Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Renault Twingo shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Renault Twingo offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Renault Twingo at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Renault Twingo? Wrong! If the Renault Twingo is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Renault Twingo then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Renault Twingo? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Renault Twingo and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Renault Twingo wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Renault Twingo then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Renault Twingo site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Renault Twingo, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Renault Twingo, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Automobile|name = Renault Twingo|manufacturer = Renault|class = [City car|designer = [Patrick le Quément-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]
Fiat Seicento
Ford Ka
Peugeot 106-->

The Renault Twingo is a city car built by France automaker Renault, officially presented at the 1992 Mondial de l'Automobile and going on sale in early 1993. The Twingo quickly became popular in Europe due to its unusual looks and its ease of use. The first-generation Twingo underwent three restylings in 1998, 2000 and 2004, and the second generation was officially presented in 2007.

The "Twingo" name is a portmanteau derived from the words "Twist", "Swing" and "Tango" and it is said to denote the "fun and active" "personality" of the car.

First generation (1993-2007) Project The Twingo was designed under Patrick le Quément, Renault's chief designer. Le Quément's belief was that it was a greater risk for Renault to take no risks at all, having seen its market share suffer from cars such as the Renault 9 and Renault 11. The design of the Twingo resembles that of the 1982 Polish prototype Beskid (car), from which its monobox silhouette is claimed to be derived. Car Body Design - Renault Twingo design history Auto Histories - Beskid

Production The Twingo has been built since its launch in France, Colombia and Uruguay from 1999 to 2002 El Espectador - Interview with Nordex facility president Ernesto Soler.

Production of the first generation model ceased at the Flins factory in France on 28th June 2007. It is, however, still produced in Colombia by the Sofasa conglomerate for the South American market.

Total production up to 30th June 2007 was 2,478,648 http://www.renault.com/renault_com/en/themes/main/images/ATLAS_GB-ANIM_tcm1120-657753.pdf

Characteristics The Twingo featured revolutionary features (at the time of launch) of a centrally-mounted instrument panel, consisting of a speedometer, fuel gauge and clock, with the odometer and trip recorder selected by pushing a button on the end of the steering column stalk. This left just a strip of warning lights in the area behind the steering wheel. It also had a sliding rear seat, which could be moved to either increase boot space or rear seat legroom. The boot parcel shelf was also unusual in that it was attached to the inside of the tailgate, and lifted up with the tailgate. It could also be clipped back against the rear window when not required.

All the first-generation Twingos were equipped with straight-4 petrol engines. Initially available with an 8-valve 1.2-litre engine, it was replaced with an 8-valve 1.1-litre unit. A 16-valve version was added in 2000.

Many parts (e.g. the JB1 gearbox, brakes, engine) are shared with other vehicles across the Renault range.

Right-hand drive market When the car was launched, Renault's senior bosses said that the British market would not want a city car, so Renault did not produce a right-hand drive version. They were also concerned that it would take away sales from the recently launched Renault Clio, as well as another claim that it would cost too much to engineer the car to right hand specification to make the car competitively priced. Later entrants to this market and their popularity in the United Kingdom, like the Fiat Cinquecento, Ford Ka and Smart Fortwo, suggest that this decision was a mistake. However, many LHD Twingos have been imported from mainland Europe by customers, and all Renault dealers are able to provide servicing and parts for the vehicle.

Electric version A battery electric vehicle version was presented at the international Geneva Motor Show in 2006, that fits Zebra battery.

Second generation (2007-present) {{Infobox Automobile generation|image = |name = Second generation|production = 2007-present|wheelbase = |length = |width = |height = |similar = Citroën C1
Fiat Nuova 500
Fiat Panda
Ford Ka
Peugeot 107-->

A concept was presented at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile. The production version was presented at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show after a last minute redesign was ordered, partly due to the successful launch of the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo, which became the new benchmark for city cars.

Production will be transferred from France to the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia (Revoz).

It went on sale in France, Italy and Slovenia on 15 June 2007, and will go on sale in the rest of Europe, including the UK, in September 2007.

Prices in France will start from 8000€ for the base model, rising to 16400€ for the Initiale diesel.Autojournal.fr - Forum

The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit in three versions, an 8-valve naturally-aspirated, a 16-valve naturally-aspirated and a 16-valve turbocharged version. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre common rail unit.

Trim levels have been announced and will start with the unnamed base model followed by Authentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique and GT. An RS version is also under consideration.

It will be also be available in right hand drive for the first time. Engines available in the UK will be the and petrol units, in Dynamique and GT trim levels. Prices have been announced and will cost from £8,375 for the Dynamique trim and from £9,995 for the GT. Cheaper trim levels may be introduced by Autumn 2008.

