Car Review: Renault Twingo Play SCe 70

2015 Renault Twingo Review

It’s a car that sounds – to me, at least – like a chocolate bar. The Twingo is a little confection from Renault, the latest of a whole bagful of sweeties from manufacturers out to grab a piece of the city car market. The Fiat 500 set the agenda for this particular sector, with other notables such as the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up!/Skoda Citigo/SEAT Mii following suit.

Now the French manufacturer has pitched in with a decidedly singular contribution, for their little five-door hatchback features a rear-mounted engine. The original Twingo, from 20 or-so years ago, (which wasn’t sold in the UK) was a distinctive little motor, its successor was bland in style, but the all-new car is a return to form. It is as cute as a button, with an appearance that will appeal to the young – and young-at-heart – and there is a host of low-cost personalisation options for both interior and exterior.

2015 Renault Twingo Review

The rear-engine layout means there is much more space inside than its competitors and allows for a tight turning circle, making the car an absolute cinch to parallel-park.The boot is small, but with the power unit under its floor, the load area is level with the bumper lip, rather than forming a well.The interior has a light and airy fun feel about it, hard plastic finishes offset by high-gloss inserts.

Rear side-windows are of the pop-out variety.There is no shortage of kit, including LED daytime running lights, double optic halogen headlights, rear height-adjustable headrests, auto-activation in reverse gear for rear screen wiper, 12-volt power socket, front passenger reading light and central console compartment.And there are safety features including anti-lock brakes, of course, and emergency brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and speed limiter.

2015 Renault Twingo Review

Lovely options included electric panoramic fabric folding sunroof (£850) and special Inca yellow paintwork (£225). Practicality?There’s a split-folding rear seat back and a folding front passenger seat, plus two front and one rear cup holders and a front console storage box.The single-litre three-cylinder petrol engine makes for chirpy performance and the five-speed manual gearbox is easy-shifting. Flush Magazine’s Twingo Play SCe 70 proved a compact treat.

Renault have come up with a motoring breath of fresh air.
Price: £9,995 OTR. As tested: £11,130.

For more info visit www.renault.co.uk

Frank Turner

Frank Turner is a triple award-winning journalist and a member of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers. Contact him at turnermedia@gmail.com