What's the news?
The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Renault Twingo III has always intrigued us, because its chassis layout promises plenty of driving fun. Sadly, with two modestly powered engines, so far it has proved to be a bit of a dynamic damp squib.
So this model should address some of our concerns. You'll notice it has a 'Renault Sport' badge on its rump. You'll notice the twin pipes at the rear. You'll notice the rather tasty 17-inch wheels crammed into its tiny arches. Is this the full-on RS model we've been waiting so eagerly for? Umm... no. Not quite. But it is a hotter-than-standard version blessed with Renault Sport's input, and it's called the Twingo GT.
Using the same 898cc three-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the current range-topping Twingo III, the GT's outputs have been increased from 90hp and 135Nm to 110hp and 170Nm. These enlarged numbers have been achieved thanks to a revised air intake and modified engine mapping, while the gearing of the manual transmission has been altered to make the most of the 'free-revving performance'.
So has the chassis. Stiffer suspension, specific calibration of the ESP stability control and variable-rate steering are all added to the mix, while of course the 17-inch wheels wear wider tyres than other Twingos. Styling-wise, extra air intakes, the spaced twin exhausts and the new orange colour for the body mark out the Twingo GT, although you can also have the 110hp Renault in Lunar Grey, Diamond Black or Crystal White. Inside are orange trim details, Renault Sport-branded door sills, aluminium pedals and an alloy gear knob.
Anything else?
If you're thinking it's a shame Renault Sport didn't go further with the Twingo GT, don't despair just yet. In the larger all-new Megane range, there's an RS-badged 'GT' model with 205hp... and there is absolutely no doubt there will be a much more powerful, 'full-fat' RS version coming soon. So it's likely 110hp will not be the limit for the Twingo, which can only be a good thing.
If you want to see the Twingo GT up close and personal at its debut, you need to get over to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK at the end of June, as the tiny turbo Renault will be on show there.