Renault Twingo III

Twingo in brief

The first-generation Twingo (1992–2007) stood out with its single-volume body and sliding rear seat. Few of these cars remain in Lithuania today, so the used market mostly sees choices from the II and III generations.

All generations are three or five-door hatchbacks designed primarily for city driving. The Twingo is small, easy to park, and usually inexpensive to maintain, but it's less suitable for long journeys with a full load than larger B-class cars.

II and III generations — what's the difference

The II generation (2007–2014) is a conventional car with an engine mounted at the front and front-wheel drive, technically similar to the Clio. It was produced only with three doors and was refreshed in 2011–2012 with a revised front end and interior details. These cars are affordable and straightforward, but most have covered quite a few miles.

The third generation (introduced in 2014) was developed alongside the smart forfour: the engine is mounted at the rear, under the boot floor, and the driven wheels are at the back. This makes the Twingo incredibly tight-turning and offers more interior space, although the boot is small. It comes only with five doors, was refreshed in 2019, and since 2020, an electric Twingo E-Tech (formerly Z.E.) version has been available.

If you need a simple and affordable city car, the second generation will do. If five doors, newer features, and better condition are important, opt for the third generation, ideally after the 2019 refresh.

Engines and gearboxes

The second generation most commonly features 1.2-litre petrol engines (around 60 and 75 hp), less often a 1.2 TCe with a turbocharger (around 100 hp), and a 1.5 dCi diesel. The sportiest is the Twingo Renaultsport with a 1.6-litre engine (around 133 hp).

The third generation is primarily powered by a 1.0 SCe naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine (around 65–75 hp) and a 0.9 TCe with a turbocharger (around 90 hp), with the GT version offering around 110 hp. The electric version has a small battery, making it best suited for city driving and nearby areas.

A manual gearbox is most common. The second generation offered the robotised Quickshift, while the third generation with a TCe engine comes with the dual-clutch automatic EDC gearbox.

What to check when buying a used Twingo

Second-gen 1.2 engines have a timing belt — ask when it was last changed, as a worn-out belt often means expensive engine repairs. The robotized Quickshift gearbox should shift smoothly without long pauses and jerks; if it doesn't, the transmission might need servicing.

In the third-gen model, test the EDC gearbox by moving off and driving slowly — juddering is a warning sign. Since the engine is at the back, check under the boot floor for any traces of oil or coolant leaks.

For electric versions, ask to see the battery condition report and test the charging. For all cars — check the ride using service records, and the body for city bumps: dents, painted bumpers, and uneven gaps.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common trims found in Europe.

Comparison of third-generation trims

For most buyers, Zen or Intens are the best bets: they offer more comfort features, and the price is still reasonable. The GT is worth considering only if you want a livelier, sportier city car.

Frequently asked questions