Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019) Review
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![2016 Renault Twingo 1.0 SCE Iconic 5dr [Start Stop]](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/url/crop/150x100/https/cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/bf0b05b53f68718600143821322eca05/609fca97493792288cf7630ba3892bb2.jpg)
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019) At A Glance
Fun to drive in town. Easy to park and manoeuvre. Spacious inside.
Poor motorway refinement. Limited seat adjustment.
In 2014, the new Renault Twingo swapped from being a front-engined, front-wheel-drive design to one with the engine at the back powering the rear wheels. It freed up prodigious amounts of cabin space, though the drive was nothing to write home about compared to the Peugeot 108 or even the Vauxhall Adam. Read on for our full Renault Twingo review.
This generation of Renault Twingo shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Smart Forfour, but looks completely different, with a retro design that has stubby bumpers and a bubble-shaped cabin.
As a result, it certainly looks distinctive and stands out from the city car crowd.
The cabin is practical and colourful, with an abundance of hard-wearing plastics and bright trims. The rear-engine layout frees up interior space, which means the car can easily accommodate four adults, while all three passenger seats can be flattened to provide a flat 980-litre load area.
Behind the wheel, the Renault Twingo offers decent visibility, although it lacks a clutch footrest and the range of seat adjustment is limited.
As a result, tall drivers might find it difficult to get comfortable, with an excessively high seating position that can push some knees on to the bottom of the steering wheel.
However, the dashboard is user-friendly and the car also gets a decent amount of equipment as standard, with electric heated mirrors, DAB radio and Bluetooth.
The Renault Twingo is available with two petrol engines, a turbocharged 0.9-litre with 90PS or a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre with 70PS.
Both work well in town, with the turbocharged unit offering better all-round performance. However, the model’s trump card lies in its rear-wheel-drive layout, which makes it nimble in traffic and easy to park.
Unfortunately, the car isn’t as much fun on the motorway, with both engines lacking high-speed refinement. Not only are the three-cylinder units rather vocal when revved hard, but the cabin also suffers from an abundance of wind noise and road noise.
Plus the steering feels vague at high speeds, which fails to inspire confidence as the Renault Twingo rattles along at 70mph.
Despite this, it has plenty to offer urban used car buyers. Its retro styling and colourful cabin will have plenty of appeal for younger drivers, while the high seating potion and easy access should suit older ones.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Renault Twingo review here.
Reviews for Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 to 0.9 GT
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 35–57 mpg
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Handling and ride quality
The Renault Twingo feels jittery at higher speeds, while its vocal engines and notable road noise do little to appease the situation. The steering is vague, too, which makes it difficult to relax as you rattle along at 70mph.
On the plus side, the car does have plenty of grip in corners and body roll is kept in check with a decent suspension set-up. However, it never feels as fun or engaging as it should.
Despite its limitations, there’s plenty to like about the Renault Twingo. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is extremely good for urban driving and it’s fun to whizz around town in.
We also like its tight turning circle of just 8.6 metres.
It’s just a shame it’s not more accomplished out of town.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Engines
Two petrol engines are offered – a turbocharged 0.9-litre with 90PS (or 110PS in the Renault Twingo GT), and a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre with 70PS.
Both are sprightly in town, but lack high-speed refinement and can be vocal when revved hard.
While they’re fine for urban driving, the turbocharged unit feels more rewarding than the 1.0 engine.
Both are linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, but again the turbocharged unit stands out, with decent acceleration through all of the lower gears.
Neither is particularly quick, which means the Renault Twingo feels rather breathless when pushed off a slip road onto a motorway. Overtaking is a laborious process.
Indeed, the Renault Twingo is very much a city car that lacks the composure of the likes of the Volkswagen Up and Hyundai i10 on the motorway.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Safety
The Renault Twingo scored a four-star rating from Euro NCP when tested in 2014, which was decent for a car in this class at the time.
All models come with twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as ESP traction and stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes and a speed limiter.
Hill start assist and ABS anti-lock brakes are included with all versions, too.
