Renault Twingo Gets Subtle Facelift, New 1.0L Engine For 2019MY (Live Pics)

Renault has given its Twingo city car its first facelift since the third-generation was launched in 2014.

While the mid-cycle makeover doesn’t bring major styling changes, it enhances the Twingo’s personalization options both inside and outside. Furthermore, the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive city car gets a new engine and connectivity upgrades.

Styling-wise, the 2019MY Twingo adopts a new front bumper with a smaller lower grille and side air inlets, new graphics for the main grille, and refreshed headlamps with integrated C-shape LED DRLs that replace the round standalone units on the outgoing model.

Modest exterior updates

The refreshed rear bumper gains new chrome decorative trims but loses the diffuser-like element. A much-needed update is the addition of a handle on the glass tailgate, just below the wiper. Some models also gain an engine air intake on the rear fender that improves cooling.

The updated city car also welcomes two new colors to the palette: Mango Yellow and Quartz White. Interestingly, Renault says it has lowered the ride height by 10 mm (0.39 in) compared to the current model and added a rear-end fairing to reduce the drag coefficient.

Updated center console and new infotainment systems

Inside, the updated Twingo receives a new center console featuring an adjustable holder, two USB ports, a jack plug, as well as the buttons for engine stop/start and cruise control/speed limiter. Two new multimedia systems are available: R&Go and Easy Link (with a 7-inch touchscreen). Both integrate the Renault Easy Connect connected services and are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other interior improvements include a more modern gear knob, closed glovebox on all trim levels, and a reinforced rear parcel shelf. Renault says there are hundreds of Twingo configurations that can be made by combining body colors, interior and exterior color packs, decals, and alloy wheels.

New SCe75 engine, no mention of a Twingo GT successor

The engine lineup sees an update too in the form of a new SCe 75 engine which is a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder gasoline unit that makes 75 PS (74 hp) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque in combination with a five-speed manual gearbox. Other choices include the lower-powered SCe 65 and the TCe 95.

The latter is a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine rated at 93 PS (92 hp) and 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) of torque. It comes with a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s no word yet on a successor for the Renault Sport-tuned Twingo GT range-topper.

*Article update with live images from the Geneva Motor Show (3/5/2019)