Renault launches new entry-level Rally Twingo

Renault is adding a rally variant to its Twingo Renaultsport range called R1 and R2.

The Twingo joins a range of competition cars from Renault including the Clio Renaultsport R3 Access and Maxi.

The Twingo R2 differs to the road car with and extra 27hp from the 1.6-litre engine giving it an output of 160hp mated to a six-speed sequential gear box and steering column mounted shift lever.

The R2 is purchased as a motorsport kit (excluding tyres) along with a Twingo Renaultsport 133 which together can be built into a full production rally car. The kits go on sale next April priced from 27,990 Euros (around £25,300) excluding tax.

The R1 is a baby version of the R2 which has been granted FIA homologation to compete in all regional, national and international rallies. It is fitted with the same engine and gear box from the production car but with essential safety equipment fitted such as a roll cage.