Its cute and cheeky looks may not be to everyone’s taste, but the new Renault Twingo is a small car that’s not only fun to drive but also economical.

The refreshed model features a bigger Renault diamond on the bonnet, redesigned lights and reshaped headlamps, joined by large circular lights either side of a new lower grille.

At the rear, there are new lights in addition to the main cluster. Located on the tailgate, they enhance the Twingo’s lines and echo the front end, bringing extra shape to the car.

It is powered by Renault’s 1,149cc naturally aspirated 16-valve D4F 772 engine, delivering 75hp at 5,500rpm and 107Nm torque at 4,250rpm.

But despite the 1.2 engine, it’s a sprightly drive – even at speed – although it can be a little noisy on the motorway.

Standard equipment is generous, including cruise control with a speed limiter and featur-ing 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, height adjustable driver’s seat and steering, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The boot is among the biggest in the small car class, ranging from 165 to 285 litres with all four seats in place to a class-leading 959 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The cabin has 11 storage spaces, most within easy reach of the driver. In addition to the glovebox with its integrated sunglasses holder, there are 2.2-litre door bins, a 1.7-litre storage space on the dashboard, an 800cc stowage area to the left of the steering column, two cup holders, stowage space at the foot of the centre console and a 3.7-litre bin underneath the passenger seat.

However, none of these were quite big enough to hold my full-size Costa coffee cup safely – vital for the morning commute.

Safety wise, there are four airbags and ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution) fitted as standard, while ESC stability control and curtain airbags can be specified as options.

To minimise damage to the groin area in a frontal impact, the Twingo’s front seat cushions are designed to prevent submarining, while the independent rear seats also benefit from a profiled seat cushion; the left-hand rear seat is equipped with Isofix child seat anchorage points.

The new Twingo comes in a range of eye-catching colours and has a four-year/ 100,000-mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles free routine servicing and four years roadside assistance.

Fact File:
Car:
Renault Twingo Dynamique 1.2 16v 75
On the road: £10,350
0-62mph: 12.3 seconds
Top speed: 105mph
Fuel: 55.4 mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 119 g/km