Facelifted Twingo RS: on sale April

The facelifted Renault Twingo R.S. will go on sale in April, receiving the same basic styling as the standard Renault Twingo, which was launched in January.

The model, developed by RenaultSport features a “sporting interpretation of Renault’s new styling identity”. The Twingo R.S. features a deeper front bumper than the standard car, and incorporates an “F1-style blade”. The rear sees the addition of a tailgate-mounted spoiler, rear wheel arch extensions and a diffuser incorporated into the rear bumper.

Read Autocar's first drive of the 2012 Renault Twingo here.

Inside, the Twingo RenaultSport has yellow stitching and gloss black inserts in the dashboard. The steering wheel, seat backs, dial surrounds and heater controls carry white detailing.

The 133bhp/118lb ft 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine remains, and a sport chassis is fitted as standard. An optional Cup chassis lowers ride height by 4mm. Standard fit brake discs measure 280mm at the front and 240mm at the rear.

Running costs are lower than the outgoing model. The new Twingo R.S. has CO2 emissions rated at 150g/km, a saving of 3.2 per cent compared to the previous version. It boasts fuel consumption of 43.5mpg on the combined cycle, an improvement of 3 per cent.

Pricing will be announced next month, as the order books open.