Safety In its EuroNCAP crash tests, the new Twingo fell short of the maximum score, earning 4 out of 5 stars for its adult occupancy rating. Euro NCAP - Euro NCAP results for 2007 Twingo

References

External links

• Official Renault Twingo website
• Twingo movie (produced by a fan in the UK)
• Renault press release about the new Twingo
• The New Twingo
• Twingo Lovers Club - multi language discussion forum for the Renault Twingo
• km77.com - The new Twingo in production form
• Renault Twingo 2 - El nuevo Twingo
• Twingo ad 1994
• Twingo Enthusiast Forum

{{Infobox Automobile|name = Renault Twingo|manufacturer = Renault|class = [City car|designer = [Patrick le Quément-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]
Fiat Seicento
Ford Ka
Peugeot 106-->

The Renault Twingo is a city car built by France automaker Renault, officially presented at the 1992 Mondial de l'Automobile and going on sale in early 1993. The Twingo quickly became popular in Europe due to its unusual looks and its ease of use. The first-generation Twingo underwent three restylings in 1998, 2000 and 2004, and the second generation was officially presented in 2007.

The "Twingo" name is a portmanteau derived from the words "Twist", "Swing" and "Tango" and it is said to denote the "fun and active" "personality" of the car.

First generation (1993-2007) Project The Twingo was designed under Patrick le Quément, Renault's chief designer. Le Quément's belief was that it was a greater risk for Renault to take no risks at all, having seen its market share suffer from cars such as the Renault 9 and Renault 11. The design of the Twingo resembles that of the 1982 Polish prototype Beskid (car), from which its monobox silhouette is claimed to be derived. Car Body Design - Renault Twingo design history Auto Histories - Beskid

Production The Twingo has been built since its launch in France, Colombia and Uruguay from 1999 to 2002 El Espectador - Interview with Nordex facility president Ernesto Soler.

Production of the first generation model ceased at the Flins factory in France on 28th June 2007. It is, however, still produced in Colombia by the Sofasa conglomerate for the South American market.

Total production up to 30th June 2007 was 2,478,648 http://www.renault.com/renault_com/en/themes/main/images/ATLAS_GB-ANIM_tcm1120-657753.pdf

Characteristics The Twingo featured revolutionary features (at the time of launch) of a centrally-mounted instrument panel, consisting of a speedometer, fuel gauge and clock, with the odometer and trip recorder selected by pushing a button on the end of the steering column stalk. This left just a strip of warning lights in the area behind the steering wheel. It also had a sliding rear seat, which could be moved to either increase boot space or rear seat legroom. The boot parcel shelf was also unusual in that it was attached to the inside of the tailgate, and lifted up with the tailgate. It could also be clipped back against the rear window when not required.

All the first-generation Twingos were equipped with straight-4 petrol engines. Initially available with an 8-valve 1.2-litre engine, it was replaced with an 8-valve 1.1-litre unit. A 16-valve version was added in 2000.

Many parts (e.g. the JB1 gearbox, brakes, engine) are shared with other vehicles across the Renault range.

Right-hand drive market When the car was launched, Renault's senior bosses said that the British market would not want a city car, so Renault did not produce a right-hand drive version. They were also concerned that it would take away sales from the recently launched Renault Clio, as well as another claim that it would cost too much to engineer the car to right hand specification to make the car competitively priced. Later entrants to this market and their popularity in the United Kingdom, like the Fiat Cinquecento, Ford Ka and Smart Fortwo, suggest that this decision was a mistake. However, many LHD Twingos have been imported from mainland Europe by customers, and all Renault dealers are able to provide servicing and parts for the vehicle.

Electric version A battery electric vehicle version was presented at the international Geneva Motor Show in 2006, that fits Zebra battery.

Second generation (2007-present) {{Infobox Automobile generation|image = |name = Second generation|production = 2007-present|wheelbase = |length = |width = |height = |similar = Citroën C1
Fiat Nuova 500
Fiat Panda
Ford Ka
Peugeot 107-->

A concept was presented at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile. The production version was presented at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show after a last minute redesign was ordered, partly due to the successful launch of the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo, which became the new benchmark for city cars.

Production will be transferred from France to the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia (Revoz).

It went on sale in France, Italy and Slovenia on 15 June 2007, and will go on sale in the rest of Europe, including the UK, in September 2007.

Prices in France will start from 8000€ for the base model, rising to 16400€ for the Initiale diesel.Autojournal.fr - Forum

The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit in three versions, an 8-valve naturally-aspirated, a 16-valve naturally-aspirated and a 16-valve turbocharged version. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre common rail unit.

Trim levels have been announced and will start with the unnamed base model followed by Authentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique and GT. An RS version is also under consideration.

It will be also be available in right hand drive for the first time. Engines available in the UK will be the and petrol units, in Dynamique and GT trim levels. Prices have been announced and will cost from £8,375 for the Dynamique trim and from £9,995 for the GT. Cheaper trim levels may be introduced by Autumn 2008.

Safety In its EuroNCAP crash tests, the new Twingo fell short of the maximum score, earning 4 out of 5 stars for its adult occupancy rating. Euro NCAP - Euro NCAP results for 2007 Twingo

References

External links

• Official Renault Twingo website
• Twingo movie (produced by a fan in the UK)
• Renault press release about the new Twingo
• The New Twingo
• Twingo Lovers Club - multi language discussion forum for the Renault Twingo
• km77.com - The new Twingo in production form
• Renault Twingo 2 - El nuevo Twingo
• Twingo ad 1994
• Twingo Enthusiast Forum