The Renault Twingo III GT 0.9 TCe (110 Hp) is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 2016 to 2018. Representing the third generation of the Twingo, this model marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its rear-wheel-drive layout and compact dimensions. While the Twingo was never officially sold in the United States, it was a popular choice in Europe, particularly for urban drivers seeking a nimble and fuel-efficient vehicle. The GT variant, with its turbocharged engine, offered a sportier driving experience compared to the standard Twingo models.
Renault Twingo III GT: A Unique City Car
The Twingo III was developed in collaboration with Daimler AG, resulting in a shared platform with the Smart Fortwo. This partnership allowed Renault to reduce development costs and offer a unique vehicle in the competitive city car segment. The Twingo III aimed to provide a practical and stylish solution for navigating congested urban environments, emphasizing maneuverability and ease of parking. The GT trim level, introduced later in the production run, added a performance edge to the Twingo’s already appealing package.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Twingo III GT is powered by a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated H4Bt. This engine produces 110 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine’s small displacement and turbocharging contribute to its fuel efficiency while still delivering respectable performance. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, a configuration unusual for vehicles in this class. This rear-wheel-drive setup, inherited from the Smart Fortwo, provides a more engaging driving experience and improved handling characteristics. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 9.1 seconds. The Twingo GT has a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 5.9 kg/Nm, contributing to its lively performance.
Design & Features
The Twingo III is a hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations. Its compact dimensions – measuring 3595 mm (141.54 in.) in length, 1646 mm (64.8 in.) in width, and 1554 mm (61.18 in.) in height – make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces. The GT model features subtle styling enhancements, including unique alloy wheels, sporty body kit elements, and interior trim upgrades. Inside, the Twingo offers seating for four passengers. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 188 liters (6.64 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to a maximum of 980 liters (34.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a steering rack and pinion system. The Twingo III prioritizes practicality and ease of use, making it an ideal vehicle for city dwellers. Safety features, while not as extensive as in larger vehicles, include driver and passenger airbags and stability control systems.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Twingo |
| Generation | Twingo III |
| Type (Engine) | GT 0.9 TCe (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 2000 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H4Bt |
| Engine displacement | 898 cm3 (54.8 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.2 mm (2.84 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.1 mm (2.88 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1001 kg (2206.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1384 kg (3051.2 lbs.) |
| Max load | 383 kg (844.37 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 188 l (6.64 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 | 3595 mm (141.54 in.) |
| Width | 1646 mm (64.8 in.) |
| Height | 1554 mm (61.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 185/45 R17 78H; 205/40 R17 80H |
The Renault Twingo III GT 0.9 TCe represents a unique and appealing option in the city car segment. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, compact dimensions, and efficient turbocharged engine combine to create a fun-to-drive and practical vehicle, particularly well-suited for navigating the challenges of urban environments. While never officially available in the US market, the Twingo III remains a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe.
