• Why is the Twingo not available in the UK?
• Where can I buy a Twingo?
• Can I get a right-hand-drive Twingo?
• What models are available?
• What modifications must I make to a Twingo in the UK/Eire?
• Why can't I just use stick-on beam deflectors?
• Where can I get Twingo parts?
• Does anyone produce a Twingo manual?
• What's available to customise my Twingo?
• How can I stop my sunroof leaking?
• Can I get Twingo merchandise?

When the Twingo was launched in 1993, Renault didn't think there would be a market in Britain because we weren't buying Minis, Fiat 126s, Daihatsu Charades etc. in any great numbers; so as Renault only has two large-scale RHD markets (us and the Irish), it seemed financially impractical to make an RHD version. Renault never went back on that decision even when it became apparent that we Brits were interested, and even when the Ford Ka, Fiat Seicento etc. stepped into the frame; because (a) the cost of re-tooling the production lines for RHD Twingos during the production run was seen as too high and (b) they didn't want to harm sales of the Clio, which has consistently been Renault's biggest seller north of the Channel.

The Twingo as we know it will cease production around 2006, when a new 'Twingo' will be introduced, sharing its platform with the next Nissan Micra and Renault Clio, both of which are due to be launched first. New Twingo will be a completely new car, reported to be a 3 and 5-door range designed to take on the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Daewoo Matiz, Suzuki Wagon R+ and so on. (It is interesting to note that the Toyota Yaris was designed with Europe in mind, specifically to compete with the Twingo - even down to copying Twingo's movable rear seat, central digital speedo, etc...)

The three main routes are:

• You can order a Twingo from any continental Renault dealer, but will have to ensure that you Twingo is modified for the UK - see Twingo in Great Britain for more details.
• You may also choose to buy through a specialist importer, many of which can be found at the Car Buyer. In addition, Dafydd Williams trading as The Enthusiastic Welshman in North Wales deals specifically with the Twingo, and can be contacted via www.twingo.uk.com or 07720 402077.
• You may also be able to buy privately a Twingo which is already in the UK - see our Sales page. There are also some regular car classified ad editions which have 'import' sections.

Yes, and no. Twingo as we know here will only ever be a left-hooker, but the all-new Twingo (circa 2006) will be available in full British spec.

There are specialists who have converted Twingos to RHD, but the cost can be probihitive and we at TCGB are a little dubious about the idea of aftermarket conversions of this kind. If you want more information, visit www.twingozone.com or www.twingo.uk.com.

Between 1993 and 2000, Twingo came in two versions: standard and Pack, which added toys like electric windows. However, there has been a myriad of special editions throughout Europe, including links top names such as Kenzo, United Colors of Benneton, Elite Model Agency (in 1997, its 40th anniversary year - see right) and Initiale Design (The Initiale became a permanent part of the range in 1999).

Twingo has been available in over 40 different colours, with around 7-8 colours available in each of year's 'collection', so you are literally spoilt for choice! For details of the current range, click here.

There are plenty of left hand drive cars running around Britain with stick-on deflectors and Km/h-only speedos, because registration standards are not tightly scrutinised and because MOT stations often interpret rules leniently.

The nice gentleman to the right, and all his little colleagues, may charge you at any time if your car is on a public road and not meeting the strict letter of the law. Waving an MOT certificate at him will not save you.

And if your car is not strictly legally roadworthy, your insurance is also void - for those who aren't certain, driving without valid insurance is another legal no-no. Take the risk if you please, but don't say we didn't warn you!

1293cc Twingos share the old 5's engine and 1149cc models have Clio units, so service items are a doddle to find. Most other parts can be ordered from any Renault dealer, although few parts are held on stock in this country so you may have to wait a few days.

Speedo convertors are available only from independent suppliers such as Elite International, 02380 871980, PO Box 279, Southampton, S040 8ZS; and The Enthusiastic Welshman (01766 770203), who also hold stock of commonly required items including all conversion parts.

Unfortunately, we have yet to trace one in English so the answer for most of us remains 'no'.

Haynes produce a manual in French (reference number 3044) for early Twingos including LPG conversions, but this covers only the 1293cc model and excludes Système Easy automatic clutches and ABS brakes.

Revue Technique Automobile publish an service/maintenance manual which does cover models up to 2000 including the 1149cc engine. Other editions are known to be available in German.

Useful contacts:
J.H.Haynes & Co. Ltd, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ, England
Revue Technique Automobile, 20 rue de la Saussière, 92641 Boulogne-Billancourt CEDEX, France

Renault has available a number of add-ons, including alloy wheels, front fog-lamp kits, external trim additions, internal storage solutions and so on. The best place to find out more is the Boutique section of the Renault Belgium web site.

There are also a number of tuning and bodykit specialists who can help to make your Twingo stand out even further from the crowd, mostly in Germany where the Twingo enjoys her greatest cult status. Links on Annette's Renault Space Car site are a good starting place, you may also wish to try Manchester-based Renault Components.

Leaking canvas sunroofs are a common problem, for all cars not just the Twingo. There can be two ways for the water to get into your Twingo's roll-back roof:

1. The tension in the sunroof is to low. This can be adjusted on the rear end of the sunroof. To get to the adjustment elements you have to remove the lining which is glued to the roof. If you do that carefully, it can be glued back on again.
2. The seal between the frame and the car roof. If this is damaged, it must be replaced. To replace the seal you have to remove the internal lining to get access to the frame, remove the seal, fit the new one and glue the lining back in place. This can take about three hours.
   

Over the years, there has been an wide range of Twingo merchandise including numerous 1:18 and 1:43-scale models, clocks and watches, clothing, computer mice, radio-controlled toys, childrens' toys and games.

Some items are still available from Renault Boutique (see Renault Belgium for and online catalogue). Another excellent source is e-Bay, but note that most items are in France, Germany and the Benelux countries so you must consider postage costs before bidding.