Renault has chosen the 2006 Paris Motor Show to unveil Twingo Concept.
Powered by the new turbocharged 1.2 16V TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency)
100 engine, the car also boasts a host of multimedia features and a
high level of equipment.
At only 3.6 metres long, Twingo Concept appeals to customers who have a
taste for both attractive, sporty city cars and new communication
technologies. Its compact, squat shape and assertive styling give it
plenty of character, while its sports pedigree is apparent in the
design of its lively, expressive front end. The well proportioned
bumper and motor sport inspired grille hint at the presence of a
well-tuned engine and driving pleasure.
The shape of the indicators in the headlamp units echo the chequered
flag-based graphics of the bodywork and which flow along the car's
pearl-blue sides to subtly suggest speed. The foglamps are flanked by
air intakes to cool the powerful disc brakes. Riding on 17-inch, dark
chrome wheels picked out in Renault yellow, Twingo Concept communicates
a punchy, dynamic feel. The profiled sills and wing extensions
emphasise its sporty lines and athletic curves.
At the rear, the chromed twin exhaust tailpipe and air extractor take
their inspiration from Clio Renaultsport 197, while the new Renault
badge nestles on the wide hatch, the lower part of which is flanked by
"high-tech" rear lights.
Underneath the short but stylish bonnet is the new TCE 100 petrol
engine chosen to power Twingo Concept. This 1.2-litre turbocharged
engine delivers maximum power of 100hp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque
of 145Nm at 3,000rpm, while its exceptional efficiency combines
response, power and environmental-friendliness. Twingo Concept’s low
fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km –
a remarkably low figure for such a powerful performer.
Twingo Concept’s sophisticated, young and high-tech cabin marks a stark
contrast with its sporty exterior and takes occupants into a world of
mobile sound. Its wide panoramic glass sunroof and two pillarless doors
ensure a bright interior that brings out the qualities of its
uncluttered, high-tech dashboard. The cabin’s simple and ergonomically
effective ‘Touch Design’ approach is a statement in intuitive
understanding.
Twingo Concept has found inspiration in youth culture and its love of
music and freedom. The centre console features a USB port as well as
sockets for devices like Apple's iPod and the Nokia Smartphone, with a
mixing deck built into the dashboard, ideal for partying with friends.
The musical focus is also reflected in the highly visual graphics of
the dashboard, the upper part of which features a pattern based on the
graphic equalizer bars with which music-lovers are naturally familiar.
It is evocative of the bass rhythms that will pound from the
door-mounted speakers and contrasts with the matt finish of the lower
part of the dashboard.
