All-New Renault Twingo Receives 4-Star Rating from Euro NCAP

Predictably, it's not the safest machine in the world. And yet despite an overall 4-star safety rating, the Mk3 Twingo actually performed well considering its size, plus it falls in line with the new Aygo from Toyota, which also got a 4-star rating.

The 78% score for adult occupant protection indicates good overall protection. However, there are some key areas in which the Twingo falls short. Because the area in front of the driver is smaller than on a front-engined car, there's a smaller crumple zone. As a result, the pedal box moved back in the crash test, resulting in a marginal foot protection rating.

The Twingo needs to be light in order to offer good fuel efficiency, so the protective braces in the doors aren't as strong. As a result, protection of the chest in the side pole test was deemed to be week due to high deformation of the door panels.

Child occupant protection was deemed to be even better than that of the adults, with an 81% score being received. The Twingo also got 68% for pedestrian protection and 56% for safety assist. It's worth nothing that the Twingo isn't offered with active brake assist, like the slightly bigger superminis have begun to be.

The crash test video footage reveals the Twingo has some peculiar crash characteristics. For instance, the front hood is not held on with hinges because it doesn't need to be opened that often. The latches and straps that usually hold it in place can't stand the severe impact and everything comes flying off.

This comes after the Megane Facelift also received a four-star Euro NCAP rating earlier this year. While the Megane is a facelift for an old model and the Twingo is limited by its class, the overall conclusion is still not a positive one for the French carmaker, who is known for its obsession with safety.