Gripping stuff on hillsides

Sep 12 2008 By Stewart Smith

Just a few years ago, Renault was known for producing reliable, if unremarkable, everyday motors.

But there was a major turn-around when the French manufacturer introduced the Renaultsport range, first with the Clio and then the Megane.

Designed for those who wanted a lot more than A to B transport, the Renaultsport models offer exhilarating motoring with beefier engines, lower and stiffer suspension and glitzier body design.

The uptake of Renaultsport models in the UK has been second to none and there are more buyers here than in any other country – including France. Now fans of this class of performance car will have a newcomer to choose from, the Twingo Renaultsport 133.

At £11,550 the RS 133 offers good value and I expect it to appeal to the younger driver seeking a gutsy small car with sporty styling.

It is powered by a punchy 1.6-litre 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine producing 133bhp which gives it a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. With this power plant you can expect around 40mpg on a combined run.

One of its major plus points is its superb handling, which I put to the test on extremely tricky, winding mountain roads. The RS 133 has a wider front and rear track than the base model Twingo or Twingo GT, plus lowered suspension and 16-inch wheels which give it added grip and stability.

I found this combination offered me pin-sharp control on the testing route and at lower speeds around town it was surprisingly civilized and smooth.

The new Renaultsport model also sounds great, thanks to a four-into-one exhaust manifold.

Body style is eye-catching, with flared wheel arches, sculpted side sills, coupled with wider front and rear wings and a wide air-intake grille in the front bumper.

Inside, the sporting feel is continued with very supportive Renaultsport seats, aluminium pedal facings and a four-spoke perforated leather steering wheel.