The Renault Twingo III 1.0 SCe (70 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 maximizing interior space within a compact footprint. While not officially sold in the United States, the Twingo III was a popular choice in Europe, particularly in urban environments, due to its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking. It competed with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up!, and Peugeot 108.
Renault Twingo III: A Unique Approach to City Mobility
The Twingo III was developed in collaboration with Daimler AG, resulting in a shared platform with the Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour. This partnership allowed Renault to reduce development costs and offer a unique vehicle in the competitive city car segment. The key innovation of the Twingo III was its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. This layout, reminiscent of classic rear-engined cars, freed up space in the front of the vehicle, improving interior room and maneuverability. The 1.0 SCe variant, powered by a 999cc three-cylinder engine, was positioned as the entry-level model, offering a balance of affordability and efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Twingo III 1.0 SCe is equipped with a naturally aspirated 999cc inline three-cylinder engine, designated the H4D. This engine produces 70 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 91 Nm (67.12 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2850 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for urban driving. The power-to-weight ratio is 13.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 10.3 kg/Nm. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.8 seconds. The Twingo III 1.0 SCe has a maximum speed of 151 km/h (93.83 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined fuel consumption rated at 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Twingo III features a distinctive hatchback body style with a short front overhang and a relatively tall cabin. The rear-engine layout allowed designers to create a spacious interior despite the car’s compact exterior dimensions. The vehicle seats four passengers and offers a practical 35-liter (9.25 US gal) fuel tank. Key features include electric power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and ventilated front disc brakes. The interior design is functional and modern, with a focus on usability. The Twingo III prioritizes practicality and ease of use over luxurious appointments. The vehicle’s small turning radius and nimble handling make it exceptionally easy to maneuver in tight city streets. The design language of the Twingo III is playful and youthful, appealing to a broad demographic seeking an affordable and efficient urban runabout.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 SCe (70 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 105 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 151 km/h (93.83 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 91 Nm @ 2850 rpm (67.12 lb.-ft. @ 2850 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H4D |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.2 l (8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 939 kg (2070.14 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1359 kg (2996.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 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 |
| 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 1.0 SCe, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a unique and practical solution for urban transportation. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, compact size, and fuel efficiency made it a popular choice in Europe, demonstrating Renault’s commitment to innovative and adaptable vehicle design.
