising cabin space and interior versatility, by making full use of the car’s compact dimensions (length: 3.60m). The interior is extremely modular thanks to its four independent sliding seats. Meanwhile, New Twingo's boot volume is the biggest in its segment, ranging from 165 to 285 litres (VDA) with all four seats in place and is extendable to a full 959 litres with a two-seater layout.

Communicative and occupant-friendly, New Twingo features a ‘TunePoint’ Audio Connection Box which enables personal music collections stored on USB keys, portable MP3 players or iPods® to be played through the car's audio system and operated via the steering wheel-mounted controls. Twingo is also available with hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls complete with 'hold' function for safer motoring.

In keeping with the "my Twingo" philosophy, buyers can customise their new car thanks to a range of decorative decals for the exterior.