This 2,500-mile Dakar-style rally is exclusively for Renault Twingos
- A 2,500-mile rally in France’s cheapest car
- One of the internet’s meme cars turned into a rally vehicle
- Watch a charming economy vehicle crossing the open Sahara desert
Published on May 12, 2024 at 4:46 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on May 14, 2024 at 5:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Daksh Chaudhary
Imagine participating in a 2,500-mile rally across the open desert in a small economy car, the Renault Twingo.
Someone’s bizarre idea to hold a Dakar-style rally with France’s cheapest car has turned into a reality.
The ‘Twing Raid’ is now a real 2,500-mile Dakar-style rally in one of the internet’s meme cars.
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The Twing Raid features 250 two-person teams rallying across Morocco in a first-gen Renault Twingo.
“it was time to give this ’90s icon its raid,” says event founder Jeoffrey Decoupigny.
“widely produced, reliable, light, and inexpensive, the Twingo 1 is perfect for crossing the Sahara,” he added.
The mini-car is not exactly built for this kind of task while also being perfectly suited for the job. Confusing, right?
The Renault Twingo isn’t exactly a rugged off-roading car, but a charming economy vehicle.
Starting in Spain, the event begins with the teams and cars being inspected before being ferried to Morocco.
More than two hundred Renault Twingo depart Marrakesh for a loop around the country, mostly through the open Sahara desert.
Last year, we also saw a Formula One race car rally through a desert, driven by Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.
The rally participants distribute food, hygiene products, and school supplies along the route.
It is a nice addition to the event since these things are hard to come by in rural Morocco.
Since the Renault Twingo isn’t built for a rally, the organizers provide mechanical support at the nightly campsites.
However, they will have to bring their own parts and tools.
Many teams also fit lift kits and skid plates to their car, and the organizer also sells both.
Participants can also rent a fully outfitted Renault Twingo from the organizers.
So if you ever want to participate in this Twing Raid, you can put your name down for 2026, since all the slots for 2025 are already filled.
But it will cost you the equivalent of $3,200, assuming you own a Renault Twingo.
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Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
