Model/Engine size: 1.2
Fuel: Petrol
Fuel economy combined: 49.5mpg

Renault’s Twingo may be a new name on the roads in the UK, but the old model is a common sight in Europe, after being first unveiled in 1992 and subsequently selling 2.4 million cars. So well done to Renault for bringing this car to these shores with right hand drive for the first time, because the Twingo is a great choice for someone who wants a small, cheap, economical and fun car.

It’s a pleasure to get behind the wheel of a car that feels light, nimble and with the steering directly in touch with the road. Its handling and ride are both excellent. Despite only having a 1.2 litre engine, because the Twingo is so light, this engine feels sufficient, and it’s revvy and responsive. There is also a second engine option with a turbo, delivering 100hp, which promises even more fun.

The Twingo achieves Renault’s eco2 status for its environmentally friendly models, as it emits less than 140g/km CO2, and the engine meets Euro IV emissions compliance. However it’s a shame that it can’t quite manage to break the 50mpg barrier – at 49.5mpg, this falls quite a way short of the petrol Toyota Aygo that can manage 61.4mpg.

The Twingo feels more refined and quieter than you would expect, and better in this department than some other city car rivals.

Despite being small and light, the Twingo is also amazingly roomy. This is helped by two independent rear seats that slide forwards and backwards. This provides 959 litres of space with the rear seats folded flat, or 165 to 285 litres with the rear seats in place.

The instrument arrangement is interesting, with a circular rev counter right in front of the driver, and a digital speedo miles away in the centre of the dash – a design arrangement that doesn’t seem particularly ‘holistic’. For a car that is designed to primarily appeal to younger buyers, you would expect more flair with the design of the dashboard, rather than hard grey plastic everywhere.

Audio equipment options are good, and there are many options to personalise your Twingo.
All models have alloy wheels.

The Twingo has many safety features, however unlike other Renaults, it only has a four rather than a five star Euro NCAP crash rating.

This car is built in Slovenia and let’s hope it achieves better reliability than some of Renault’s previous models.

The Twingo’s price is one of its main attractions – the twingo Dynamique 1.2 16V 75HP can be had for as little as £8,375 without air conditioning. Even the TCE version (with the turbo) just sneaks under the £10,000 barrier at £9,995 – that’s a lot of fun for that price, especially compared to a Mini.

So the Twingo gets our approval for a small, light, fun and cheap city car that is more refined than you might imagine. It’s just a shame that the fuel economy couldn’t be stretched a bit further.