There’s no spare wheel, and nor are there any of the newer safety systems, such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Towing
There are no towing figures available for the Renault Twingo, so it’s not rated to pull any trailer.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 58–66 mpg | 10.8 s | 99–108 g/km |
| 0.9 GT | 54 mpg | - | 115 g/km |
| 1.0 | 51–67 mpg | 14.5 s | 95–112 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
35–57 mpg
MPGs submitted
62
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 219–980 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3595 mm |
| Width | 1646 mm |
| Height | 1538–1554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2491 mm |
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Practicality
The Renault Twingo benefits greatly from its rear-engined layout, with significant space gains for passengers in both the front and back.
The cabin is actually 20cm longer than was the case on the previous model, which is impressive when you consider the car is 10cm shorter.
Renault has put these extended dimensions to good use, with a light and airy cabin that has plenty of headroom and legroom for up to four adults.
The car can also be personalised, with retro decals, brightly coloured trims and a choice of dashboard facias. An electronic folding fabric sunroof is available as an option.
The model is comfortable enough running around town, although the seats lack lumbar support, which makes long trips more unpleasant.
The lack of seat adjustment or steering adjustment is also disappointing, and means taller drivers may find it difficult to fit, with their knees hitting the bottom of the steering wheel.
The dashboard is user-friendly, though, with large and easy-to-read rotary dials matched to a universal mount for smartphone connectivity, with a dedicated USB connection and power supply.
The boot capacity is 220 litres, which means the car will carry shopping and a small suitcase.
However, fold all three seats and it can provide a completely flat 980-litre load area. The cabin also has plenty of loose storage, with large door pockets, cubby holes and a 6.5-litre glovebox.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Quality and finish
The Renault Twingo is built commendably well.
There’s a pleasing solidity to the materials used throughout, although some of the plastics lower down the dashboard reveal that corners have been cut to save cash.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Infotainment
All Renault Twingos of this generation come with a DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connection.
Most also have a cradle to hold a smartphone so it can act as the infotainment screen, which can be linked via Renault’s R&Go app.
With the higher-spec trims, new buyers could fit a seven-inch infotainment screen as an option and it’s worth looking for a used model with one of these.
The screen is easy to read and operate, and comes with sat-nav, DAB radio and audio streaming.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019) value for money
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Prices
Around £4000 is starting money for this generation of Renault Twingo. For that, you’ll get a car in Play trim that is nine years old and has covered 60,000 miles.
A six-year-old model in Dynamique spec with 30,000 miles under its belt will cost from £7000.
Renault Twingo (2014 – 2019): Running Costs
Whichever engine you choose in the Renault Twingo, you won’t have to worry much about fuel costs.
All are petrol units and deliver real-world economy figures in the mid-40s, which is not that far behind the official claims of the low 50s for each.
The 90PS 0.9-litre engine emits 99g/km of carbon dioxide, while the SCe 80 with stop-start is lower still at 95g/km.
This means both of these versions require no road tax to be paid for cars registered prior to 1 April 2017.
The other engines in the line-up emit between 105g/km and 115g/km, so road tax will be paid at between £20 and £35. Cars put on the road after 1 April 2017 all pay the standard flat rate of £190.
Getting insured won’t be pricey, as the car sits as low as group 2 for the Renault Twingo 1.0 SCe 70 Expression and even the Renault Twingo GT only goes as high as group 11.
Maintenance costs are affordable, and it has proven to be a reliable car.
Satisfaction Index
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The Renault Twingo Expression gets 15-inch wheels with grey trims, LED daytime running lights, body-coloured electric and heated door mirrors, plus body-coloured bumpers.
There’s also ABS, hill start assist, a speed limiter, DAB radio with Bluetooth and compatibility with the R&Go app, remote central locking and front electric windows.
The Renault Twingo Play adds 15-inch two-tone black wheel trims, manual air-conditioning and driver’s seat height adjustment.
Renault Twingo Dynamique models come with 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, front fog lights, a stop/start engine, cruise control, leather steering wheel, leather gearlever and additional rear door storage.
Choose the Renault Twingo Dynamique S and it has 16-inch alloy wheels, colour details on the front grille, door mirrors and side protectors, sport seats with part leather and aluminium pedals.
The Renault Twingo GT gains aluminium pedals, Sport part-leather upholstery, a grey interior touch pack, Sport gearlever knob and orange interior personalisation.
