The Twingo still won’t take you to mythical Silene, but the UK gets its own specially pimped version of the entry-level Twingo called the “Extreme.” Think of it as a Tercel Blackhawk en français, s’il vous plaît. The Twingo Extreme consists of mostly graphics for the exterior, though there’s a few extra bits of gear thrown in, too.
Power is provided by a 1.2-liter engine, and Renault throws in specially trimmed wheels, a tachometer, and foglights. Soccer Football fans will undoubtedly choose the flag of St. George graphics for the exterior, and there’s also Union Jacks for the door handles and stripes or checkered flags can adorn the outside, too, all for a modest price. MINI has already shown that customization at the dealer level is a popular activity, and we hope that the rest of the driving public soon becomes as smitten with small hatchy-things as we are. If we create enough clamor, they might send us a Jerry Lewis edition or something.
Press release after the jump
[Source: Renault]
PRESS RELEASE:
New entry-level Twingo Extreme on sale now
Renault’s feisty and practical small car now even more accessible priced at £7,500
Available with petrol 1.2 60hp engine
New model is part of Renault’s eco² line up achieving low emissions of just 132 g/km
In UK showrooms from mid-February 2008
Renault’s heritage in producing funky, stylish and practical small cars is evident in its Clio and Modus models, a line-up that was significantly enhanced with the introduction of New Twingo, which debuted last year for the first time in right-hand drive in the UK.
Demand for New Twingo has increased considerably since its launch, with the Dynamique and GT trims – the versions available in the UK – proving especially popular throughout Europe. Now, Renault’s small car success is set to grow even further with the launch of a new entry-level Twingo Extreme 1.2 60, priced at £7,500 and beats some of its closest competitors on value, coming in at £400 less than the entry-level Fiat 500.
Extreme captures Twingo spirit
The Twingo Extreme still retains the sporty and stylish good looks featured on the Dynamique trim, plus all the practicality and interior space for four occupants and their belongings to travel in comfort, as well as a list of standard equipment befitting a more expensive car - all at a value-for-money price.
Peace of mind is also assured with safety and technological innovations featuring just as strongly in the entry-level Extreme as they do in the range-topping GT. Features such as ABS with EBD (electronic Brake Distribution), driver and front passenger lateral airbags and brake assist, are all standard on the Extreme.
Music and connectivity is key to the spirit of New Twingo and advances in technology have been incorporated fully into its development with the option of integrated Bluetooth hands-free telephone system as well as a ‘TunePoint’ (anchorage connection point concealed in the glove box) for MP3 players so you can easily transfer your music from your pocket to your Twingo.
‘Extreme-ly’ impressive standard equipment
Twingo Extreme still beats many key rivals such as the Citroen C2 in terms of its impressive list of standard equipment.
As well as the core features available on all versions such as remote central-locking with dead-locking and anti-drill door locks and insurance-approved engine immobiliser, Twingo Extreme also has the following standard equipment:
Sports body styling, black internally adjustable door mirrors, fixed on-piece folding rear seat, 2 X 15W RDS radio CD with fingertip control, front fog lights, electric front windows, rev counter and 14″ ‘Fidji’ wheel trims.
Options include the opportunity to put your own individual stamp on your Twingo, with a wide range of personalisation exterior decals available. This includes a chance for customers to show off their patriotism with decals such as Union Jack door handle graphics (£45) and wing badges (£15), or Cross of St. George wing badges (£15). Customers can also enhance the sporty look of their Twingo Extreme with white or black racing stripes (£80) or chequered flag door graphics (£80).
Twingo = eco²
Renault’s ‘eco²’ initiative focuses on the full lifecycle of its vehicles from design right through to eventual recycling. Each ‘eco²’ vehicle must meet three strict criteria in terms of manufacturing, emissions (being 140 g/km or lower) and recycling.
New Twingo Extreme is an eco² vehicle and beneath its sporty exterior lurks a breath of fresh air for the environment with a frugal, economical and ecological engine in the 1.2 60.
It offers an impressive fuel economy with a combined consumption of 50.4 mpg and low emissions of just 132 g/km.
Twingo Extreme on sale now
New Twingo Extreme is on sale now with the 1.2 60 petrol engine, priced at £7,500.
The insurance group for Twingo Extreme is yet to be announced, but is expected to be competitive.
Customers can find out more information by visiting their nearest Renault dealer or by logging on to www.renault.co.uk.
Bob Nardelli, Chrysler’s current CEO, has given his employees the closest thing to an admission as we are likely to see that the company has been in serious negotiations with other automakers regarding future product plans and possibly even mergers. As has been widely reported over the weekend, Chrysler has apparently had discussions with General Motors regarding a tie-up between the two automakers, and the rumormill is churning away with stories that GM isn’t the only suitor. Carlos Ghosn already has a history of merging automakers, and his Nissan/Renault partnership has naturally been recalled as a possible mate with Chrysler, as have Fiat and Tata Motors.
