Renault Twingo Renaultsport (08 on) - Review

The range-topping Twingo comes with Renaultsport front seats which offer better side support than the seats in the standard car. They're certainly more comfortable, although the sporty Twingo isn't a car you'd want to spend an extended length of time in. Opt for the Cup chassis and you'll find the ride stiff and unforgiving over uneven surfaces - and this is especially noticeable on city streets. The two separate rear seats are very cramped and not very comfortable for adults - although on the plus side they do slide forward and back to increase boot space if needed.

Like the standard car the Renaultsport version of the Twingo offers the choice of maximising rear passenger space for one or both occupants, or increasing luggage space. The minimum luggage space available is 165 litres - on a par with a MINI and slightly more than a Toyota Aygo - and this can be increased to 285 litres up to window height with the rear seats slid forward. This is comparable with a Clio or Vauxhall Corsa. It can be increased to 959 litres up to roof height with both rear seats folded.

The Twingo has a modern feel inside, thanks in part to the central instrument binnacle with orange LED read-outs. A conventional analogue rev-counter pod is situated on top of the steering column - this has a white dial and red needle, adding to the sporty feel. Quality is fairly good, although there are some low-rent plastics in areas out of view, plus the dated stereo is housed almost vertically in an awkward bulge in front of the gear lever. For a hot hatch the cabin is disappointingly plain (although this does help keep the price down) but at least you can make it feel more special by opting for the Renaultsport gear lever knob, gaiter and handbrake, which costs an extra £150. The Gordini variant is littered with references to its creator, whether it be badging or racing stripes, there is no chance that you will forget that you are driving a Twingo Gordini Renaultsport.