It also has automatic climate control, automatic lights and front wipers, fog lights with cornering function and rear parking sensors.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3595 mm |
| Width | 1646 mm |
| Height | 1538–1554 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2491 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 864–1001 kg |
| Boot Space | 219–980 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £10,000–£14,285 |
| Insurance Groups | 2–11 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–C |
| Official MPG | 51.4–67.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until July 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TCE 110hp GT 5dr | £14,255 | 54.3 mpg | - |
| 0.9 TCE 90 Dynamique S Energy Start+Stop 5dr | £13,365 | 65.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 0.9 TCE 90 Iconic Auto EDC 5dr | £13,405 | 52.3 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 0.9 TCE 90hp Dynamique Auto 5dr | £13,435 | 58.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 0.9 TCE 90hp Dynamique Energy Start+Stop 5dr | £12,515 | 65.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 0.9 TCE 90hp Dynamique S Auto 5dr | £14,285 | 58.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 0.9 TCE 90hp Iconic Start+Stop 5dr | £12,505 | 57.6 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp Dynamique S Start+Stop 5dr | £12,665 | 67.3 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp Dynamique Start+Stop 5dr | £11,815 | 67.3 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp Expression 5dr | £10,000 | 56.5 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp Iconic Start+Stop 5dr | £11,785 | 58.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp Play 5dr | £10,700 | 51.4 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.0 SCe 70hp The Colour Run 5dr | £11,015 | 56.5 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 0.9 TCE 110hp GT 5dr | £13,925 | 54.3 mpg | - |
Model History
- February 2014: 2014 Twingo revealed
- February 2015: Twingo Dynamique S TCe 90 announced at £12,545
- February 2015
- November 2015: Renault Twingo TCe90 EDC went on sale
- November 2015: Twingo Iconic launched
- May 2016
- June 2016: Twingo GT announced
- August 2016: Renault Twingo Colour Run went on sale at £10,495
- September 2017: Twingo Iconic Special Edition launched
- February 2018: Renault reduces warranty from four years to three years
- January 2019
February 2014
2014 Twingo revealed
Positioning the engine at the rear is a significant plus for a small city car since it frees up the front end and considerably improves the turning circle. Indeed, New Twingo is surprisingly manoeuvrable in built-up areas and parking calls for only a few turns of the steering wheel.
Combined with the use of a smaller block and the positioning of the wheels at the car’s extreme corners, the rear-mounted engine also frees up extra cabin space, while New Twingo also boasts the sort of wheelbase and roomy interior more generally associated with models in the next segment up.
Like its forebear, the 2014 Twingo comes in a choice of four vibrant ‘pop’ colours (light blue, white, yellow and red). Other cues are heavily inspired by the Renault 5, including the rake of New Twingo’s rear screen and its prominent shoulders which are redolent of the rear-engined Renault 5 Turbo that proved so popular with the public in its day.
The front end features the brand’s new trademark styling, including a prominent Renault logo set to a black background. New Twingo’s expressive gaze is reinforced by its big head lights, which are topped by the direction indicators, as well as by its LED daytime running lights which combine a hi-tech feel with an echo of the model’s predecessors. New Twingo’s lines give it a cheery yet robust air, while the small car’s sprightly personality is further underpinned by its readily recognisable lighting signature.
The originality of the 2014 Twingo’s wide glass hatch makes an important contribution to the modernity its rear-end styling, while the rear lights are a natural prolongation of the tailgate.
Meanwhile, the car’s five-door body makes it even more versatile than ever and the car has plenty of scope for personalisation thanks to the range of body colours and customisable exterior trim features like the door mirrors, side protective mouldings and decals. The four body colours and customisation options mean that New Twingo can take on a host of stances, from urban to sporty, feminine and masculine.
The flat floor, 50/50-split folding rear seat (which houses additional stowage opportunities) and forward-tipping front passenger seat back ensure a highly modular interior which adapts easily to the user’s needs of the moment.
With the engine tucked underneath it, the boot (219 litres) is particularly practical thanks to its rectangular floor and the fact that the wheel arches do not intrude on the available space. The flat sill is at the ideal height for loading, while the 50/50-split rear seat bench folds easily to reveal a flat boot floor of 1.35 m in length. The front passenger seat back also folds forward to enable New Twingo to carry loads of up to 2.20 metres in length. That’s 22cm longer than the outgoing Twingo and quite a feat for a car that is only 3.59 metres long!
