The Renault Twingo III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2019, represents a significant departure from its predecessors. While the Twingo name has been associated with Renault’s small car offerings since 1992, the third generation, co-developed with Daimler AG (resulting in the shared platform with the Smart Fortwo), marked a shift towards a rear-wheel-drive layout and a focus on urban maneuverability. The 1.0 SCe (73 Hp) variant, produced from 2019 to 2021, was a key offering in European markets, designed as an affordable and efficient city car. It was not officially sold in the United States, but understanding its specifications provides insight into the European small car segment.
Renault Twingo III (Facelift 2019) 1.0 SCe: An Overview
The Twingo III aimed to address the challenges of city driving – limited parking space and congested streets. Its compact dimensions and tight turning radius were central to its appeal. The 2019 facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the engine lineup, including the 1.0 SCe variant. This model was positioned as an entry-level option, prioritizing fuel economy and practicality over outright performance. The Twingo competed with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Peugeot 108, and Volkswagen up! in the European microcar segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Twingo III 1.0 SCe is a naturally aspirated 998 cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 73 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 environments. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, unusual for this class of vehicle, contributes to a surprisingly engaging driving experience, offering better handling balance than typical front-wheel-drive city cars. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.7 seconds, and the top speed is 163 km/h (101.28 mph). The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a DOHC valvetrain. A Start & Stop system is included to further enhance fuel economy.
Design & Features
The Twingo III is a five-door hatchback with a distinctive and playful design. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and bumpers. The interior is designed to be practical and functional, with seating for four passengers. While not luxurious, the cabin offers adequate space for occupants and a reasonable amount of cargo capacity. The trunk space ranges from 174 liters (6.14 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 980 liters (34.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s compact size and a turning circle of just 8.75 meters (28.71 ft) make it exceptionally easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 906 kg (1997.39 lbs), contributing to its fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo III (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 SCe (73 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.2-5.4 l/100 km (45.2 – 43.6 US mpg, 54.3 – 52.3 UK mpg, 19.2 – 18.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 118-126 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm, 104.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 73 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.1 Hp/l |
| 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 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| 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 | 906 kg (1997.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1331 kg (2934.35 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 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) |
| Max. roof load | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 3615 mm (142.32 in.) |
| Width | 1646 mm (64.8 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1452 mm (57.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Front overhang | 629 mm (24.76 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 494 mm (19.45 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 170 mm (6.69 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 8.75 m (28.71 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Suspension De-Dion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 259×12 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 203 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 165/65 R15; 185/50 R16Rear wheel tires: 185/60 R15; 205/45 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5J x 15; 6J x 16Rear wheel rims: 5.5J x 15; 7J x 16 |
The Renault Twingo III 1.0 SCe, while not sold in the US market, represents a clever and efficient solution to urban mobility challenges in Europe. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, compact size, and focus on fuel economy made it a popular choice for city dwellers.
