Renault Preps Third-Gen Twingo for 2012 Launch

MADRID – Renault revamps its Twingo small-car lineup with new styling and cleaner, more fuel-efficient engine technology.

The auto maker says the engines in the ’12 Twingo range have combined-cycle fuel economy starting at 73.5 mpg (3.2 L/100 km). The dCi75 and dCi Euro5 diesels emit just 85 g/km of carbon dioxide, while the gasoline-powered 1.2L TCe turbo produces just 102g/km of CO2.

Diesel engines went into 20% of Twingos built in 2011, when the range captured 29% of all diesel sales in the European market’s A-segment.

Six different models will be offered in France: the Authentique, Privilege, Initiale, Dynamique, Gordini GT and R.S.

Bidding for younger buyers, Renault is offering 24 different alloy wheels and wheel-trim options, and some of the designs come in two colors. The new Twingo’s central console has a docking station for iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

The front end of the ’12 Twingo reflects the current design identity of the French brand, including a bigger Renault diamond logo. The fog lights and round sidelights now are positioned next to the grille, and the headlights are of the “eyelid” type.

At the rear, the reverse lights are mounted on a more-curved tailgate to match the more-round rear bumper.

A fabric sunroof is available in addition to the panoramic glass roof. The electrically operated sunroof is standard in some markets.

Marketed in only 18 countries when it was introduced in 1993, Twingo now is sold in 48. Sales of the second-generation version exceeded 650,000 units from 2007 through October 2011.

The third-generation city car will be produced at Renault’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia.