Rear-engined Renault may come here

The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive replacement for the Twingo super-mini due for its global launch in 2014 is on Renault Australia’s shopping list.

Co-developed with Daimler for its next Smart, the Twingo replacement has been previewed recently by the Twin'Z concept, while another variation on the theme, the Twin'Run, is due to break cover at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 24.

“Yes, we want to go there (the super-mini segment),” Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar told motoring.com.au.

“This is Renault’s strength. It’s always been Renault’s strength. Light cars have always been something they have succeeded in and always done very well at,” he said.

The super-mini segment has been the subject of close attention from vehicle makers in the last 12 months as the Volkswagen up! has arrived to challenge tiddlers as the Suzuki Alto and Holden Barina Spark, as well as the recently launched Mitsubishi Mirage.

But many brands seem reticent to go there, citing shakey business cases at the entry-level end of the market. Peugeot has said it isn’t interested in bringing the 108-series, Citroen says the same thing about the C1, while Skoda’s up!-based Citigo is also looking unlikely.

The up! experience has been difficult. While regarded as the best vehicle in the class, it has been discounted in reponse to cut-throat $11,990 and $12,990 deals from its competitors.

But that doesn’t deter Hocevar.

“It is a very competitive segment, there is no doubt about it. But if you have a really strong product at the right price point you can compete in that segment.”

Hocevar hinted the hot tuners at Renaultsport might have a crack at the Twingo replacement, something the TwinFun also suggests.

“When they wave their magical Renaultsport wand over the top of their heroes you can really have something special.”

He also suggested some other changes might be on the cards – like the name and the size of the car.

“I don’t know what the name of the next generation is going to be,” he admitted. “And it’s not necessarily the same size as we know the current Twingo to be.”

That latter point relates to the fact the project will offer two wheelbases. Daimler is developing both a two-seater that will become the third-generation Smart ForTwo city-car, while the ForFour four-seater is making a return. Renault has the chance to produce cars on two wheelbases as well.

Interestingly, the Twin'Z measures up at 3.62 metres, which is a touch longer than the current Twingo. And while it is an EV, expect petrol and diesel engines to come with the production models.

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