Renault and Nokia pack Twingo with electronic gizmos

Renault has shown that low-cost minicars don’t have to be the boring econo-boxes most people presume they are thanks to its stylish Twingo hatch. It’s now made the tiny runabout a little sweeter with some help from Nokia. The two companies have formed a partnership to develop a new range of in-car electronics for release in a special edition of the minicar dubbed the Twingo Nokia, due to go on sale in November.

The car will come with USB and iPod connectors, a remote display and steering-wheel controls, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and mobile phone control. There will also be a GPS navigation system that works with Nokia’s 6110 Navigator phone and a six-speaker stereo system.

Though based on the regular Dynamique version of the Twingo, the Nokia edition gets its own distinctive interior and exterior styling with dark metal trim, tinted rear windows and a Nokia tech-themed central pillar design. Under the hood will be a 75hp 1.2L petrol engine or a 65hp 1.5L dCi diesel engine, and prices will start at €12,950.