The Twingo is available with two of Renault’s latest-generation engines - the SCe 70 with 70PS and 91Nm and powered by a normally-aspirated 999cc petrol engine. There is also the Energy TCe 90 - a 898cc turbocharged petrol with 90PS and peak torque of 135Nm
February 2015
Twingo Dynamique S TCe 90 announced at £12,545
Features previously optional ‘Sport Pack' of exterior styling and interior trim embellishments as standard, and 90hp 0.9-litre TCe turbocharged petrol engine. Standard kit includes aluminium pedal set, red/black part leather upholstery, red interior 'touch' pack, 16-inch sport diamond-cut alloy wheels, matt black side decals and an exterior 'touch' pack in red, with white as a no-cost option.
The red interior 'touch' pack adds stylish finishing touches to the steering wheel, centre console and air vents, while the exterior 'touch' pack does the same for the front grille insert, door mirrors and side door protectors.
Twingo Dynamique S features also include LED daytime running lights, front foglamps, electric heated door mirrors, cruise control, lane departure warning system, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob, air conditioning and white instrument backlighting.
0.9-litre TCe turbocharged engine develops 90 hp at 5,500 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. Gives 0-60 mph acceleration in 10.5 seconds, top speed of 103 mph, ECDC 65.7 mpg (more than 50 mpg in urban city use) with CO 2 emissions of 99 g/km to put it in VED Band A for free annual VED.
It costs £12,545 on the road and comes with the peace of mind of Renault's 4+ warranty and assistance package. This protects against defects recognised by Renault for four years or 100,000 miles (first two years unlimited). In the event of a breakdown, Renault provides emergency roadside repairs or towing to the nearest dealer 24/7 every day of the year, plus three years' European cover. There is also a three-year paint warranty and 12 years' cover against corrosion. All-inclusive servicing packages are also available for up to four years.
February 2015
‘City Car of the Year’ in UK Car of the Year Awards.
November 2015
Renault Twingo TCe90 EDC went on sale
Has Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission, priced from £12,595, with first deliveries in January 2015. This is £900 more then the manual.
EDC is an automatic dual dry clutch transmission dispensing with the need for a clutch pedal. Gearshift control is of the 'P-R-N-D' type, plus an 'up/down' shift mode. The ideal gear is selected by an electronic control unit and gearshifts are both automatic and comfortable. The EDC transmission offers an ultrafast shift time of 290ms. ‘Creep’ control also helps the driver in crawling traffic, pulling away gradually when the brake pedal is released. And the EDC transmission offers Hill Start Assist as standard, ensuring safe hill starts when partnered with the ‘creep’ control system.
November 2015
Twingo Iconic launched
Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique and includes cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, Bluetooth, R&GO smartphone-based navigation, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors and front fog lights. Ultraviolet Iconic side decals and 16-inch Ultraviolet Emblem alloy wheels complement the range of four colours available – including two new and unique metallic paints: Ultraviolet and Lunar Grey. Black alloy wheels are available as a no cost option. Extra tinted rear windows and gloss black door mirrors complete the exterior enhancements.
On the interior there is black part-leather upholstery with white and ultraviolet piping, ‘Renault’ door sill plates, floor mats with an ultraviolet Twingo motif and a matt ultraviolet touch pack that applies colourful hints around the cabin. The latter can be substituted with gloss black as a no cost option. Twingo Iconic gains the comfort and convenience of climate control as well as automatic lights and wipers.
Twingo Iconic Special Edition is available to order with Twingo’s two engine choices – the SCe 70 and the TCe90, the turbocharged TCe90 being available with both manual and the all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Twingo’s engine range offers CO 2 emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 67.3mpg on the official combined cycle (NEDC).
May 2016
NEDC figures for Twingo 1.0 revised: Original figures were: 50.4 (urban), 72.4 (extra-urban) 62.8 (combined) with 105g CO2 and now for the 2016 model they are published as 44.8 (urban), 67.3 (extra-urban) 56.5 (combined) with 112g CO2.
