The Renault Twingo III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2019, represents a significant departure from its predecessors. While the original Twingo was a mainstay of the French city car market, the third generation, co-developed with Daimler AG (resulting in the shared platform with the Smart Fortwo), aimed for a more international appeal. This iteration of the Twingo, a five-door hatchback, is primarily known for its rear-wheel-drive layout – an unusual characteristic for this segment – and its compact dimensions, making it ideal for navigating congested urban environments. The 1.0 SCe (65 Hp) variant, produced from 2019 until July 2024, was a key offering in many European markets, focusing on affordability and fuel efficiency.
Renault Twingo III (Facelift 2019) 1.0 SCe: Overview
The Twingo III, launched in 2014 and receiving a facelift in 2019, is a supermini car manufactured by Renault. The collaboration with Daimler resulted in a unique engineering solution: a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. This design choice, while unconventional, allowed for a tighter turning circle and maximized interior space within a small footprint. The 1.0 SCe model, equipped with a naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, was positioned as the entry-level option, prioritizing economy over outright performance. It was never officially sold in the United States, but it found a niche in European cities where parking and maneuverability are paramount.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Twingo III 1.0 SCe is a 998 cc (60.9 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 65 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine is designed for efficiency and responsiveness in urban driving conditions. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, provides a surprisingly engaging driving experience, particularly on winding roads. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) takes 15.1 seconds, and the top speed is 158 km/h (98.18 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 13.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.5 kg/Nm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a DOHC valvetrain, and is equipped with a Start & Stop system to further enhance fuel economy.
Design & Features
The Twingo III boasts a distinctive and playful design. The 2019 facelift brought subtle styling updates, including revised front and rear bumpers, new headlight designs, and updated interior trim. The hatchback body style offers practicality with five doors and seating for four passengers. The interior is characterized by its bright and airy feel, with a focus on user-friendliness. Key features include power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a relatively spacious trunk offering 174 liters (6.14 cubic feet) of space, expandable to 980 liters (34.61 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The Twingo prioritizes functionality and ease of use over luxurious appointments, making it a practical choice for city dwellers. The vehicle’s compact dimensions – a length of 3615 mm (142.32 in) and a width of 1646 mm (64.8 in) – contribute to its exceptional maneuverability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo III (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 SCe (65 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 6.2-6.8 l/100 km (37.9 – 34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 4.6-4.8 l/100 km (51.1 – 49 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.4-4.6 l/100 km (53.5 – 51.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 5.6-5.8 l/100 km (42 – 40.6 US mpg) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.1-5.3 l/100 km (46.1 – 44.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 116-126 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 158 km/h (98.18 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 65 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 4000 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4D 403, B4D 413 |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.1 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 900-906 kg (1984.16 – 1997.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1331-1335 kg (2934.35 – 2943.17 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 174 l (6.14 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 980 l (34.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3615 mm (142.32 in.) |
| Width | 1646 mm (64.8 in.) |
| Height | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
The Renault Twingo III 1.0 SCe, while not a performance car, offered a compelling package for urban drivers seeking a fuel-efficient, maneuverable, and uniquely styled vehicle. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and compact size set it apart from its competitors, making it a memorable and practical choice in the European city car segment.
