Renault’s Twingo communicating city car concept

October After previewing its spectacular Nepta Concept with motor-driven gull wing doors in the weeks leading up to the Paris Show, we figured Renault had played all its cards, but we were very wrong. At the opening of the show, Renault trotted out the youth-culture-inspired Twingo Concept, the most wired and desirable city car we’ve yet seen. The centre console features a USB port as well as sockets for devices like an Apple iPod and the Nokia Smartphone. A mixing deck built into the dashboard is ideal for partying with friends. The tiny city car is no slouch – powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine delivering 73kW (100hp), the Twingo combines efficiency, response, power and environmental friendliness.

At only 3.6 meters long, Twingo Concept appeals to customers who have a taste for both attractive, sporty city cars and new communication technologies.

Its compact, squat volumes and incisive, 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 committed to performance. The shape of the indicators in the headlamp modules echoes 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 included 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 emphasize its sporty lines and athletic curves.

At the rear, the chromed twin exhaust tailpipe and air extractor take their inspiration from Clio Renault Sport, and the new Renault badge nestles on the wide hatch, the lower part of which is flanked by "hightech" rear lights.

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 in 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. A mixing deck built into the dashboard is ideal for partying with friends.

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