June 2016
Twingo GT announced
with 110HP 898cc 3-cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed transmission. 110HP, 170Nm torque, revised suspension, specific ESP calibration and variable-rate steering. Renault says: "the result is sharp handling and responsive steering feedback for precise cornering and outstanding road holding." 17-inch wheels with 185/45 R17 78H front tyres and 205/40 R17 80H rear tyres, lateral turbo air intake, twin exhaust tail pipe, new orange body colour or Lunar Grey, Diamond Black or Crystal White, along with orange trim details in the cabin, Renault Sport-badged doorsills, aluminium pedals and an alloy gear lever knob. Twingo GT in UK from Winter 2016.
August 2016
Renault Twingo Colour Run went on sale at £10,495
Combines 1.2 75PS engine with folding fabric full-length sunroof, making it the UK's cheapest convertible, plus 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. No tough screen but instead you can download an app for your phone that displays sat-nav, internet radio and a rev counter. 'Colour Run' refers to the the UK ‘Color Run’ summer event where entrants are pelted with coloured powder as they run.
September 2017
Twingo Iconic Special Edition launched
Available in a unique Mint Green paint finish, in addition to Diamond Black or Crystal White, the Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique.
It is set apart from the rest of the range with exclusive Iconic crosshatch-patterned part-leather upholstery, floor mats with a Mint Green Twingo motif and a Mint Green touch pack applies colourful hints around the cabin.
Oustide, the Iconic gains a fabric folding sunroof in the same pattern as the interior, exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels, crosshatched Iconic side decals and electrically folding door mirrors. The Twingo Iconic Special Edition is available with the TCe 90 turbocharged petrol engine with either manual or EDC (efficient dual-clutch) automatic transmissions.
February 2018
Renault reduces warranty from four years to three years
Renault models ordered and registered from 1 February 2018 are covered by a warranty package for up to three years from date of first registration. The first two years unlimited mileage, followed by a further one year limited to a total mileage of 60,000 (100,000 miles for Koleos, Zoe and LCV vehicles).
Models registered up to and including 31 January 2018 are still covered by a four-year warranty package. The first two years unlimited mileage and the third and fourth years are limited to 100,000 miles.
January 2019
Poor UK sales led to cessation of official RHD imports of Renault Twingo.
What to watch out for
Report of pre-reg 2015 Twingo, bought September 2015, having a radio that constantly switches itself off. Not resolved by the Renault dealer.
20-04-2016:Report of glass hatchback of 2015/65 Twingo exploding when owner got into the car. Probably a stress crack caused by shutting the hatchback from the side. You need to close a glass hatchback with two hands evenly spaced to avoid this.
12-02-2017:TSB in-service recall to adjust the mechanism of the flimsy 'bonnet' that covers the screenwasher reservoir, etc. Reader reports that after the new bonnet guide bracket was fitted to his 2015 Twingo the fuel gauge stopped working. Digital readout still worked but not the gauge, suggesting that the cable from the fuel tank sender to the gasuge must have been disturbed.
18-04-2017:Multiple faults reported on 2015/65 Renault Twingo with 7,500 miles: The car has been back to the dealer three times (it is there again now) for several days at a time, and they haven't attempted to fix - only "watched/listened" to see it happening. Faults are: 1. Lights get stuck in current mode (i.e. if you have sidelights on, you cannot switch on dipped beams, or switch off). Can only be reset by switching off car - very difficult if on motorway and it gets dark, foggy or rains heavily. Dealer says Renault needs to authorise software update, but haven't. 2. Loud knock from front left suspension, progressively getting worse. Happens going over drain-covers, road-joints, potholes and speed bumps and jolts the steering wheel. Mechanics can hear/replicate on test-drive, but because visual inspection looks OK, they will not investigate further. 3. Loud tapping and belt noise from cold start-up, only when aircon is on (and worse when other electrics on too). Engine hunts around the revs, and occasionally stalls. Again, whilst acknowledging the issue, as there are no engine fault codes, they will not investigate further.
14-05-2020:Report of timing chain problems with 2016 Twingo. The car has covered 13,000 miles and the timing chain has become loose and needs replacing.
