2010 Renault Twingo-Based Convertible Confirmed

Renault has finally confirmed that a convertible model based on Twingo will be launched next year, with the French manufacturer promising the car will be cheaper and more appealing compared to its rivals. Renault's deputy vice president of the small-car segment Yves-Eric Morel told Autonews that the company is indeed working on convertible but refused to comment recent media reports claiming the model will be called Twingup and feature a two-seat architecture.

Furthermore, he also refused to talk about the upcoming model's roof which, according to some speculation sourced from the media, would be based on a manual system rather than on an electric one. The reason? Renault plans to make the convertible Twino more affordable compared to Peugeot 207 CC and Opel Tigra TwinTop, Autonews wrote.

"We are working on a small convertible for 2010," Morel said. "It's going to be a niche vehicle, and like any niche vehicle, the objective will be to do something different, that gives a boost to the brand's image. We're not going to do a Twingo CC."

The convertible is going to be priced at around 15,000 euros while the base price for the 207 CC and Tigra TwinTop - both of them featuring powered roofs - start at 19,600 euros and 20,930 euros, respectively. Furthermore, Fiat 500 convertible, the new flavor of the popular Fiat 500 that is expected to go on sale next month, will be priced at 13,000 euros.

Details are pretty sketchy at this time, as Renault struggles to keep the model away from our eyes but, according to some sources close to the matter, the convertible Twingo is expected to make its first public display this September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The first models are projected to go on sale in mid-2010.