THE Renault Twingo is a quirky French customer that has a lot going for it.

In typical French fashion it is a city mini that goes its own way from the unusual levers used to open the doors, to the rev counter mounted on its own behind the steering wheel and the cowling housing the central digital unit.

The exterior of the latest model makes a bright fashion statement with Renault's guiding principle to give the Twingo an original personality.

The focal point for the front end is a larger and more upright Renault diamond which is set on a black background. It is part of an attractive face featuring prominent foglights and round sidelights positioned next to the grille which, together with the headlights, create an eyelid effect.

The distinctive look continues at the back as the latest model has added a stylish double light cluster arrangement.

The Twingo has a deceptively spacious cabin and a boot that is surprisingly practical for a city car - although only small shopping expeditions are realistically catered for.

Head and legroom are good up front while the two rear seats individually slide, fold and recline. With these seats in their rearmost position there is plenty of legroom for even the tallest passenger.

For a small car there are plenty of places for your odds and sods as the Twingo's cabin has 11 storage spaces - most within easy reach of the driver. A glovebox with integrated sunglasses holder leads the way and there are storage spaces on the dashboard cowling and in front of the driver.

There's also a stowage area to the left of the steering column, two cup-holders, space at thefoot of the centre console, plus a cubby hole underneath the passenger seat.

There is an air of refinement about the Twingo that's normally the preserve of bigger motors with road and wind noise kept under control.

The Dynamique model is well equipped with radio/CD player, alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and electric front windows.

The 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine under the bonnet of the car I drove isn't going to set anyone's hair on fire but is nimble enough around town. Average fuel economy is good and carbon dioxide emissions are relatively low helping reduce running costs.

There's also a 131bhp Renaultsport 1.6-litre for those who need something a bit hotter.

The urban jungle is the Twingo's home habitat as it showcases the car's manoeuvrability with the highlight a tight turning circle that makes city parking a cinch.

Renault ensures the Twingo is a safe place to sit offering many of the features included on the larger Clio model.

Front and side airbags are fitted as standard and there are ISOFIX child seat fixings for the rear seats and the front passenger seat.

In the event of a head-on impact, the sills and door beams are designed to spread impact forces over the full length of the car ensuring the cabin serves as a safety cell.

The Twingo is built using Clio chassis architecture - a proven platform that delivers dynamic handling characteristics and ride comfort.

The steering has electric variable assistance that combines fingertip-light steering around town and a direct, positive feel for high-speed motorway driving.

The package is rounded off with an excellent four-year/100,000 mile warranty.

Renault invested ¬400 million to accommodate Twingo production at its Novo Mesto site in Slovenia - it would seem to be money well spent.