Renault Claiming Next Twingo Will 'Reinvent' Small Cars

RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
6052 photos
17 videos
is claming that the next generation TwingoRenault TwingoFrance, 1992 > present3 series
67 versions
208 photos
1 video
will "reinvent the small car" when it goes in sale late next year, according to Renault Cheif Operating Officer Carlos Tavares. 

The next-gen Twingo is sharing a platform with the next Smart ForTwosmart FortwoGermany, 1997 > present3 series
137 versions
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4 videos
, and DaimlerDaimlerGermany, 1889 > present12 models
77 photos
1 video
and Renault co-developed the platform together. The biggest change is that the engine will not be rear mounted, and the car will be rear-wheel drive. Renault claims that this will mean more interior space. 

Tavares says the car will be “compact, quite muscular and very agile, with a good ratio of roominess versus outside dimensions."

Renault head of design Laurens van den Acker says that the new platform meant he could create an entirely new design for the car. It allowed his team to shift the instryment panel forward to give a larger cabin in a short length. The downside is less cargo space. 

Van den Acker says that the Twin'RunRenault Twin RunFrance, 2013 > 2013 and Twin'ZRenault Twin ZFrance, 2013 > 201320 photos
concepts that have been shown in the last few months show his direction for the car. One design element that will carry forward from the concepts is the rear glass shape, which reduces weight over a steel section and allows for good visibility.

European pedestrian safety standards also mandate a short, high nose for the car. 

Unlike the TwinRun, the next Twingo will not be as retro-inspired. The Renault 5Renault 5France, 1972 > 19962 series
23 versions
132 photos
has been more of a spiritual inspiration than a literal design inspiration.

Source: Autocar