From Spring 2012 the new versions of Renault Twingo RS and Gordini RS will join the range.

Now, the RS treatment has had a dramatic effect on the new look of the Twingo. In our opinion it’s a bit too busy at front, and not particularly pretty.

The new RS will be available with the optional Sirius Yellow finish, and also get a tailgate-mounted lip spoiler, a special bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.

Also available is a Design Pack which includes Grey/Dark Gunmetal Grey door mirror housings, F1 blade and R.S. lip spoiler, plus chrome details for the fog light surrounds. It will also be possible to specify new 16-inch ‘Emotion’ alloy wheels complete with ‘R.S.’-badged centre caps.

Inside the cabin you find the signature yellow stitching complimenting the gloss black dashboard, radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents all come with Gloss Black inserts. As a nice contrast, top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and manual climate control controls are finished in white.

As for the engine the 2012 Twingo RS comes with the normally-aspirated 1.6 16V R.S. engine, rated at 133hp/98kW at 6,750rpm, and 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The car features the Sport chassis as standard, while you can opt for the cup chassis that lowers the car by 40mm and make it stiffer.

This car is a proper hot hatch, yet it’s fairly economical at 6.5 litres/100km and CO2 of just 150 g/km.

Distinguishing features of the Gordini model, as ever, include Gordini blue with whit stripes, 17-inch diamond-effect black wheels, leather trim and automatic climate control. Alternatively you can have the car in Malte Blue, Glacier White, Pearlescent Black or Vif Red.

In addition to the blue interior option, a new grey interior can now be specified, but true Gordini fans will definitely go for the blue. Technicalities are the same as normal Rs models.