Renault's first Gordini arrives

When Renault recently announced that the Gordini name would be reinstated, performance fans around the world felt their heart rates quicken.

The revival of the famous Gordini name marks a new chapter for Renault, giving the French brand its own AMG or HSV, but the first attempt at a Renault-Gordini in decades may not meet the expectations of the fans. Named the Twingo RenaultSport 133, the new Gordini has been unveiled in Europe with a fetching body kit, body-length GT stripes and various visual updates, including but not limited to fancy looking 17-inch alloy wheels and white exterior mirrors.

While the 98kW 1.6-litre petrol engine remains unchanged, the pint-sized Gordini special gets a freer flowing exhaust system for a more emotive sound and can be specified with a Cup chassis, which drops the ride height and stiffens up the springs and dampers. Though it's not the fire-breathing first effort many fans were hoping for, the Gordini-badged Twingo RS is a start.

Standard equipment has been improved for the Gordini version of the Twingo, with more creature comforts like climate control, auto headlights and wipers, plus cruise control and leather upholstery.

Sales of the new French buzz box will begin on January 10, 2010, at the Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées with European sales beginning in March 2010. The Renault Twingo is not available Australia, but the Clio Gordini RS has been confirmed for local delivery in 2010.

Expect further Gordini models, possibly a stove-hot Renault Megane RS, to make more noise in the next 12 months.