A look at the second-generation Renault Twingo 1.2 TCe Gordini as this week's Shed of the Week, examining its affordability, performance, and current condition, while also reflecting on the broader trend of increasingly expensive small cars in the UK. The article also touches on the challenges faced in finding truly affordable and cheerful cars in the contemporary automotive market.
The current state of affordable small cars in the UK is a topic of lament for many, especially those who recall the days when budget-friendly options were readily available. The cheapest new car, excluding electric vehicles and unconventional models, now starts at a price that seems exorbitant compared to the cost of cars in the past.
This raises the question: where have all the truly cheap and cheerful cars gone? The answer, it seems, lies in a combination of market forces, shifting consumer behavior, and the economics of car manufacturing. Shed reminisces about the early days of affordable motoring, when vehicles like the original Mini provided accessible transportation for the working class. Today, however, the financial landscape has changed significantly, with new car prices reflecting a different reality. The absence of truly cheap new cars is partly due to the fact that manufacturers don't make much money from them and the prevalence of financing means the headline price doesn’t need to be so low. Shed believes there's a missed opportunity to cater to those seeking small, economical, and easy-to-run vehicles – the opposite of his wife. \Looking back at past attempts, some manufacturers have offered cars that fit the bill in recent times. The Volkswagen Up! of 2011 was a prime example of a well-regarded small car, but its production has ceased. Renault, too, has a history with the small car segment, most notably with the Twingo. The first generation Twingo, introduced in 1993, offered a genuinely affordable option. This brings us to this week's Shed of the Week: a second-generation Renault Twingo, specifically a 1.2 TCe Gordini. Based on the Mk 2 Clio, the gen-two Twingo offers a sprightly driving experience, enhanced in the Gordini guise by a turbocharged engine producing 100 horsepower. The Gordini variant, priced at £11,500 when new, was a more affordable alternative to the sportier 1.6 Twingo Renaultsport 133. Despite being slightly less powerful than the 1.6, the 1.2 Gordini's lighter weight made it feel sufficiently nimble, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the nine-second range and a top speed of 117 mph. The car's practicality is evident in its individual rear seats and a reasonably low annual VED rate. The insurance costs are also expected to be low, and achieving 50 mpg is easily possible. \This particular Twingo, however, has some issues. The MOT ticket has a short time left before it expires, and last year's test revealed some corrosion at the rear. The tester also noted some play in the steering column, implying that the car may need some maintenance. The long-term prospects of this specific Twingo's survival are uncertain, especially considering the car's age and existing issues. Shed compares its current condition to a previous SOTW Twingo, a 133 model from 2019, which is still on the road. The 133, a Cup spec car, was deemed worthy of preservation. The car in question also has some issues, including some corrosion spotted at the rear. Would this 100 model receive the same treatment and good intentions? It remains to be seen. The potential for further issues, such as rust and steering problems, raises questions about its longevity. The choice of whether or not to purchase this car comes down to whether or not you are willing to spend the money and time to restore it
Renault Twingo Gordini Classic Cars Affordable Cars Used Cars
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