The Tiny Twingo
The Renault Twingo is unlike anything else you’ll see on the road. It’s old enough to be legally imported to the US today but new enough to have relatively modern safety features and mechanicals.
The tiny Twingo has an overall length of just over 11 feet. To put that in perspective, that’s about four feet shorter than a new Toyota Corolla.
Don’t let those compact dimensions fool you because Twingo’s clever designers maximized interior space by pushing all four wheels to the very corners of the car. The result is a surprisingly spacious interior, with a back seat that is not only suitable for transporting humans but is a bright and cheerful place.
To add to its airy feel inside, the Twingo has large windows and a vast cloth sunroof that slides to the rear. That gives the Twingo the open-air motoring experience of a convertible with the added security and safety of a conventional hatchback.
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Distinctively French design details include gray cloth seats emblazoned with a cheerful blue-and-white pattern, while a green-and-yellow aftermarket steering wheel adds another dash of color. The original black wheel is in the trunk if the next owner chooses a more subdued look.
Beyond that, the Renault Twingo’s cabin is a model of 1990s simplicity. There are simple dials for climate controls, a centrally mounted digital speedometer and fuel gauge on top of the dash, and a stereo system with a cassette rack. That’s about it. You won’t find evidence of an on-board computer, lots of power accessories, a giant touch screen, or satellite radio. And that’s okay.
Overall, the cabin appears clean and well cared for, if not posh. Carpeted floor mats with the Twingo logo are included. The rear seatbacks fold flat to maximize cargo room.
Go, Twingo!
Twingo power, such as it is, comes from a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 58 horsepower. It’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. While perhaps not providing whiplash-inducing acceleration, that’s enough power to propel this lightweight hatchback while delivering excellent fuel economy.
While this Renault Twingo was built decades after the company pulled out of the US market, the tiny hatchback has a strong following of enthusiastic owners ready to welcome another into their midst. A quick Google search reveals numerous clubs and gatherings for owners, who can help advise on maintenance.
Strong global sales over the years mean that a steady supply of parts and maintenance needs are readily available on eBay.
With a Buy-It-Now price of $17,000, this French import could be yours for less than the sticker of any new car. Chances are, it’ll make you smile a lot more.
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