2009 RENAULTSPORT TWINGO 133

This Renaultsport Twingo 133 is a smart example of the French marque’s characterful ‘pocket rocket’, benefiting from some subtle upgrades and presented in very good order. It is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four producing 133PS, driving the front wheels via a five-speed short-ratio manual gearbox. The odometer reads 67,910 miles.

First registered on 30 September 2009, this example is a ‘Cup Pack’ or ‘full fat’ car, meaning that it retains air-conditioning and the sliding rear seats, but benefits from the stiffer Cup damping, larger 17-inch Cup alloys and Bluetooth. The current vendor has owned the car for the last three years, during which time he has sorted out many of the common flaws which can afflict the model.

The Twingo’s vibrant Capsicum Red paint finish is believed to be entirely original and remains in good order. There are a handful of stone chips present on the nearside wheel arch extension, as well as one apiece on the bumper and bonnet. The vendor also notes a slight dent on the bonnet as well as some scuffs on the front spoiler. Overall, this is still a well-presented car considered its age and mileage. The Twingo retains its original alloy wheels, which have some kerb grazes and slight bubbling to the paint finish, so could be refurbished in due course if the next owner desired.

The Twingo’s cabin reveals the car’s humble roots, but is spruced up with the addition of bespoke pedals and supportive sport seats. The upholstery is in good order with no rips or tears, though the steering wheel finish has ‘melted’ slightly, which is a common foible on Renaults of this era. The vendor also notes a slight scuff under the central air vent.

This junior hot hatch was last serviced in February 2020 at 61,803 miles by Renaultsport specialist RS Four Ashes. This was a minor service, including an oil and filter change, but also included replacement of the clutch and its slave cylinder, a common fault on a Twingo of this age. The air-conditioning was re-gassed, while new gearbox oil was also supplied.

Prior to this, in April 2019 at 51,773 miles, SJM Automotive Ltd carried out a minor service, while the all-important cambelt was last replaced by the same garage in November 2017 at 41,770. This latter service also included new spark plugs and oil, as well as sealing and bonding the two-part scuttle panel.

The vendor has also rectified the OEM exhaust system, which is known to rust, with the addition of an AAS stainless exhaust item. Furthermore, robust H&R lowering springs have also been fitted to improve the unforgiving ride of the standard Cup settings and avoid the issue of the standard coil springs cracking.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 March 2020 at 63,699 miles. This was a first-time pass with zero advisories. The Twingo rides on matching Falken tyres all round, which have at least 5mm of tread remaining on each.

This Renaultsport Twingo 133 is an eminently usable example of the brand’s entry-level ‘warm’ hatch, which boasts a wonderfully agile and direct chassis, and sufficient practicality to be a daily driver. With a small footprint, short-ratio gearbox and peppy engine that make it just as well-suited to urban environments as it is to twisting B-roads, this Renaultsport model is sure to put a smile on its next owner’s face whenever they choose to get behind the wheel.

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