RENAULT TWINGO GORDINI RS IS HERE

Renault’s racer-in-nappies brigade will no doubt be wetting their Pampers over the announcement of the new Twingo Gordini Renault Sport (RS). The car is based on the Twingo RS but features some highly visible changes in kit, from top to bottom.

Those who remember the groovy 1960s will instantly recall the Gordini name, a name associated with Renault cars for about twenty years. Amédée Gordini and his family-oriented team developed nearly 200 000 racing Renaults during those times and were instrumental in establishing the brand as a serious track mate.

Onlookers would tell the car from its competitors via pieces like Gordini’s trademark Malte Blue exterior metallic paintwork with two racing stripes running over one side. New front and rear bumpers with a gloss-black finish with contrasting white foglights, mirror casings and the lip spoiler. Larger aluminium wheels measuring 17 inches are wrapped by 195/40 R17 low profile tyres.

The interior is dashed with Gordini-badged leather upholstery in two-tone and sports seats. A blue rev counter with white surround adds another notch of sportiness. Other features include an MP3-playing CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, controls on the steering wheel, climate control, a rain sensor, cruise control, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and an optional panoramic sunroof.

Go is provided by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with natural aspiration. Maximum power is 98kW developed at 6750rpm, while peak torque is 160Nm at 4400rpm. C02 emissions are stated at 160 g/km, matched to an average fuel consumption of 7 litres per 100km.

The Renault Clio Gordini RS is now available at a price of R214 900.