Website: L'Affaire Twingo
Activity: Automobiles
Address: www.laffairetwingo.com
Purpose: Introduce the new Renault Twingo

Last month, French car maker Renault unveiled the first major redesign of its Twingo model since it was introduced onto the market in 1993. One of the best-selling cars in France, the frog-like Twingo is basically a low-priced hatchback with great gas mileage. Like the VW Beetle and Mini Cooper, it has a cute personality with a smart design and expressive headlights. When it was first launched, it was all the craze.

But that was almost 15 years ago and a facelift has been due for some time. The redesign brings the Twingo in line with the other new Renault models which are characterized by an angular physique -- sometimes surprisingly severe. Success has varied. For example, the mid-sized Megane does well, while the Vel Satis posts consistently disappointing sales and the Avantime was actually discontinued only a few months after its launch due to anemic sales. While the new Twingo sports the signature hard angles, they've been significantly toned and rounded compared to the jagged shapes of the other Renault models which resemble a fleet of awkwardly cut diamonds on wheels. Early reviews have been harsh.

The mini-site dedicated to the launch is, however, worth a look. It's a tongue-in-cheek caper theme presenting users with the task of figuring out who stole protagonist Laetitia's Twingo. Interspersed among videos of the trendy young Parisian culprits are photos, 3-D models and technical specs of the re-styled car. The real fun is the short intro animation in a suspenseful Pink Panther theme. A great “whodunit” soundtrack accompanies the clever opening sequence.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the original and new Twingo models: