The Renault Twingo II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2011, represents a significant iteration of Renault’s popular city car. Positioned within the supermini segment, the Twingo II aimed to provide an affordable, practical, and stylish option for urban drivers. While not officially sold in the United States, the Twingo has been a mainstay in European markets since its original introduction in 1992, known for its compact size, nimble handling, and efficient engines. The 2011 facelift brought cosmetic and mechanical updates, including the 1.2 LEV 16V engine variant discussed here, focusing on improved fuel economy and reduced emissions to meet increasingly stringent European regulations.
Renault Twingo II (Facelift 2011) 1.2 LEV 16V: An Overview
The Twingo II, launched in 2007, was a departure from the original’s quirky, MPV-inspired design. It adopted a more conventional hatchback form, appealing to a broader audience. The 2011 facelift refined the aesthetics further, with revised front and rear styling, interior enhancements, and the introduction of updated engine options. The 1.2 LEV 16V (Low Emission Vehicle) engine was a key component of this update, designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency. This model was primarily sold in Europe and other international markets, serving as a competitor to vehicles like the Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Up!, and Peugeot 107.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Twingo II 1.2 LEV 16V is powered by a 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the D4F. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 107 Nm (78.92 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for city driving and short highway trips. The power-to-weight ratio of 12.7 kg/Hp allows for reasonable acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 12.3 seconds. Top speed is rated at 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The engine’s fuel efficiency is a key selling point, achieving combined fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg or 55.4 UK mpg). The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 9.8:1 to optimize combustion and reduce emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards.
Design & Features
The Twingo II is a three-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. Its compact dimensions – 3687 mm (145.16 in) in length and 1654 mm (65.12 in) in width – make it exceptionally maneuverable in urban environments. The 2011 facelift brought subtle styling changes, including a revised front grille, updated headlights, and new wheel designs. Inside, the Twingo II offers a functional and practical interior, with a focus on maximizing space within its small footprint. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity from 230 liters (8.12 cu. ft.) to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.). Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, contributing to improved braking performance. Electric power steering provides light and responsive handling, further enhancing the driving experience in city conditions. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 950 kg (2094.39 lbs) contributes to its agility and fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 LEV 16V (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 107 Nm @ 4250 rpm (78.92 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4F |
| Engine displacement | 1149 cm3 (70.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69 mm (2.72 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.8 mm (3.02 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 950 kg (2094.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1365 kg (3009.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 230 l (8.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 959 l (33.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3687 mm (145.16 in.) |
| Width | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2367 mm (93.19 in.) |
| Front track | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Rear track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.95 m (35.93 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front Wheel Drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
