The Renault Twingo II RS 1.6 16V (133 Hp) is a performance-oriented variant of the Renault Twingo II, a supermini car manufactured between 2007 and 2014. The “RS” designation stands for Renault Sport, indicating a model developed by Renault’s performance division. While the Twingo was never officially sold in the United States, it was a popular and affordable vehicle in Europe, particularly in France, its country of origin. The facelifted version, introduced in 2011, brought styling updates and minor mechanical revisions to the second-generation Twingo, including this sporty RS model. This vehicle aimed to provide an accessible entry point into the hot hatch segment, offering a blend of practicality and engaging driving dynamics.
Renault Twingo II RS: A European Hot Hatch
The Twingo II RS occupied a niche market in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Peugeot 208 GTI and the Volkswagen Polo GTI. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a small, nimble, and relatively affordable performance car. The Twingo’s compact size and light weight contributed to its agility, making it a fun-to-drive option for both city commuting and spirited driving on winding roads. The 2011 facelift brought subtle cosmetic changes, but the core focus remained on delivering a sporty driving experience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Twingo II RS is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K4M. This naturally aspirated engine produces 133 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 118.01 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While not exceptionally powerful by modern standards, the engine’s output is sufficient to provide brisk acceleration, thanks to the Twingo’s relatively low weight of approximately 2,313 pounds. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.3 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 124.9 mph. The weight-to-power ratio of 7.9 kg/Hp contributes to the car’s responsive feel.
Design & Features
The Twingo II RS is a three-door hatchback with seating for four passengers. Its compact dimensions – measuring 145.63 inches in length and 66.46 inches in width – make it well-suited for navigating crowded urban environments. The RS model distinguishes itself from the standard Twingo with several sporty design cues, including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels. Inside, the RS features sport seats, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Practicality is also considered, with a trunk space ranging from 10.06 cubic feet with the rear seats up to 33.87 cubic feet with them folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Twingo II RS prioritizes a fun driving experience over outright luxury, offering a minimalist yet functional interior.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | RS 1.6 16V (133 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | August, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 150 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h (124.9 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 133 Hp @ 6750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4400 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1049 kg (2312.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 381 kg (839.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 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) |
| Length | 3699 mm (145.63 in.) |
| Width | 1688 mm (66.46 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1949 mm (76.73 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2368 mm (93.23 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1439 mm (56.65 in.) |
| Front overhang | 762 mm (30 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 569 mm (22.4 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.39-10.42 m (34.09 – 34.19 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/45 R16; 195/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7J x 17 |
The Renault Twingo II RS 1.6 16V (133 Hp) represents a charming and engaging example of a European hot hatch. While not a high-volume seller in the US market, it offered a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and driving enjoyment to European enthusiasts.
