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Renaultsport has taken a hot-hatch hat-trick at this year’s What Car Awards
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Twingo Renaultsport 133 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6 litre 16V engine newly developed by Renault Sport Technologies. This powerplant gives out 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The unit’s punchy character is reinforced by a characteristic engine note which has been the focus of specific development. The four-into-one exhaust manifold has been fabricated to strike a perfect balance between acoustics, performance and low emissions.
This free-revving engine offers flexible performance and instantaneous throttle response. At low revs and in the mid-range up to 4,500 rpm, Twingo Renaultsport 133 has lively yet manageable performance for everyday use. Beyond 4,500rpm, Twingo Renaultsport 133 gives full vent to its sporting character with true punchy performance. The car accelerates from standstill to 62mph (100kph) in 8.7 seconds, while top speed is 125mph with the rev-limiter at 7,000rpm. Fuel consumption is a low 40.4mpg in the combined cycle, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 165g/km.
As suggested by its standard-fit fully disconnectable ESP, Twingo Renaultsport 133 delivers a genuinely sporting driving experience but is also suited to everyday use. Its finely balanced handling ensures it is fun to drive, while ensuring a particularly high standard of safety. As is the case with the Clio and Mégane Renaultsport, two chassis settings (standard and Cup) are available. Both benefit from wider front and rear tracks, while the main components of its powerful, durable braking system are sourced from higher segment models.
The ergonomic driving position conjures up the world of racing with features that are centred firmly on the driver: aluminium pedal facings, and a four-spoke perforated leather Renaultsport steering wheel with dark charcoal stitching and a thicker rim. For added comfort, it gives the driver's hands perfect grip in the 'ten-to-two' position. The rev-counter is located directly behind the steering wheel, echoing racing car design: employing a specific typeface, the numbers grow in size as the needle approaches the red line at 7,000rpm.
Renaultsport’s reputation for producing the very best hot hatchbacks is well recognised and 2009 is turning out to be a vintage year, as the ‘Cup’ version of the Twingo Renaultsport 133 becomes the latest model to join the fold.
Following the strategy with the recently-launched Clio Renaultsport 200, the Cup version of its Twingo baby brother provides a more focused driving experience with less equipment and a lower price.
The Cup chassis offers handling to satisfy the demands of the enthusiast, offering optimum body control. The chassis rides 4mm lower than the standard Renaultsport setting and its lower centre of gravity improves in-corner performance thanks to reduced weight transfer. Tuned damper settings and higher spring rates (10 per cent stiffer front and rear) bring greater performance through improved body control. Anthracite-coloured 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels are equipped with Continental Sport Contact3 195/40 tyres.
Two new options are now available for both the Renaultsport 133 Cup and Renaultsport 133. The ‘Black and White’ Renault i.d. pack is £150 and offers Glacier White bodywork with gloss black finish to the door mirrors, rear spoiler and front bumper trims. Gloss black finish is available for the Cup 17” alloys wheels at £175.
Twingo Renaultsport is proof that fun really does come in all shapes and sizes!