Just announced
Twingo Renaultsport 133
Price £12,000 approx
On sale October
What’s different?
Renault has let its in-house tuning division, Renaultsport, get its hands on
the diminutive Twingo; the result is a 133bhp pocket rocket with modified
suspension, bug wheels and a sports exhaust. Visually you’ll tell it from
other Twingos by its wide wheelarches, moulded side-skirts and rear spoiler.
Inside, it has bespoke seats and a leather-rimmed steering wheel. Expect a
0-60mph time of about 8sec and a top speed of perhaps 125mph.
Why should I care?
Renaultsport’s take on the Clio is already considered the best driver’s small
hatch on sale. With the lighter, more nimble Twingo, it should be able to
make one of the nippiest runabouts in town. Just don’t expect it to be
particularly refined.
Consider also
Mini Cooper £13,025, Citroën C2 1.6i 16v VTS £12,595, Fiat Panda 100HP £10,250
Just announced
Aston Martin DB9 (updated)
Price £113,950
On sale April
What’s different?
Rightly thinking that there was not much wrong with the way the DB9 looked,
Aston Martin has focused for this update on the
car’s handling and performance. The power of the V12 motor is raised from 450
to 470bhp, and gearshift times have been sufficiently reduced to cut the
0-60mph time to 4.6sec. The suspension has been revised; cosmetically, a new
grille and wheels are the only exterior clues to the revised car.
Why should I care? A DB9 that’s just as good-looking and even better
to drive – what’s not to like? Especially as the price rise is just £3,010.
It does call into question the wisdom of charging £160,000 for the DBS,
which now has a power advantage over the DB9 of less than 10%.
Consider also Porsche 911 Turbo £99,920, BMW M6 £83,545, Bentley
Continental GT £120,500
