RENAULT Twingo RS 2008-2011 Photos, engines & full specs

Renault had a long history of small sporty hatchbacks, and the Twingo RS was just the car to prove the French carmaker's expertise in that area.

Renault introduced the second generation of the Twingo in 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show and waited until the following year to launch its sportiest version, the Twingo RS. Like its other brothers, the Clio RS and the Megane RS, the little brother was available with a Cup package as well that added 17" light wheels, stiffer suspension, and a racy-look.

The RS version featured an aggressive bumper with a black, trapezoidal center side and two silver side pods that hosted the fog-lights at the front. Its slightly widened front fenders featured body-colored plastic molds. Renault installed a small roof-spoiler on top of the tailgate in the rear, which was slightly longer for the Cup package.

Inside, the little French vehicle featured all the advantages from its non-RS sibling with the rear sliding bench that could make more room for passengers or for the trunk. The RS trim added sport aluminum pedals, and a tachometer mounted on the steering column, and "Renault Sport" letterings on the hand-brake lever and on the seats.

Under the hood, Renault Sport installed a 1.6-liter engine that provided 133 hp. It wasn't the most potent four-pot unit developed by the French specialist team, but it was powerful enough for the small hot-hatch. The engineers paired it with a 5-speed manual.