(Wed 05 May 08)

As previewed early last month (see previous story), Renault is using the Geneva Show to launch the first Renaultsport version of the Twingo.

The Twingo GT we tested recently is already a lot of fun, but the Renaultsport 133 promises yet more action. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine which produces 133bhp - hence the car's name - mated to a close-ratio five-speed gearbox. Compared with the GT, it has stiffer springs, uprated dampers, a larger rear anti-roll bar, firmer suspension bushes and a 10mm lowered ride height, and it sits on 16" wheels with 195/45 tyres.

And that's just the standard car. As an option, you can have what Renault describes as the Cup chassis, which means a further 4mm reduction in ride height, even stiffer springs and dampers and 195/40 tyres on 17" anthracite alloy wheels.

The Twingo Renaultsport 133 will go on sale in the UK in October, at prices which have yet to be confirmed. If the success of previous Renaultsport models is anything to go by, this is likely to be the number one market for the car, accounting for about one third of world sales.

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