Renault Twingo: A Heart For Students

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Renault's Mini is back. The new Twingo is bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. In a few simple steps it becomes a flexible workhorse and has a few fresh design ideas ready.

By Sebastian Viehmann

When the Renault Twingo came onto the market in 1993, it was refreshingly different. Because of its compact dimensions and low price, it became the favorite vehicle of single mothers or an unproblematic second car for stressed commuters. And apart from the Ford Fiesta or Opel Corsa, there were only a few small cars that were as popular student “carts” as the Twingo. In total, Renault sold its tiny 2.4 million times. Can the new generation build on this success?

Comfortable seating in the rear too

The first test sitting in the 3.6 meter long Twingo leaves a positive impression. The driver and front passenger have plenty of space, and it is even very comfortable in the back. The large side windows also provide beautiful views on the back seat. The cockpit is lively designed, round shapes determine the picture. If desired, the interior can be further individualized - this should also please the students.

The cup holder for that extra strong coffee after a night of partying is nothing special. However, if you remove the holder, you can place an “organizer box” instead. There is space for cell phones or parking tickets as well as pens (for taking notes during an interesting lecture) or MP3 player (for distracting yourself from a boring one).

Individual loading space capacity

Instead of the ashtray, students can install a make-up box and quickly dress up for the business administration lecture. There is also a «grass mat». This is not what you might think, but a special shelf for the dashboard made of a mat with long knobs. Change and all sorts of other odds and ends can be found there during the journey.

The loading capacity of the Twingo is exceptional in this vehicle class. With the rear seat folded down, more than 950 liters are available. You can also order two single seats instead of the back seat. These can then be moved over a length of 220 millimeters in order to variably enlarge the luggage compartment. The backrest of the passenger seat can be completely folded down. Then you either have a work surface on which students can quickly prepare the next lecture at the traffic lights, or a loading facility for objects up to 2.15 meters long.

Three petrol, one diesel

It is not yet possible to say whether the price of the new Twingo will be affordable for students plagued by tuition fees without a big injection of money from their parents. The French will announce the numbers. The cheapest Renault Clio is available for around 11,000 euros, the basic Twingo is likely to be significantly less.

The engine variants (three petrol engines with 60, 75 and 100 hp and a diesel with 70 hp) and the equipment lines are already fixed - there are a full six versions for the Twingo. It starts with the simple “Access” and “Authentique” variants, the sportiest and most visually striking Twingo is the “GT”. The top model of the series is the "Initiale". Among other things, it has light and rain sensors, parking aid, cruise control, fog lights and leather upholstery on board.