Renault has expanded its Gordini line-up with the addition of a new model to the Twingo range that will replace the GT variant.
It goes on sale in the UK in 25 November, priced from £11,395, including VAT at the new 20 per cent rate, and will reach UK showrooms from January.
The new Renault Twingo Gordini 100 will sit at the top of the range of standard Twingos above the Dynamique, but will be positioned below the Renaultsport Twingo Gordini launched in the UK earlier this year.
See the official pics of the Renault Twingo Gordini
Renault has been impressed with the success of the Gordini spec on its Renaultsport versions of the Twingo and Clio; Gordini models now account for two thirds of all Twingo RS sales, while one third of all Clio RS models sold are in Gordini trim.
Standard Gordini changes over the outgoing GT model include new sports seats and 15-inch wheels, while the option list includes Gordini-badged blue and black leather upholstery.
Other Gordini features include a metallic blue exterior paint finish with twin white racing stripes, and new details or surrounds for the foglamps, exterior mirror housings and rear spoilers. Other colour options include Pearlescent Black and Glacier White.
Read more on the Renaultsport Twingo Gordini
Interior features include new door trims, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a new rev counter, a new finish for the centre console and aluminium pedals.
Power comes from a 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit that gives the car a top speed of 117mph. Its CO2 emissions are 132g/km, while fuel economy is rated at 49.5mpg. The car also uses the outgoing GT's chassis, with stiffer shock absorbers and bushes, and recalibrated sports steering.
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Re: Renault reveals latest Gordini
Not a bad looking car but still no sign of the end of 'go faster stripes' on cars especially in this car class.
Re: Renault reveals latest Gordini
Couldn't agree more with Mini1 - a diesel Twingo sounds like it would certainly tick most of the boxes. I remember an autocar first drive in France when they tested the diesel in 60-odd bhp tune and stated that the engine and driving characteristics which the engine lent to the car suited the car well and was ultra economical. The 84bhp engine should certainly give the Twingo a fair bit of pace (due to its comparitively high output for a lightweight car) and great mpg. Cheap insurance and low running costs should certainly appeal to young buyers and second car buyers alike.
Only thing is if it is offered to the UK market, will it be priced right? In France, I understand that the diesel is offered in lower state of tune, and with a lower trim level, whereas with the Gordini, the UK diesel, if offered, will be one of the highest trim levels, and would therefore probably be priced just short of the RenaultSport Twingo.
Also noticed that the GT (along with the 1.2tce) was recently dropped from Renault's range - the suggestion of reinstating it with the Gordini is certainly welcome, but it still looks like the Twingo urgently requires a mid-life facelift, both inside and out and careful consideration on pricing. Renault appears to think that the Twingo is in the same style driven market as the Fiat 500, Mini, etc, however really I would think its not really stylish or customisable enough for this market, and reckon that the Twingo would therefore be closer to the Citroen C1, Fiat Panda and other non-style driven city cars. If viewed like I view it, the Twingo currently looks quite pricey.
Re: Renault reveals latest Gordini
It's also interesting to note that Autocar mention a Diesel engine in the Twingo. For me, this would've made the Twingo a more appealing proposition had they offered the engine in the UK, but they don't. Hopefully that will change soon...