we don’t do all automobile that pops up in the market. that would be insane and overwhelming, which is why we curate and pay attention to those extra special rides, like this third-generation Renault Twingo that is heading to the show floor of the Geneva Motor Show. yes. it is the Twingo! a car that is destined to be an everyday ride. so what makes this Twingo stands out, if any at all? it has no engine… under the bonnet, instead it will sport a rear-mounted engine and that is a big deal, because the Twingo is a car for the masses and not some performance hot hatches. developed in partnership with Daimler, the rationale behind Twingo’s rear-mounted engine were handling and space.
by placing the engine at the back, Renault said it frees up the front end, which we can’t immediately see how so, but we probably would agree that it will promote more agile handling and improves turning circle. in any case, the new-found engine location affords for shorter overhangs and together with the use of a smaller block, bumps up the cabin space. with the engine gone from the front, it could have a small front end, thereby adding up to the agility without sacrificing the interior space. what’s the ‘small block’ that goes under the hood, i mean, trunk, is not announced yet. the new Twingo, which will be officially launch at the Geneva next month, also departs from the traditional Twingo by going five-door (with concealed rear door handles) instead of the usual three-door style.
two things just came to our mind seeing (and reading about) this rear-engined Twingo: one. it looks pretty much like the new Clio and two. a performance version could be fun thing. more details should be out next month when it hit the show floor at Palexpo, but in the mean time, you can feast your eyes to some pretty images courtesy of Renault.
