The Renault Twingo III 0.9 TCe (90 Hp) is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 2014 to 2018. Representing the third generation of the Twingo, this model marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a rear-wheel-drive layout and a focus on compact dimensions for urban maneuverability. While not officially sold in the United States, the Twingo III was a popular choice in Europe, particularly in densely populated cities, offering a practical and economical transportation solution. It shared its platform and engineering with the Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour, a result of a collaboration between Renault and Daimler AG.
Renault Twingo III 0.9 TCe: A Detailed Overview
The Twingo III was designed with a specific purpose: to be an ideal city car. Its small size, nimble handling, and efficient engine made it well-suited for navigating tight streets and parking in confined spaces. The 0.9 TCe variant, powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a compelling option in the competitive microcar segment. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, unusual for this class of vehicle, contributed to its surprisingly engaging driving dynamics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Twingo III 0.9 TCe is a 898 cc (54.8 cu. in.) inline three-cylinder petrol engine, designated H4B. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to produce 90 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. This translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 100.2 hp/l. The engine is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.3 seconds. The Twingo III 0.9 TCe has a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg or 65.7 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Twingo III is a three-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. Its compact dimensions – a length of 3595 mm (141.54 in.), a width of 1647 mm (64.84 in.), and a height of 1557 mm (61.3 in.) – are central to its appeal. The rear-wheel-drive layout allowed for a shorter front overhang, maximizing interior space despite the car’s overall small footprint. The interior design is functional and modern, with a focus on practicality. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Twingo III also offered features like electric power steering and a variety of customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle. The rear engine placement, while unusual, freed up interior space and contributed to the car’s unique handling characteristics. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1018 kg (2244.31 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1382 kg (3046.79 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 364 kg (802.48 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo III |
| Type (Engine) | 0.9 TCe (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 2500 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H4B |
| Engine displacement | 898 cm3 (54.8 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1018 kg (2244.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1382 kg (3046.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 364 kg (802.48 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3595 mm (141.54 in.) |
| Width | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Height | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Rear track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/65 R15; 185/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Twingo III 0.9 TCe, while not a performance car, offered a unique and enjoyable driving experience thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and nimble handling. Its fuel efficiency and compact size made it a practical choice for urban dwellers, and its distinctive design helped it stand out in a crowded market. The collaboration with Smart resulted in a cost-effective platform, allowing Renault to offer a competitive product in the microcar segment.
