Just because it's the smallest Renault doesn't mean it should miss out on the Sport treatment.

Yup, the Twingo is now available in RS guise in South Africa.

The range's new flagship, joining two existing models, combines Twingo's youthful appeal with the motorsport heritage of Renault Sport to create a hot hatch mini in the tradition of the Yaris TS.

Visually it gets all-new bumpers, wider front and rear fenders, sculpted sills, and a spoiler, while inside there are the Renault Sport-branded seats with orange-detailed seatbelts, leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminium pedals and RS-specific rev counter with a shift light indicator.

But the main difference is under the hood. At the heart of the Twingo RS is a highly tuned, twin-camshaft 1.6-litre engine. The naturally aspirated 16-valve unit produces a maximum output of 98kW at 6750rpm, coupled to a torque peak of 160Nm at 4400rpm.

This allows the RS to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 8.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 201km/h at the engine's 7000rpm cut-off. Fuel consumption is 7.0 litres/100km, while the equivalent CO2 emissions come to 165g/km.

The purpose-designed four-into-one exhaust system adds a characteristically sporty exhaust note to the package, but also optimises performance, while ensuring low emissions.

The engine’s output is delivered to the front wheels via a Renault Sport-optimised version of the JR5 five-speed manual gearbox, featuring a close-ratio gear set and a quick gearshift action.

While Twingo RS is designed to provide a sporty driving experience, the specifically adapted chassis and suspension also emphasise comfort and safety, while ESP stability plus traction control provides additional safety margins. But, true to the performance credentials of the RS, the ESP can be switched off, while the electric power steering has been recalibrated to provide direct, accurate responses to driver input.

The Renault Sport-specific chassis features front and rear tracks widened by 60 mm and 59 mm respectively, for further gains in stability and grip. Also, the stiffer suspension has been tuned for more taut, direct responses.

The ride height is 10 mm lower to reduce the effective centre of gravity, and the Twingo RS rides on unique, 16-inch RS alloy wheels, shod with generous 195/45 R16 tyres.

Ensuring that the stopping power matches the boosted performance is an uprated braking system that links 280mm vented disc brakes in front to 240mm solid discs at the rear. Both are equipped with larger callipers.

And in order for buyers to take advantage of all these features, each Renault Twingo RS sold in South Africa includes a free advanced driver training course at the newly established Renault Driver Academy.

Pricing:
Renault Twingo RS: R195 000

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