Renault Twingo 1996 - Lemon Yellow & United deco

Twingo

Since 1961, Renault's entry-level range has been defined by the rustic and versatile Renault 4, which survived the phenomenal success of the Renault 5 from 1972 to 1984, while being supported by the Renault 6 from 1968 to 1980. But with the upmarket Supercinq from 1985 and its replacement, the Clio, due in 1990, space became available for a new basic model.

At the same time, the competition had organised itself to offer its own city models and had deployed a conquering commercial activity on this market of cars for young people or secondary school students, but during the 1980s, only one basic model was produced, an alternative to the Renault 4 or the Citroën 2 CV: the Fiat Panda, which remained an isolated initiative.

Renault had also studied for more than ten years, during the VBG programme, an entry-level car offering more versatility in its uses, but although many variants were developed, they systematically stumbled over an uncertain profitability. However, by accompanying the desires of customers who were keen on comfort, road skills and equipment with the Supercinq and then the Clio, Renault did not want to leave the field open to the competition for a basic model when the Renault 4 was withdrawn from the catalogue.

So, after many ups and downs, and in a context of recovery from a severe crisis, the manufacturer wanted to create a surprise. Helped by the growing popularity of its Espace model with its very livable unibody shape, and remembering the pioneering and determined spirit that had led to the success of the Renault 5, it decided that the future entry-level Renault would not be small, rustic or poor, but that it would offer an alternative that would be better able to withstand the ups and downs of the market and the changing desires of motorists.

Twingo finally appeared in October 1992, just as the Renault 4 was disappearing, bringing an iconoclastic renewal to the entry-level range. The concept of the compact unibody vehicle initially aroused a great deal of interest, and eventually achieved significant commercial success, commensurate with the energy expended to bring it to production.