Renault Sells Expensive Twingo Pinball Machine for Nearly Car Price

The Twingo Phenomenon: From Car to Cultural Icon

There are cars that the internet likes, and there are cars that the internet loves. While many enthusiasts agree that the Subaru BRZ is a solid entry-level sports car, the Mazda MX-5 has a fanbase that seems almost cult-like. It’s hard to understand why, but it makes the MX-5 an icon in its own right. In France, there isn’t a direct equivalent, but the Renault Twingo comes close. With the launch of a new retro-inspired model, Renault has rolled out an entire line of Twingo-themed merchandise, and we need to talk about it because some of this stuff is absolutely wild.

The reborn Renault Twingo E-Tech looks incredible. It's a sincere throwback to the ’90s original, and while its seats might not fold into a bed, it’s a genuinely small EV priced under €20,000 and packed with innate desirability. When your great-granddad is a style icon, why not take a page from his book? Judging by the popularity and quality feel of the Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech, expect to see the new Twingo everywhere in Europe soon. It’s a cultural moment, and Renault is capitalizing on it.

A Pinball Machine for Traffic Enthusiasts

Let’s start with the most expensive item in the Twingo collection: a made-to-order Twingo-themed pinball machine. You know, for simulating traffic around the Arc de Triomphe. Custom-built in Bordeaux, it seems to be a rebranded Hexa Space Hunt machine with new artwork. The playfields look nearly identical, the dimensions, power demands, and player count are the same, and while the Twingo-themed machine seems to be largely meant as an in-showroom attraction, you can buy one for €17,000, or about $19,784 at current conversion rates. Considering a Space Hunt machine retails for €7,499 before VAT ($8,727), something tells me we aren’t looking at around ten grand in taxes. The Twingo machine is cool, but it’s also outrageously expensive.

Surfboards and Other Unusual Items

So, how about something more reasonably-priced than a pinball machine, something you could simply tote around in a Twingo as you please? That’s right, it’s a Twingo-themed surfboard, because most cars don’t work so well if you try to use them on water. Obviously, Renault doesn’t make boards, so this thumb tail, seven-foot-four-inch board is crafted by Shapers Club in La Rochelle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes from the hands of UWL. Frankly, I have no idea who the target audience for this €3,000 (roughly $3,491) branded board is, but it’ll make a great display prop in showrooms.

The Soap That Smells Like Apple Blossoms

Speaking of weird, how about channeling your inner Tyler Durden with a little Twingo soap? Disappointingly, it does not make you smell like a Twingo. Instead, it smells like apple blossoms, which sounds nice, but why? Why spend the money on Twingo soap that’s only going to disappear as you use it? Admittedly, it’s made by Ciment, which makes wonderful stuff, but not only does Ciment have its own apple blossom soap, it has a whole range of scents to enjoy that don’t require visiting a Renault dealer.

A Ride-On Car for Kids

Alright, time to cut it with the truly ridiculous stuff. You can’t buy a new Twingo in America as a daily commuter, but you might be able to get a little one for your kids. Yeah, it’s a little unpropelled ride-on car for children, but with all the cutesy Twingo styling cues we know and love. Is €110 still a little pricey? Sure, but it’s more justifiable than a €3,000 surfboard or a freaking €17,000 pinball machine. I mean, come on, €17,000 is almost as much as an entire Twingo E-Tech.

The Plush Toy That Won Me Over

By now, you’ve probably got the feeling that I’m not the biggest fan of automaker merch, and you’d be right. My general personal rule is that if it doesn’t have any functional automotive purpose or isn’t a well-designed heritage play, I’m probably not game. However, Renault has somehow found a way to warm the lump of coal I have for a heart. It’s a new Twingo E-Tech plush toy, an officially offered, new-style riff on the original Twingo plush offered by Autoplush. I’d have that as a throw cushion in a heartbeat.

Who Exactly Is This For?

Still, though, who is much of this for? Is it just window dressing for dealers to show off in showrooms and occasionally (in the case of smaller items) bundle into Twingo sales? Who’s spending €3,000 on a Twingo surfboard? Answers on a postcard, please.