
Pocket-Sized Performance
The Renault Twingo was first sighted on continental roads in 1993. However, it took until 2007 when a new, updated version arrived on British roads, although three years following its introducting a sighting of the lesser-spotted Twingo is rare. Despite this, it is a very good car; fun to drive, space and good value for money. The reasons for the Twingo’s rarity are firstly, its proximity in price to its bigger brother the Clio, and secondly the oversatured nature of the super-mini category giving consumers a large amount of choice. I purchased my Twingo in 2008 and have been delighted. I bought the GT 100 bhp version, fitted with a gutsy 1150cc engine coupled to a turbo which gives the car a decent turn of speed once past 4000rpm. Fitting a turbo to smaller engines is an increasingly common design, as it allows for respectable fuel consumption under normal driving but allows for a pleasing pull from the engine should the mood take you.
My Twingo has now clocked 30,000 miles, and am pleased to report that I have had had zero reliability issues. It has even managed some impressive miles per gallon, despite some leaden-footed driving. The car mats are now starting to look a little shabby, but aside from that I have no complaints. I purchased the upgraded stereo for my car, although at £500, I would advise you not to bother as the sound quality doesn’t seem any better than the standard unit and the added iPod connector is hidden away in the glove-box and is an irritation more than anything. Instead, the Bluetooth car kit may be an ingenius purchase, particularly with punishments for drivers caught on mobile phones being handed out like confetti. Indeed any mobile phone accessories you can find are a must-buy in order to keep those dreaded three points off your licence!
Both the GT and Renaultsport models deliver exciting drives with a decent turn of speed, making the Twingo a very attractive proposition for the driving enthusiast. However, for the more practical motorist, whilst the Dynamique versions of this car are very good, it may well be worth spending that bit extra for the Clio with the privilege of much more space and a larger boot. With manufacturers vying for our business, it is certainly a buyer’s market, and with a wide range of choice in this category, discounts are there to be had!!
Renault Clio Renault Sport
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Small Car Keychain $11.99 … |
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Coverking Custom Car Cover for Renault Clio MP3, Clio – Satin Stretch Fabric, Rust Orange $171.06 “The Coverking Satin Stretch Car Cover is an indoor Custom Car Cover fabric. It will fade if exposed to extended sun, and is not water resistant. Satin StretchTM is the SOFTEST fabric available, and has Lycra yarns to hug every contour of a vehicle. Blind stitching results in invisible seams making this a SEXY car cover!”… |
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Coverking Custom Fit Car Cover for Renault Clio MP3, Clio – Stormproof Fabric, Red $226.39 “The Coverking Stormproof Car Cover is the culmination of decades of research in microfiber technology. Developed specifically for car cover use, Stormproof is totally UNTREATED. Stormproof is INHERENTLY extremely water resistant, fade resistant, and very breathable. Test results show it to be exponentially superior to coated materials. And, because there is no coating to wear off, Stormproof will… |