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Yes, Renault already offers a Renaultsport version of its subcompact Twingo, and yes, it is available with a stiffer “Cup” suspension package. Still, if you’re looking for the smallest French hot hatch available, you’d be remiss to look past the new Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup.
Why? It’s all a matter of weight. The car still uses the same 133-hp 1.6-liter I-4 as a “base” Renaultsport 133, but in order to shed weight (and, hopefully, gain speed), the 133 Cup ditches things like air conditioning, automatic headlamps and wipers, and tinted windows. Even the split rear seats are replaced with a lithe one-piece bench.
Couple this diet with the standard “Cup” suspension package (which lowers the ride height by 4 mm and stiffens things by approximately 10 percent), and you’ve got the makings of a fun little hatchback. Better yet, it won’t cost a fortune -- a 133 Cup costs almost $2000 less than if you were to buy a Renaultsport 133 and add the Cup suspension.
Pricing will roughly start around $18,000, and Renault plans on having the hardcore Twingo reach European dealers in November.